Sometimes motivation is hard to come by when you’re feeling low. Depression and anxiety can take a lot out of a person. It can affect sleep and/or the quality of sleep if you can get any at all. Even when taking prescribed medication to help you get rest it can still be difficult. Truthfully, it can be normal to wake up from a great night sleep and still feel fatigued.
When feeling anxiety or depression your mind is constantly working whether you notice it or not. Your brain can be hyperactive and working overtime making you feel tired even after that beautiful 8 hour slumber. Seriously a pain in the ass.
I know that so much of the time I am exhausted. It’s incredibly frustrating to try to force myself to get motivated. I want to clean my apartment. I want to do laundry so that my family has clean clothes. I want to cook myself a nutritious lunch. I want to do those dishes that have been looking at me funny for the past two days. I haven’t been working a job in a few months so it can be so frustrating to lack motivation. I take it out of myself. I feel awful when my fiance comes home and I haven’t moved from the couch. I am so lucky that he is supportive and will pick up the slack when needed. Nonetheless I feel guilt.
I’m not alone in feeling this way, and neither are you. It is incredibly common. I have spoken with my therapist regarding this situation and have taken courses on it when I was attending an outpatient program. There are a few things that you can do that will help you get back on the horse:
Ten Minute Rule
Those dishes that are looking at you sideways? Let’s do them! Set a timer for ten minutes. For those ten minutes put on some music or a podcast and do those damn dishes. Fold that laundry. Start freshening up the bathroom. Chose any one thing that needs to be done. When the timer goes off feel free to stop and go rest. It’ll go by quick, I promise. You’ve done something productive! Give yourself some credit. I’m proud of you. If the timer goes off and you have two dishes left, you may as well finish it off. Boom. Done. You’re a bad bitch.
Make Your Bed
This takes less than five minutes. Afterwards, though, you’ll feel like the Goddess that you are. This could also stop you from crawling back in there and isolating yourself. You don’t have to do this everyday, of course. Wanna know a secret? I’m in bed writing this right now. Some days are better than others. I’m fine, just tired. Plus, I changed my sheets and made my bed yesterday. That, right there, is a win my friends.
Use a Reward System
So when you do get some motivation to do something, reward yourself. Mine is usually going to lay back down for a little longer. Watch a show. Play Mario on the Wii. Anything that you enjoy. Have a snack. You deserve it, you beautiful human.
Get Your Body In Motion
Take a walk if it’s nice outside. Stretch or do some yoga. When you finish up, your body may want to stay in motion and you can do for an errand or a chore.
I’m sure there are may others tips that could work as well. These are the ones that work best for me. Experiment with different methods. Eventually, you’ll create a habit of doing these small things. Making a list helps. Put one things on that list. Start small. Don’t forget to give yourself credit. That rut that you’re stuck in? It won’t last forever. Keep trying, never give up. You are worth it!
“Set the gearshift for the high gear of your soul”
A Bowl of Oatmeal 