The pandemic changed the world almost two years ago. Unfortunately, getting our lives back on track has been a slow, delayed process. Faced with an uncertain future, we might start losing motivation in our day-to-day life. It’s easy to feel bored, develop a sullen indifference, and detach ourselves from the tedious circumstances.
Motivation is a critical component of positive mental health. It gives us the energy to look ahead, make progress, and move forward with our lives. However, a lack of motivation can stagger growth and self-improvement because we don’t try our best. This type of pessimistic thinking makes us more susceptible to negative emotions, leading to long-term depression.
Fortunately, numerous mental health strategies can help you regain your lost motivation. A counselling service will also provide excellent support, offering guidance, encouragement, and professional insights. Developing an optimistic mindset starts with small daily habits that carry on to other parts of your life. Here are some tips on how to stay motivated every day:
Tip #1: Start every morning with a motivated attitude.
How you start your mornings determines the flow of the rest of your day. Set the tone for a new day by preparing the night before. Kick off every morning with a short journaling exercise. Write the things you are grateful for and what you hope to achieve by the end of the day. Read a book that triggers your creative side and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Skipping your meals can leave you cranky and vulnerable throughout the day.
If you can, get in a quick workout and do your morning routine to your favourite energetic songs. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident in your skin. These activities can raise your morale, giving you an energized boost that stimulates motivation for the rest of the day.
Tip #2: Find motivation by helping others.
Helping people creates a cycle of positivity in your life. Whether you believe in karma or not, doing nice things for others helps you feel good about yourself. You can take lessons on how to treat yourself by how you interact with others. It also gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can drive your motivation.
Spreading positivity doesn’t have to do with money or sharing gifts. Sometimes, people need someone to listen to them, and you can do this for your loved ones. You can even start a blog or podcast as a means of giving back to your community.
Tip #3: Go outdoors to enjoy positive energy.
A quick walk outside can recharge your motivation in minutes. When working from home, you spend long hours behind a desk that makes your daily routine feel stagnant. The fastest way to cultivate positive energy is to go outdoors, especially during good weather. Studies show that enjoying time in the sun can help you feel optimistic.
While taking a walk, do light exercises to engage your five senses. Feel the fresh air and warm sunshine basking on your skin. Sensing your environment helps you enjoy nature and appreciate your surroundings. You can also place plants in your home if you’re unable to go out.
Tip #4: Create a positive environment that inspires you.
Are you currently surrounded by people who encourage positive thinking? What about your source of entertainment? Do you consume creative content that you find thought-provoking? How you spend your time and the company you keep can affect your mindset significantly. Perhaps you struggle to find motivation due to some deficiencies in your current environment.
Observe your daily routine to understand how it affects you and make positive changes. It can be as simple as spending more time with your family or friends, from whom you can draw lots of inspiration. Similarly, you can explore a favourite hobby, attend an online class, or cultivate a new skill. The idea is to discover a passion that will give you the motivation to continue pursuing.
Tip #5: Think more positively about life.
Do you look at the glass as half-full or half-empty? The wisdom in this adage allows you to focus on the positive things you can control at the moment. During a moment of sadness or discomfort, you might struggle to look at the bright side. Take time to acknowledge your feelings and process your thoughts. Afterwards, ask questions that seek to find the positive in the situation.
What can you learn from the experience? Is there an opportunity for the future? Answering these questions can help you see a new perspective, motivating you to do things differently. Remember that the present moment matters more than the past or future because that’s where you have the most power. You can control what you do now instead of worrying about what happened previously.
Tip #6: Take pride in yourself.
Everyone makes mistakes, but are you your worst critic when this happens? Do you extend grace to yourself when you falter? Over time, criticizing yourself so much might cause you to internalize negative perceptions about your value as a person. The unfavourable judgment might cause you to feel discouraged and lose motivation.
If you feel negative thoughts coming into your head, counter them with positive affirmations. The harsh critique for yourself isn’t true. No one’s mistakes define their worth as a person. Rather than believing these ideas, write your affirmations on paper and recite them loudly until you feel better. For additional support, contact Kari Walton Counselling Services for mental health advice and guidance.