Ennui

I feel like an aristocrat from the Regency era with seemingly limitless ways to divert myself and no real responsibilities yet having absolutely no motivation to act on them. Of course, I have a job and I should be studying at the moment but the sentiment remains. Modern life affords us the luxury of constant distraction, and not only through the pervasive presence of technology but in the convenience of everything. No real effort is required, and choice overload, the cognitive phenomenon where you have difficulty choosing when given too many options, is a real danger. I’m paralysed by what I should start first, whether it’s the best use of my time, whetehr I even have enough time. Ultimately I can end up staying in my room all day scrolling on my phone or just loitering around the house. Sometimes the days aren’t wholly wasted — mental recharge days are vital to a healthy, balanced life. But sometimes I wish that my options were a bit more focused.