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All it takes to find motivation is the right attitude and a few minor changes.
By Unwritten — Written on Mar 23, 2023
By Theresa Faughnan
Life is a constant flow of give and take, conversations, and energy exchanges. It’s only natural that one may feel like doing nothing from time to time. In these times, it’s important to listen to our body and brain when they are pleading for rest.
There are times, however, when our need for rest has passed, yet we are still having difficulty finding motivation despite knowing we need to.
Below are some tips that may help you get out of your funk and get back a little more energy.
1. Prioritize and schedule rest.
Our rest both physically and mentally is just as important as the day-to-day duties we have to fulfill. If we don’t make time for rest and rejuvenation, it makes sense that when we finally take the time to, we may struggle to get back up.
Scheduling these things routinely shows they are a priority to your well-being.
Make sure you take time for journaling, meditation, and self-care regularly. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can help as well. Lastly, ensure you are getting restful sleep by doing things such as avoiding blue light for an hour before bed and having a clean, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment.
All of these will benefit your overall energy and stamina throughout the week.
2. Try something new.
When our life becomes monotonous and we feel each day is the same old song and dance, it’s easy to lose our spark. Keep the sense of adventure going by trying a new exercise routine, a new restaurant you’ve had your eye on, or trying a new hobby.
The only way to know whether we enjoy something is to first try it. As the old adage says, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” so give it a try.
3. Spread kindness.
According to Mental Health America, “Research indicates that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains, and better health. They may even live longer.”
Taking a few minutes out of your day to jot a note to a friend or relative, help out your elderly neighbor, or even just offer a compliment to a passerby can have a world of difference.
Not long ago, my wife and I went to a nearby city, sat on a bench, and gave compliments to random passersby. Seeing their joy was contagious and truly gave us positive vibes for the rest of the day and even longer. Try it!
4. Listen to podcasts.
Podcasts are abundantly available and a hot commodity. There are plenty of motivational ones out there covering a variety of topics, from wellness to financial tips, and even using examples of how others’ resilience can serve as motivation for yourself.
5. Plan something.
We tend to thrive better when we have something to look forward to. Plan a fun day with your closest friends, an adventurous date with your partner, or if time and budget allow, a long weekend away.
When you have something on the calendar, it’s natural to get more energy and gusto!
6. Unplug.
Comparison is the thief of joy. We are all inclined to do this when we are on social media, watching people achieve the things we wish we did, have the fun we want to be having, and exude the confidence we so badly want.
Sometimes it can serve us more to disengage from all social media and hone in on ourselves, the relationships around us, and the things we want to achieve rather than go down the comparison rabbit hole. Try just deleting the apps from your phone at first (no need to completely deactivate accounts) and see if you notice a difference.
You deserve to rest and relax as much as anyone. You also deserve to feel good about where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Hopefully, some of these tips can help.
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Theresa Faughnan is a writer and contributor to Unwritten whose work focuses on lifestyle, family, and mental health topics.
This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.