During the Covid lockdown, I got sick with Lyme disease, and it progressed to lupus just as the lockdown lifted. Although I started feeling somewhat better, I still didn’t want to go out. I didn’t even want to do anything at all, except for taking care of farm animals and pets. But even that felt like a chore, and other tasks would pile up, demanding to be done, like cleaning the house, doing laundry, and weeding the garden. Have you ever felt this way too? I am pretty sure If you’re reading this, you have.
What was strange was that I didn’t feel depressed or unhappy and I didn’t feel like life wasn’t worth living. I just wanted to sit in my comfy recliner and wrap myself up in a cocoon. Even writing a single blog post felt like an overwhelming task. My laptop was just a few feet away on the dining room table, but it was too much effort to get up and retrieve it.
Days would fly by in a flash, and I felt like I never had enough time to get anything done, even though I wasn’t even trying. Weeks and months would pass, and I realized one day that I needed to explore what was going on with me before my life slipped away from me. So I did some research, and that’s how this blog post was born.
Now that I’ve come out on the other side, I can share with you what I did to regain my motivation and excitement to explore the world again.
Get up and move your body
If you’re feeling low on energy and motivation, I’ve got a simple suggestion for you: get up and move your body! Physical activity can work wonders for your mood and overall well-being. It’s a natural way to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can lift your spirits and reduce stress.
You don’t have to run a marathon or spend hours at the gym to reap the benefits of physical activity. Even a short walk or stretching session can get your blood flowing and clear your mind. Plus, it can be a great way to break up a sedentary routine if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or in a comfy chair, like me.
One of my favorite ways to incorporate movement into my day is to take short walks throughout the day. Whenever I’m feeling sluggish or my mind starts to wander, I will take a walk. Not only does it help me feel more energized, but it also gives me a chance to clear my mind and refocus on the task at hand. So if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try getting up and moving your body – you might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make!
Practice mindfulness meditation
If you’re feeling stressed out and need a little peace of mind, here is an idea that just might work for you – mindfulness meditation! Now, before you roll your eyes and dismiss it as some kind of hippy-dippy nonsense, hear me out.
Mindfulness meditation is all about focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It might sound simple, but it’s a powerful practice that can help reduce anxiety and increase self-awareness. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills to get started.
To give it a try, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably for a few minutes. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and begin to focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nostrils, and try to let go of any thoughts or distractions that come up. It might feel a little awkward or uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you’ll start to feel more relaxed and centered.
You can start with just a few minutes of meditation per day and gradually increase your practice as you feel comfortable. And if you’re feeling skeptical, just remember that even top athletes and CEOs use mindfulness meditation to stay focused and calm under pressure.
Set small achievable goals
Feeling like your to-do list is a mile long and you don’t know where to start? I’ve been there, my friend. But I’ve got a little tip that might help – setting small, achievable goals. It may sound simple, but trust me, it can make a big difference.
The idea is to take your overwhelming tasks and break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. For example, instead of tackling a whole house cleaning in one day, why not try cleaning one room per day? Or instead of writing a whole book in one month, why not aim to write 500 words per day? By breaking things down into smaller tasks, you can give yourself a sense of accomplishment and build momentum towards your larger goals.
But here’s the catch – you’ve got to set realistic deadlines and reward yourself for reaching each milestone. Maybe you treat yourself to a fancy coffee after finishing a task, or maybe you take a break to do something you enjoy. Whatever motivates you, make sure you celebrate your progress and give yourself a pat on the back.
Remember, there’s no shame in taking things one step at a time. By setting small, achievable goals, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and make steady progress towards your larger goals. So give it a try and see how it works for you!
Declutter your workspace
Is your workspace a mess? Are papers and pens and maybe even a few snacks scattered around your desk, making it hard to focus? If so, it may be time for a decluttering session. A clean workspace can help you feel more organized, productive, and less stressed.
Start by taking everything off your desk and sorting through it. Do you really need that stack of old magazines or the 10 pens that don’t work? Toss or donate anything that you don’t need or use regularly. Then, give your desk a good wipe down and put back only the essentials.
Creating a calm and organized workspace can do wonders for your productivity and motivation. Plus, it’s a great excuse to go shopping for some cute desk accessories or storage solutions. Just remember, keep it simple and clutter-free for maximum impact.
Take a break and enjoy the outdoors
Connecting with nature can be a great way to relax and reduce stress levels. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant; just taking a walk in a park or forest, going for a hike, or spending time in your backyard can be beneficial. Sometimes disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in nature can do wonders for your mental well-being.
Nature has a way of slowing things down and helping us appreciate the present moment. The sound of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the smell of fresh air can all have a calming effect on the mind and body. It’s important to take breaks from the hustle and bustle of daily life and allow ourselves to be in nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Whether you live in the city or the countryside, there are always opportunities to connect with nature. Maybe it’s taking a walk around your neighborhood park, going for a bike ride on a nearby trail, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Whatever it may be, make an effort to incorporate some nature time into your daily routine. You may find that it’s just what you need to clear your mind and feel more refreshed.
