During lockdown do you ever wake up feeling that you simply can’t face the day.

It’s easy to become unfocused and unmotivated as maybe its just another duvet day? Or is the TV beckoning and it’s another couch potato day catching up on Netflix, Prime and Now TV and anything else offering a free 7-day trial including Disney + Channel.

No matter how strong our usual work ethic without the usual structure of our day, sometimes we just need a little help to get going and it’s during these times you need to know how to motivate yourself.

A lack of motivation occurs for a variety of reasons, mainly boredom, or lack of sleep – don’t know how everyone else is fairing but there has been a distinct lack of shut eye in my life recently!  Another cause can be lack of direction, failure to achieve goals, failure to even set goals to be achieved and of course a biggie during lockdown personal issues/relationship probs.

So let’s seize this slumping feeling and shake ourselves out of this low mood and look at ways that we can get back on track and inject positivity back into our days until normality returns and perhaps when it does we will all be so motivated that we will just continue to do so.  Lets dump being energy vampires of others and a nation of Debbie Downers and embrace some positive vibes and take on a more upbeat approach leading to untold happiness (you heard it here first!).

What to do to motivate ourselves?

We all face obstacles and it’s how you deal with those obstacles which then defines who you are and determines how successful you are or can be in life.

Don’t give up, power through and find a way to make things happen, no matter how tired or unmotivated we may feel.

Have a goal. Set yourself a target. Regain the structure to your day and feel as though you have achieved something by the time the day comes to a close.  Create a things to do list with fun and serious headings – serious may be to mend something long overdue or ensure a bill gets paid – fun, may be to do something different – bake something, make something, pamper yourself, exercise, create an assault course in the garden.  Having a plan of action can focus your mind and motivate you to get started.

Do individual activities and if you are in lockdown with others, do things together; work as a team, support one another, utilise all your strengths.  Laugh - that can be alone or together and can be at something or just off the cuff - laughing is good and contagious!

Think of others - Every one of us has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. No matter how rich or poor we are, how articulate or smart or strong or kind, we can all make a difference. Remind yourself every day that you have the power to help others and look for ways to make it so.

Be grateful for others and what they mean to you.  Tell someone how you appreciate them and why, as research shows that gratitude equals happiness and happiness in turn motivates!

Don’t put off the things that need to be done!  If the job takes less than five minutes to perform, do it straight away. There are many day-to-day tasks that take less than 5 minutes that we routinely put off to another time as we just can’t get the enthusiasm to start them. Of course, not every project takes less than five minutes, but by following this strategy you’ll form a habit that will serve you well every day of your life.

If you complete a lot of small tasks whatever your motivation levels, you will have the satisfaction of being able to tick them off your to-do list.

Listen to inspirational music.This is a simple technique but can be very effective playing in the background at the start of your day which can motivate you to get off that sofa and start to achieve your goals.

Call the friend who most lifts you up and makes you feel great after every conversation.  – It’s good to talk!

Change your environment.  Go for a brisk walk.  If you have a garden, get outside and do all those things you always meant to do but never had the time – stand back and admire what you have achieved.  Redecorate or move a room around to make it look and feel different, add some internal and external accessories and lights – you have plenty of time to browse the internet and if you don’t have the money don’t worry just work with what you have!

Have a cuppa and find that place where your mind can rest on complete blankness allowing your brain to recharge!

Turn off email, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok or whatever other social procrastination network you may be part of and the TVif it’s on and then enjoy the break away from all these screens demanding our time.

Most of all be kind to yourself – stop applying pressure and then guilt when you feel you have underachieved – the only reason for that is if you are placing unrealistic demands on yourself during lockdown.

Quotes to ponder on & motivate

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations – Charles R. Swindoll

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m possible”!  Audrey Hepburn 

The Pessimist Sees Difficulty in Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity in Every Difficulty. – Winston Churchill

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. Stephen Covey

Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely. - Roy T. Bennett