Meaninglessness
A state in which one's activities or existence are experienced as lacking purpose or significance.
How it shows up
Meaninglessness can creep in during repetitive work, after a major goal is reached, in long illness, or when old beliefs no longer hold. Activities that once mattered may feel empty or arbitrary, and motivation can drain away. It is a painful state for many people and not simply laziness or a lack of willpower. Its focus on purpose and significance distinguishes it from low energy or simple boredom.
How it differs from Boredom
Boredom comes from a lack of engaging stimulation in the moment; meaninglessness is a deeper sense that activities or existence lack purpose.
Notice
Notice which activities still feel like they matter, even slightly, and which have gone flat.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, head and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.