As the hot summer days turn to cool autumn evenings, and the new norm of at home work and schooling becomes second nature, it can sometimes feel as though we are stuck. For some, it can just be one day or several weeks where it is difficult to find the drive to get out of bed and get started with the day. The concept of not having the motivation to have motivation is a confusing one in itself, but is something that most can agree to feeling at one time or another. The question is: How exactly do you find your motivation to do something when it feels as though all of it is gone? There are many answers to this question that a simple internet search can remedy, however, when the mind is overstimulated with all the information that can come up it can be hard to grasp these concepts and unfortunately deter from seeking guidance and thus leading back to the cycle of unmotivation. What can help in this situation is focusing on simple and broad concepts that gradually cultivate your confidence and bring you out of a slump.

Mental concepts and exercises that provide self-enrichment along with appropriate physical and mental stimulation include but are not limited to:

Taking Time To Really Rest

While this may seem counterintuitive to the goal of feeling active and motivated once again, it is important to realize that a large contributor to feelings of apathy and sluggishness is overworking and overthinking. When your mind and body are constantly at work, the amount of stress exuded onto it quickly turns from positive to negative. It is important to remember that although efficiency is wonderful and allows for many possibilities, we are not programmed to be robots that mass produce day by day. Our bodies need appropriate rest and relaxation to recharge, if not properly cared for, the stress and anxiety just piles up and leaves us tired for days, weeks, and even months. Calling in a personal day, disconnecting from your mobile devices, and even getting sufficient sleep are all ways in which resting will have a better chance of inducing productivity than complacency.

Start Small

It goes without saying that you cannot expect to make progress right from the start. Regaining your strength and power is a process within itself, and it is a process that must be trusted. No action is too small to get a jumpstart on building a drive to feel energetic again. Simple tasks such as making yourself a healthy breakfast or cleaning up your room can make a magnificent difference in terms of mood and energy. Little uplifting tasks have the greatest potential to then turn into good habits that then lead to larger projects and motivators. Even creating small personal goals for yourself such as “I am going to go for a walk today” or “I will do my hair today” can do wonders for sparking confidence back into your system.

Get Creative With Organizing

Most times, the dreadful thought of planning out personal and professional schedules and reminders can inhibit us from actually doing so and then lead on to the stressful event of balancing things one on top of the other. Though the use of calendars and reminder apps is a useful tactic, it can become more of a nuisance than a helpful tool. This does not mean you are only limited to these types of organization techniques, in fact, you can make them more worthwhile and exciting by integrating art and creativity within them. Selecting color palettes that are satisfyingly stimulating and attention-grabbing, using fun stickers and animated notes, even going as far as making your own DIY memo board can provide a creative outlet and a form of art therapy that not only increases positivity but productivity as well.

Form Support Systems

In times of hardship, whether it be ourselves or others, having someone there to give support and encouragement can make all the difference. While you may not necessarily feel like talking to others or even picking up a phone to talk about your day or the latest gossip, connecting with others who share the same experiences and can relate to your situation can create a sense of community and solidarity in a time where all feels lost. Hosting group chats or video conferences with others can provide a safe and healthy space to voice concerns and grievances and come up with possible solutions such as planning to have an art day or a cleaning day with a friend. Having someone to grow with, only helps ease and move along the process further.

One of the most important things to remember when you’re in a state of unmotivation or feeling a lack of drive is to not think negatively of yourself. The emotions and cognitive processes you are going through are valid and understandable. These feelings and actions or lack thereof, do not define you or place you in a negative light, they are just obstacles on the road to shaping and forming a stronger version of yourself. Of course, with all processes, there is some considerable time to be taken and methods for recuperation are not one size fits all. Just by looking for ways to improve and grow, you are taking a step in the right direction.