Connect with friends or family
Now, this was hard for me because I got so used to not being around people and I thought it was way too much effort to get back into spending time with family and friends. After all, they wouldn’t all fit in my comfy chair and they probably wouldn’t like the same TV shows I do. But I had to force myself to get over it.
Because the truth is that social connection is important for our mental health and well-being. Isolation and loneliness can contribute to feelings of lethargy and apathy, and make it even harder to motivate ourselves. That’s why it’s worth taking the time and energy to connect with others, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
There are many ways to reach out to people, depending on your personality and preferences. You can start with a simple text message or email, asking how they’re doing and suggesting a time to catch up. If you feel more comfortable with face-to-face interaction, you can plan a social activity that suits your interests and schedule. Remember, the goal is not to impress or entertain others, but to simply enjoy each other’s company and build a sense of connection.
a hobby or creative activity
Engaging in a hobby or creative activity can be an enjoyable way to stimulate your mind and enhance your mood. Whether you love painting, writing, playing an instrument, or any other activity, it’s important to make time for it regularly.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find time for hobbies, especially when we are busy with work and other responsibilities. However, making an effort to engage in something that brings us joy can help us feel more fulfilled and energized. Plus, it’s a great way to break away from the daily routine and try something new.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider trying a few different activities to see what you enjoy the most. There are plenty of online resources and communities where you can learn new skills or connect with others who share your interests. So go ahead and take that pottery class, start writing that novel, or pick up that guitar – you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
learning something new
Learning something new can be both exciting and rewarding. Take a class or workshop, read a book on a new subject, or explore a new hobby. When I was in lockdown and not feeling well enough to work, I decided to learn something new, and that was blogging. It has kept my mind in learning mode and has created excitement in me to keep learning something new every day.
Blogging has allowed me to express my creativity, share my experiences and knowledge, and connect with people from all over the world who share similar interests. It’s a great way to stay engaged and stimulated, and I highly recommend it as a hobby or creative outlet.
Also taking a class or workshop can be a great way to learn something new while connecting with others who share your interests. You could consider attending a local art class, signing up for a cooking workshop, or trying a dance class. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you may also make some new friends in the process.
Reading is another great way to expand your knowledge and stimulate your mind. Whether it’s a classic novel or a non-fiction book on a topic that intrigues you, reading can transport you to different worlds and help you gain new insights. So, pick up a book and see where it takes you!
Seek professional help
I used to think that feeling unmotivated and stuck was just a normal part of life. After all, I wasn’t necessarily depressed or unhappy, so I assumed that there wasn’t anything clinically wrong with me. But as I learned, the brain can react in strange ways to stressors and shutting oneself off from the world is one of those reactions. This kind of isolation and lack of engagement can cause the brain to go into a kind of shutdown mode, which can be concerning.
That’s when I realized that it was important to seek help. If you’re feeling persistently stuck and unmotivated, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you identify underlying issues and develop coping strategies. They can also provide support and guidance as you work through your challenges.
I know seeking help can be scary, but it’s important to remember that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. We all go through tough times, and it’s okay to need some extra support. So if you’re feeling stuck or struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Practice gratitude
I get it, sometimes it feels like there’s just no point in doing anything. I’ve been there too. But the truth is, sometimes the act of doing something, anything, can help break that cycle of feeling stuck. That’s why practicing gratitude can be so helpful. It involves intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of your life, even when it feels like there’s not much to be thankful for.
It might seem cheesy or forced at first, but giving thanks for the little things can help shift your perspective and remind you that there are good things in your life. Maybe it’s the sunshine outside, a warm cup of tea, or a good book. Or maybe it’s something bigger, like a supportive friend or a roof over your head. Whatever it is, taking a moment to acknowledge it and express appreciation can help boost your mood and bring a little bit of joy into your day.
And the best part is, gratitude doesn’t have to be a solo activity. You can share what you’re grateful for with others, whether it’s through a journal, a conversation with a friend, or even just a social media post. Sharing gratitude can help deepen connections with others and spread a little bit of positivity into the world.
Get back to life
So, if you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated, don’t worry, it won’t last forever. By taking small steps and trying some of the suggestions we talked about, you can start to shift your mindset and feel more energized. Remember, it’s okay to take your time, and there’s no one “right” way to get back on track.
My final call to action is to encourage you to take that first step today. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, trying a new hobby, or practicing gratitude, find something that resonates with you and give it a try. Remember, the journey to feeling better is not a straight line, but it’s worth taking. And if you need support along the way, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You deserve to feel happy and fulfilled, and with a little effort, you can get there.
