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A couple months ago I abruptly stopped my LEGO activity that was eating at me because I felt that I had to clear my living room of all the set bags I was storing in while awaiting for parts or building. With no end in sight, I ended up burning out until my partner suggested that we could put them away in a closet until I was ready to resume in a better mood.

Ever since, I've had trouble finishing tasks that I wanted to start in the first place:

  • Unlocking a different ending in Cyberpunk 2077 with a new character.
  • Writing a review of Cyberpunk 2077 on my blog.
  • Implementing a moderation system in Friendica.
  • Designing a board game inspired by the video game Northgard.
  • Restoring a few big 1980-90s pirate/castle/space LEGO sets that were donated to me by fellow parents in my kid's class.


At the same time, I'm longing to find something else to do that will keep me engaged, locking me in a mixed apathy-restlessness feeling there probably is a German word for.

I don't know what to do to get out of this rut, I feel like it's been long enough that it would have passed on its own if it was just temporary.

This entry was edited (9 months ago)
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

Andy H3
Andy H3
• •

It doesn't sound easy @Hypolite Petovan

I recently heard about this Dutch word and concept of niksen, which basically means doing nothing.

I first thought it was a little bit strange. But then I learnt it really means letting go of the burdening ambivalence that we could doing something thereby preventing us of not enjoying the deliberate act of not doing anything.

I personally found this quite a revelation that somehow allowed me to be more focused.

@Hypolite Petovan
This entry was edited (9 months ago)
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

Schmaker
Schmaker
• •

@Hypolite Petovan
Every single thing is workout for your brain. Do you also do any physical activity?

I ended up on anti-depresives (even though in little dose) for like 2 years and even after quitting them I still had similar struggle time after time.

After pushing myself to some physical activities it seems like it's over as my mental condition seem to have recovered (finally)

@Hypolite Petovan
in reply to Schmaker

Hypolite Petovan
Hypolite Petovan
• •
@Schmaker Since I started working remotely, I barely do any physical activity. There's a small gym in my building but I can't get myself to go there. I like physical activity when it's meaningful, like spending time with other people or going to or from somewhere. Physical activity for its own sake never looked good to me.
@Schmaker
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

Schmaker
Schmaker
• •

@Hypolite Petovan
Well, I started slowly by buying eScooter and use it instead of car for reaching my workplace. No need to have big goals early on.

At this moment I'm slowly moving to bicycle instead of eScooter in my spare time. As I'm not "pushing" myself anymore I figured out I look for reasons to "ride my bicycle" (Mr. Mercury approves :) )

@Hypolite Petovan
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

silverwizard
silverwizard
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@Hypolite Petovan @Schmaker I seriously have this issue too - and I've been trying to figure that out for years. I've got a rowing machine because I can convince myself to row and watch TV< but I lost space for it when I needed a second kids room.

I don't have any good answers, but I feel like the pain of that

@Schmaker @Hypolite Petovan
in reply to silverwizard

Schmaker
Schmaker
• •

@silverwizard
Can you please just confirm, that physical activity works well against this problem?

I want to know if I can give this as an advice to other or it was just coincidence in my case.

Thank you

@silverwizard
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

luka prince lucija
luka prince lucija
• •

@schmaker I don't know where you are, but walking in nature (hiking, trekking) is a physical activity that is focused on enjoying and appreciating the natural world, hills, mountains, landscape. is there a hiking club to do it with others? or maybe someone from the family, or close friend. ..

just ideas

@Schmaker
in reply to luka prince lucija

Hypolite Petovan
Hypolite Petovan
• •
@Luka Prinčič @Schmaker Thanks for the suggestion, unfortunately for this idea I live in the middle of a 12 000 km2 metropolitan area, so there can’t be any casual enjoying of nature for me. Not that I seem to very much miss it either, and walking in public parks isn’t a great appeal.
@luka prince lucija @Schmaker
in reply to Hypolite Petovan

Brad Koehn ☑️
Brad Koehn ☑️
• •

I use Apple Fitness+ for guided exercise, since like you I wouldn’t do it otherwise (and I have no idea what I’m doing, fitness-wise). There are plenty of good videos on YouTube that are free.

I now refer to exercise as “burning cortisol” since it has such an impact on lowering my stress level and improving my sleep. I’ve been at it three years; my doctor tells me I’m in great shape.

If you need a deeper reason, consider volunteering at for example a food pantry or a soup kitchen or the like; there’s plenty of physical activity, though it won’t get you as fit as a well-rounded exercise program. Going for walks outside with family and friends is easy and super beneficial to body and mind. Upgrading to a light jog until you’re winded is a great way to start running (a super-cheap activity that most people can do).

The fitness improvements you get when you start exercising are the most dramatic. Hopefully it’ll be enough to keep you coming back for more once you find something you like. The mental health benefits are immediate, but are most apparent after just a few weeks.

Unknown parent

Hypolite Petovan
Hypolite Petovan
• •
@KAOS Thank you for sharing your experience! My problem is that I involved other people in some of these endeavors. I take space in the living room, or I set up an event to playtest my fledgling board game. And when I lose interest, these loose ends don't go away and I feel bad about it.
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