Reflections on Being Unwell

I’ve been feeling under the weather lately. Honestly, in the last 48 hours, I’ve probably spent more time in bed than I have in three years. It’s been rough. Beyond the physical discomfort, there was this nagging sense of inadequacy.

I attempted to keep up with work, but when the fever hits, everything just feels foggy. So, despite my attempts, I wasn’t particularly productive. Sleep eluded me, and I found myself lying there, mindlessly scrolling through my phone.

Maybe there’s a bit of friction that makes life worthwhile? We often think we want a stress-free existence, free of deadlines and demands, but perhaps those pressures are what keep us going.

I fell into the trap of doomscrolling, engaging in what my younger friends would call “rotting in bed.” Just a few days of this was a struggle mentally. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for others, especially young people who might feel this way frequently. It’s no surprise that many feel drained and uninspired.

The Pajama Critic

Feeling useless is already bad, but it hits differently when you’re scrolling through videos of others living it up. It’s like a punch to the gut—pure psychological masochism.

There’s something almost sinister about “bed rot.” Personally, I’m the kind of person who usually gets up, gets dressed, and puts on shoes. Staying in bed all day? That feels fundamentally wrong. Scrolling while on the couch at 1 PM seems more acceptable than doing the same in bed, even if it’s the same activity. The setting feels significant somehow.

“I can’t muster the energy to get up. I can’t pretend to engage. I’m just counting down to nightfall,” sums up how I felt. It’s undeniably disheartening.

Thinking back on this past week, it’s obvious this isn’t just about young folks. Distractions aren’t the only culprits; the deeper issue is the sense of being pointless.

Needless to Say

We crave a sense of purpose. That’s the core of it. From love to work, our needs define us. When we feel unneeded, it’s palpable. Even when we wish to escape responsibilities, eventually, we crave things we didn’t think we wanted. It’s a cycle.

This is possibly why people without kids often get dogs. They seek to feel needed. It’s basic.

The looming threat of AI making people redundant is concerning. As debates on AI’s impact on jobs unfold, it’s worth pondering what that future might entail, whether we’re headed toward utopia or something darker.

More Friction, Please

If a significant chunk of the workforce becomes unnecessary due to AI, what happens next? Optimists suggest universal basic income could free everyone. But that seems to overlook a fundamental aspect of human nature—we need to contribute. We want our efforts to mean something. Handouts might satisfy a child, but they don’t hold the same appeal for adults.

Even if you think you crave ease, that feeling dims with time. The need to feel valued re-emerges.

In a way, perhaps challenges are vital for us. We envision a life devoid of responsibility, stress, and deadlines, but might we become soft without them? Maybe we sacrifice something important when we aren’t called upon for anything.

Being needed could be one of the most critical aspects of our lives, especially as we trend toward automation. How we maintain that sense of worth for talent may become a significant challenge.

After all, what does it matter if we have everything we desire—if we’re fed and comfortable—when we lack a sense of purpose? Fulfillment comes from being part of something bigger.