Getting and staying motivated can be challenging enough as it is, but throw in certain mental health disorders like depression, and it can feel absolutely overwhelming to get the energy to do anything at all.
The good news is that Depression and a lack of motivation can be managed by setting small, attainable goals that will help you get through the day. Courtesy of TMS Center of Lehigh Valley, here are five tips for getting and staying motivated.
Be Patient with Yourself
Any significant lifestyle change that’s worth doing takes time. Because of this, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of patience, especially with ourselves.
From time to time, especially when we are just getting started on a new project, we feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once in an effort to get through it as quickly as possible. The problem of course, is that this is one of the quickest ways to become totally burnt-out, and it is directly caused by impatience.
To protect yourself from falling into this common trap, start by allowing yourself to work toward your goal slowly but surely. Perhaps try dividing your larger tasks into smaller chunks. While you’re at it, be sure you are setting realistic goals that can actually be attained in the time allotted.
Try Taking a Walk
We know you’ve heard it time and time again, but the importance of regular exercise and fresh air cannot be overstated. The fact is, exercise helps your body release endorphins that can literally improve your mood.
According to a recent article by Harvard Medical School, exercising for at least 35 minutes a day, five days per week can drastically improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
Exercise doesn’t always have to be rigorous either. Even a simple nature walk can go a long way toward keeping you happier, healthier, and more motivated to take on the demands of everyday life.
Avoid Negativity
These days, it’s no secret that there is a lot of negativity being thrown around. Whether it’s on television, in the news, or in your personal relationships with family and friends, negativity can leave you feeling exhausted and drained.
Instead of focusing your energy and attention on negative energy that may be having an impact on your mood and motivation, try focusing on feelings of gratitude instead. Activities like reading and absorbing uplifting content or surrounding yourself with positive people can make all the difference when it comes to getting your energy back.
Don’t Overschedule
One common issue that many of us run into from time to time is a tendency to overschedule our lives and stretch ourselves too thin. Unfortunately, this can have quite a negative impact on our ability to get and stay motivated throughout the day.
We understand how important it may seem to keep everyone happy, but in reality, this is not your burden to bear. If you can only accomplish one or two tasks or activities, that’s perfectly ok!
In fact, you should take the time to congratulate yourself on every task and goal you complete, no matter how small it may seem. Over time, this will help improve your confidence and sense of motivation.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help
Lack of motivation or interest in basic activities is a common symptom of depression, though this isn’t always the case. When depression is to blame for your struggles however, it’s extremely important and commendable that you seek help in order to improve.
At TMS Center of Lehigh Valley, our dedicated staff is made up of tireless advocates who, with our expertise and compassion, help people struggling with depression conquer their disease and get their smiles and motivation back.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we do and how we may be able to help, don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information!