How To Feel Motivated In Dark Times

It’s February, and if you’re like many people, you’ve got your own version of the winter blues Motivated . It can be tough at this time of year to feel invigorated and happy, particularly if you’ve let slide those New Year’s resolutions you made. Don’t be too hard on yourself; there are several key strategies you can employ to help you feel up and motivation, even during dark times. And the middle of winter certainly qualifies!

1) Stick To Your Usual Routine:

It’s tempting when you’re down to take the day off work and lie in bed binging on Netflix and eating ice cream. But if you want to shake the blues, that’s the last thing you should do. ((If you’re sick, that’s different — binge away!) Set your alarm for the usual time, get up and have a proper breakfast. Don’t rush out the door after gulping a coffee or you’ll only feel worse. Walk to work if you can, because a little extra exercise is just the ticket for shedding that bloated, depressed feeling that can hang around after the holidays.

2) Speaking Of Exercise:

One of the best ways to recharge and get motivated to tackle the challenges ahead is by getting some extra exercise. If you do a workout twice a week, try making it three or four until your mood starts to lift. Science has proven the benefits of exercise are mental as well as physical, so even getting out for a 20-minute walk can help you feel better psychologically.

3) Treat Yourself Well:

There are a few tactics you can employ to remind yourself that you deserve care and attention. First, consider a massage, or a manicure, pedicure, or both! Even a new hair style can boost mood and make you feel ready to face difficulties. People have a tendency to let their appearance slide if they are in a dark mental space, but it’s the last thing you should do. Feeling good about how you look on the inside definitely makes it easier to feel good on the inside; it increases confidence, and people respond to confidence.

4) Write Down Your Accomplishments:

It’s helpful when you’re trying to get motivated to remind yourself of all you’ve done thus far on your path to success and fulfilment. Spend some time really focusing on those achievements, don’t dismiss or ignore how much you’ve done so far. When people are feeling blue, they often get into a cycle of despair and negativity, so thinking about all you’ve done that’s positive can really help. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional pat on your own back!

Depending on the type of person you are and the job you do, there are other techniques for weathering dark times available to you as well. For some, watching a funny film helps restore their sense of humour and keep things in perspective.

For others, talking things through with a friend or even a professional therapist is the right course of action. What matters most is that you remember that dark times are always temporary, and they will pass eventually. But you can speed that process up by refusing to sit by idly, and instead get out for a walk, have a new adventure, socialize with family and friends and, by all means, remember to laugh. Not only at a movie or TV show; laugh at yourself, too. It’s an almost instant cure for the blues, and before you know it you’ll be motivated to get moving, and get on with being the real success you’re destined to be.