When You Are Lacking Motivation
Are You Lacking Motivation?
When you are on a health path there will be days when you feel like you just can’t get motivated. Maybe you don’t feel like preparing healthy food for yourself, maybe you can’t be bothered with your usual routine of juicing or taking your herbs in the morning. Maybe you don’t have the energy to get out of bed and go for that walk in nature you have been telling yourself you need to go on. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have been feeling a lack of motivation for a long period of time. If you find yourself on the “not today” train as of late, here are some tips to help you get back to your best self that have worked for me…
Here’s what you can do about it…
1. The first thing to remember is that IT’S OKAY: In life we will go through cycles of expansion, growth, integration and rest. Sometimes we can’t expect ourselves to be on top of it all the time. I have noticed with myself, that the more I self punish and begin having a negative inner dialogue about the situation, the harder it becomes to turn it around. In my experience, self love and a positive dialogue has always been a better route in order for me to get back on a healthy track.
2. Clean and organize your environment: This may seem like it has nothing to do with getting healthy, but I have found that if my environment doesn’t feel energetically clear and organized – then I don’t feel capable of moving forward with other goals.
3. Tie up any loose ends: Need to do that laundry? Have you been procrastinating on a certain errand or generally putting small tasks aside until they feel bigger than they actually are? As soon as you take care of those loose ends you will free up a lot of energy that can then be directed towards your self care. Also, when we take care of tasks that we have been putting off, we feel really positive and free afterwards! There is a weight off our shoulders and we feel productive.
4. Tell a different story: Pay attention to your inner dialogue around your health habits that you’ve had a hard time jumping back into. Can you make a list and write down all the reasons why you love doing those habits? How do you feel after you eat healthy and take care of your body? How does it affect you? Instead of telling a story about why you don’t feel like going for that walk, why don’t you direct your attention toward why you are someone who loves to take care of yourself. Perspective is everything and sometimes we don’t realize how our mind is effecting us on daily basis.
5. Put on some music that makes you feel confident and inspired: It may seem simple – but dang it works! Sometimes I really have a hard time getting myself motivated to exercise…but the moment I turn on some of my favorite hits that make me want to jam out – then I am halfway out the door. It’s no secret that music is commonly known for influencing the way we feel and changing our moods.
6. Phone a Friend: You know that one friend or family member who has a special way of picking you up when you are feeling down? They know just what to say and how to help you see yourself in the highest light. Sometimes it’s really easy to get stuck in a rut when we have been isolating ourselves and not connecting with the people we love. Connection is a very strong form of medicine. It opens the heart and energizes us in ways that are unexplainable.
7. Watch Inspiring YouTube Videos or Listen to Podcasts: Take a break from your T.V. or Netflix and take in some content that is inspiring and educational. Maybe it was Dr. Robert Morse who initially inspired you to begin your health journey, whatever worked in the past can most likely re-ignite your fire now. There are many different Podcasts out there that are educational and motivating. When we fill our minds with positive information we feel way more productive than watching mindless programs or junk T.V.
8. Take Action Now!: In the past I have been someone guilty of getting stuck in the mind. Sometimes all you need to do is take action on ANYTHING to get that stagnant energy moving.Make some Heal All Tea to last for a few days and start sipping. Get outside in nature before you give yourself a chance to make an excuse. Think Less, DO more!
9. Write a Self Love Note: When my motivation has disappeared I notice there are feelings of low self worth that are connected to it. Write out a journal entry where you can solely focus on all of your strengths. Every little thing about yourself that is fun and amazing, whether its big or small, write it down. Increase your self worth and KNOW that you are deserving of getting on top of your healthy lifestyle!
10. Get Creative and Playful. When we feel unmotivated to take care of ourselves there is often a battle happening between the adult self and the inner child. And sometimes our inner child wins. Why? Because the inner child is our subconscious mind. Do something fun and loving for your inner child. Talk to him/her. Negotiate. ‘Hey, if we go to yoga this morning then later we can go see that movie you’ve been wanting to see. If we have our juice this morning then we can make chocolate banana nice cream later!’ Or paint, sing, play! Anything to balance your disciplined routine with playful times. If you haven’t been having enough fun, what are the chances you are going to want to do things that feel disciplinary?
I hope you truly realize that we all have our down days (or weeks, or months!) When you feel ready to pick it up and keep moving towards your thriving self…turn to some of these ideas to get your energy moving forward! Even if its just for today