We all have mornings when our motivation is low. Sometimes getting up feels impossible. Other times, we reach the end of the day and feel so depleted that eating dinner is an impossible task.
In these moments when our tank is empty, life can be overwhelming. There are plenty of things we have to do, but they all feel like too much. That’s why breaking it down and doing even one life-giving action is crucial. For some people, this one action is enough. Others will keep building on this and find momentum. Whichever position you find yourself in, next time life feels like too much choose one of these activities and follow it through.
- Get out of bed
When we experience mental illness, chronic health issues or are burnt out, this is a monumental task, so don’t try to be a super hero. Just get up and out of bed. Follow it up with any of these other suggestions, and then even if you return to bed afterwards, you have accomplished a goal in your day. - Drink a glass of water
Don’t force yourself to hydrate with eight glasses in one go! Just fill one cup of water up and drink it. If you struggle, drin khalf. Feel the sensation of the water running through your body and nourishing you. You are pouring energy into your body! - Have a warm shower or bath
This can be a mammoth task on the days when depression or pain are intense. So grab fresh clothes or even just fresh underwear, turn the shower to a relaxing heat and step under it. Rest and relax in the water as long as you need too. If you are unsure about being alone with your thoughts in the shower or during a bath, play music, a podcast or an ebook at the same time. Can’t make it to the shower? Wipe yourself down with a wet cloth and put some deodorant on, then go back to bed. - Step outside in the sunshine and take three deep breaths
Getting out of house is a social expectation that can cause a huge amount of anxiety. So don’t pressure yourself to go on some big adventure, just step out the door and take three deep breaths. Feel the wind, feel the sun on your face and remember the world is still turning. - Watch an episode of your favourite TV show
Is there a tv show that makes you smile? Sometimes characters can feel like a safe place and knowing a storyline back the front is a comfort. Give yourself permission to watch an episode of your favourite tv show before you start your day. This relaxes you and reminds your body and mind that you are safe. - Shave
Self care can be hard, so shaving can feel scary or exhausting when we expect ourselves to do it all the time. If this is the case for you, choose to shave only when you need to. Make it a goal that will freshen you up, make you feel healthy, and invest in your self care. Pair it with a warm bath and play music, a book, a podcast or a TV show at the same time and you may even enjoy it! - Exercise in any way
Some people need an intense workout or run to clear their head. Other people just need to move their body in a small way so they feel at home in themselves. Choose a form of exercise or movement that you enjoy when you are at your best, and practice it next time you feel down. A short walk, some yoga in front of the tv or a boxing class might be just what you need. - Stretch
Do you feel tense or numb? Stretching is a simple and quick way of moving your emotions through the body. Stand or sit up and move your arms and legs. Sit down and stretch your calves, push or lean against a wall or use a door frame. - Eat
Having some fuel in your body goes a long way, but finding then time or energy to eat can feel impossible. Preparation is key in these moments. Because while you can order food and coffee in, this becomes expensive after awhile! Instead, have some pre prepared meals in the fridge, heat up a frozen meal, find something premixed that is quick to make, or grab a nutritious snack or piece of fruit. If you know you will struggle to get up to access this food, place it near your bed before sleep, or ask someone to bring you the objects so you can put them together. - Get pumped up to a playlist
Music can give you a boost of endorphins and motivation to keep moving. Put together a playlist of songs that remind you it is good to alive and play these when you wake up or feel down. Play them as you eat, exercise, shower, walk of lay in bed. Let their energy fill you up. You Could even make a favourite song your alarm on your phone so you feel relaxed when you wake up! Watersedge has created two playlists you might like:
12 Songs to Motivate You in the Morning
10 positive songs to start your day off right
Would you like a fresh start in 2023? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245, Duncan on 0434 331 243 or Rachel on 0422 1771 93 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now.
