There’s a lot going on in the world these days, and many people are feeling general dissatisfaction with their lives coupled with mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. When you hit this phase, and making small changes doesn’t seem to be enough, you may be “cocooning.”

Cocooning is a term coined by cultural trend forecaster Faith Popcorn to describe a life stage characterized by a desire for privacy, safety, and retreat from the outside world. The cocooning stage can be triggered by various factors, such as a major life change, a traumatic event, a general feeling of societal unrest, or work burnout. It can be a temporary or prolonged stage, depending on the individual and the circumstances.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below for an extended period of time, it is important to seek support and take steps to address the underlying causes. This may involve seeking help from a therapist or counselor, practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and/or making changes to your work or personal life to reduce stress.

• Feeling constantly overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or physically exhausted
• Losing motivation or interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
• Engaging in activities to “shut off your brain” or feelings
• Becoming increasingly irritable, cynical, or critical
• Feeling a sense of detachment or disconnection from others
• Experiencing difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Having feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness

As you cocoon, ask yourself the following questions in order to help process your emotions and work towards recovery:

• What am I seeking to protect myself from?
• What do I need to feel safe and secure?
• What do I need to process and let go of?
• What activities or practices bring me a sense of inner peace and well being?
• What kind of support do I need during this stage, and who can help me?
• How can I maintain a balance between my need for privacy and my need for social connection?
• How can I use this time of retreat to explore new interests or pursue long-standing goals?
• Are there aspects of my life I want to focus on for personal growth and development?