WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'VE LOST YOUR MOTIVATION

You’ve looked under the sofa, you’ve checked the bits and bobs draw, you even check the fridge in case you accidentally left it in there…

But it’s absolutely nowhere to be found.

Your motivation has disappeared.

You get those days where you just don’t operate at full capacity, just like when your iPhone is almost out of battery and it keeps freezing on the same screen.

These days are so frustrating when you can’t seem to shake off this feeling and don’t get anything done… you find yourself checking Facebook on your phone after you’ve just checked it on your laptop - Karen’s enjoying her exercise at 9am and Sarah is having the ‘best day ever’ and you just can’t feel anything.

You might have had a wonderful week. You could have had a lovely evening last night. You might have had the week from hell or a dreadful evening last night. Lockdown 2.0 is in full swing and it’s easy to fall into a bit of a funk knowing the social aspect in life has been stripped away.

Either way, days like these are rubbish and frustrating when you just feel ‘meh’.

BUT, YOU AREN’T ON YOUR OWN… It’s something that we are all susceptible to. 

So what can we do to help ourselves when all we want to do is lie in bed all day, not achieve anything, or head straight to the treat cupboard and eat a massive bar of chocolate and then feel unnecessarily guilty about it afterwards?!

Forgive Yourself -

It’s OK to have days like these every now and again. You’re only human! I bet you also have days where you are a productivity queen and get loads done, don’t feel bad! This is normal! It’s kind of like your body saying ‘you’ve done enough, now take a break.’

Listen To Your Body -

Sometimes our body really needs us to take a break and turn our minds off. If you’re super tired - take a nap! I can’t guarantee that you won’t wake up and not know what day of the week it is, but your body will thank you for resting!

If your skin is dry, have a pamper evening - your skin is a huge part of your body and when your skin feels or looks good, it helps you to feel the same. If your eyes are tired, relax them with a soothing eye mask. If you’re aching, relax in a hot bath for an hour or so! Listen to what your body is saying.

Anyone that knows me well will know that my motto is ‘self-care isn’t selfish’ and I shall stand by this to the end of time. You have to look after yourself before you can offer the best version of you in other aspects of life.

Put On Your Favourite Music And Sing Loudly -

Nothing will lift your mood faster than some good tunes.

‘The Summer of 69’ makes me smile and sing along Every. Single. Time. (even if it sounds like a cat is being strangled somewhere!) It’s a feel-good party classic.

Whenever I hear this song it makes me feel good. What song makes you automatically feel good or smile? Put the tunes on, sing your heart out and listen to those songs that bring back fun memories and make you recall happy times.

Go And Grab Some Fresh Air And Get Moving -

On days like these we feel like lounging around. BUT, it’s important that we move!

Embrace the great outdoors. Take yourself or the dog out for a walk, or maybe get your headphones in and go for a light jog. Whatever form of exercise takes your fancy, and it doesn’t need to be anything strenuous. Far from it, just get yourself out there and breathe the fresh air in deeply, it’s fantastic for clearing your head.

Give Yourself Something To Look Forward To -

Give yourself something to look forward to and it will automatically cheer you up.

Even if you can’t do it right now, plan it!

Personally, I’m motivated by holidays so browsing holidays and putting them on my ‘to-go list’ makes me feel excited and motivated. What do you look forward to most?

Maybe you could plan your next meal out when we’re able to again, at that restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to. Maybe you could plan a catch up to happen in person with your friend for when we are able to. Maybe you could plan your next holiday. Maybe you could book a treatment where you can look forward to having some true time out for yourself. Maybe you could arrange a cute date night at home with your partner, or a quiz night with your friends / family.

Having something to look forward to will automatically boost your mood.

Do Something Fun -

It doesn’t have to be all work, work, work or chores, chores, chores. If you are feeling flat, liven things up with something fun - watch a funny film, (maybe even your fave Christmas film at this time of year?!) - do something spontaneous, speak to your favourite person on the phone or maybe just play with the dog and giggle at their funny traits.

Whatever floats your boat, make the effort to do it, it’ll make you feel better.

Talk -

In the times that we find ourselves in it’s so easy to turn a bit inwards. The power of communication in this day and age is HUGE. Use it to your advantage. Send someone an email or text message if you haven’t spoken to them in a while. Facetime a family member. Zoom with a friend. Send a Whatsapp message to your buddy. Chances are the way you’re feeling is how they have already felt, or are feeling too but they’ll liven you up with their updates about life and give you something else to think about. No matter what the circumstances, you are never alone.

Talking to others is priceless, so never ever forget to reach out to someone and TALK. Even if it’s waffle. It’s so powerful and will help.

Mental health is a subject I touch on quite a lot, and I feel so passionate in ensuring people communicate, share how they feel and know that a problem shared is a problem halved. Our brains like to play tricks on us at times, and getting someone else’s view point on something really helps to relieve anxious feelings. The team and I at Pure Emporium know just how powerful communication is, so always reach out to someone if you’re feel like a weight is on your shoulders.

It also really pays to talk, and if you ever need someone to talk to - my email address is right here: info@pureemporium.co.uk. Drop me a line, and we can just email, or jump on the phone together for a friendly chat - about anything!

Get ONE Thing Done To Feel Productive:

If you can achieve just one thing off your to do list you’ll feel better and feel like you’ve achieved something even on a ‘meh’ day.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the most simplest task on your ‘to-do list’. Power on through and get it done. Then treat yourself to something nice afterwards - maybe to that chocolate bar, assuming you haven’t already eaten it and hidden the wrapper somewhere!

The main point here is whatever you do when you’ve lost your motivation, or feeling a bit ‘meh’ do not beat yourself up about it.

Get a good nights’ sleep - tomorrow is a new day for you, and your mood.

AND KEEP SMILING.

Amy x

Manager, Pure Emporium