How to keep yourself motivated
In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy to work yourself into a slump which seems impossible to get out of. Feeling overworked, overstretched and undervalued are common symptoms of living in a society where our worth is measured by our productivity and success. We begin to neglect our health. We fall into negative patterns of thinking without even realizing it, and we end up beating ourselves up and refuse to become solution-minded.
The pressure to have our lives together and our goals met by a certain time can have you feeling like you’re on an eternal hamster wheel with no time to rest. Whilst it can be hard to break this cycle, it’s possible with patience, time and dedication.
Here are some easy steps to help you feel motivated about the life in front of you:
1) Breathe
This might seem obvious (and involuntary) but many of us don’t take long and deep enough breaths throughout the day. When we breathe deeply, the up-and-down movement of the diaphragm removes bodily toxins and strengthens our blood flow. This creates more oxygen in the blood, which in turn, raises energy levels. It also releases endorphins, improves your posture, and reduces inflammation which all goes a long way to making you feel more balanced, rested and alert.
2) Journal
Journaling may seem like something which belongs in our youth. But jotting down your feelings on the page can be a cathartic exercise, helping you sort through your emotions, and resolve issues which may have seemed bigger and scarier before you wrote them down. It also helps you document your progress so that when you ever feel down again, you can how to get out of it.
3) Exercise, exercise, exercise
It is common knowledge that exercise is a helpful way to clear the mind and improve your mood. But when you’re already lacking motivation, finding the will to be healthy active can seem like an even bigger obstacle. Exercise, however, improves your energy levels, restores your focus and balances out your moods. If joining the gym seems intimidating, then try to include one outdoor activity during the week. This could include taking a walk over the weekend, running in the morning or going on a hike with friends. Finding those pockets of time to fit in some exercise will go a long way in helping you feel more motivated and less stressed.
4) #Goals
Setting up goals can feel very scary, especially when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But working towards a goal, regardless of whether you realise it, can help you get the journey going. Be sure to make your goals public. Perhaps send them to a trusted friend or mentor who can hold you to account. Keep track of your goals down on paper so that you can keep up with them and track your progress on your way to wellness and prosperity.
5) Keeping milestones
In addition to setting goals, it’s important to celebrate your milestones too. Never shy away from acknowledging how far you’ve come, even if you don’t think you’ve made too much headway. A win is a win, regardless of how “small” it feels. Having a timeline of your progress is helpful because you offers perspective on how far you’ve come and how much you still need to go.
6) Sign up for an accountability app or motivational newsletter
No one understands our problems more than modern technology so if you are feeling down, sign yourself up to a motivational newsletter like MindBodyGreen or an accountability app like StickK or Pact which will offer you extra words of encouragement or force you to be responsible when you least expect it!