I’ve been there. Plenty of times. Depending on the type of person you are you can be a happy upbeat person that is full of self-motivation and still at times feel unmotivated and uninspired. If you have any hormonal issues it tends to be a bit worse, like in post-partum. Thankfully this time around on my second child I did not experience postpartum depression but rather postpartum anxiety. I had to learn really quickly what I needed to do to stay productive and motivated to move forward. Needless to say, it was trial and error. Some things worked others didn’t. Then there were those days when I just had to chill and call it a day. I encourage you to take note of when you are inspired and motivated. Here are a few things I do when I get into a stump:
1.) Listen to inspiring and motivation podcast. Something about hearing others that have overcome or are going through a similar season helps me get out of my low.
2.) PRAY! I love Cultivate What Matters Write the Word journals.
3.) Get some fresh air. I love a fresh cool breeze and the sight of a beautiful sunset. Its something about it that doesn’t need any added help in refocusing my attention.
4.) Write down all that I’m grateful for and really appreciate it.
5.) Get a new journal or planner. You can find a few of my faves here, but as a journal junkie this always gives me the motivation to dream and just let loose on paper. My journal is my best friend when no one else is available…well even when they are…it’s a safe place that doesn’t judge.
6.) Cook a health, well-balanced meal. I just found this out about myself since getting married. I realized I actually ENJOY making healthy meals for my family. It therapeutic! Who knew?! Cooking wasn’t my favorite thing to do but now it’s so fun. I didn’t realize this but as long as I have the energy and the food in the house….let’s cook! I use Hello Fresh most of the time because its super easy and I don’t have to worry about getting it wrong. Just follow the directions. So fun!
7.) Do something active. Before the babies, my husband and I use to ride around on our bikes. We love to get out the house and do something active but now a days, we just go to the trampoline park and have fun there on a date night.
8.) Turn off all electronics and grab our kids, roll around on the floor and forget about responsibility for an hour. Really try it….it’s so fun! If you really want to have fun try just doing it until every gets tired…no time limit required.
9.) Record a video of yourself that is speaking to the you in 5 or 10 years. My husband and I did this while we were dating and engaged (we knew early on that we would get married) and it really does make a huge difference because you know you the best. So speak to her!
10.) REST. No really go to sleep. Hire a babysitter or let the kids spend time with family and go to bed. Sleep. Oh, I dream about getting more than 2 hours of sleep. Honestly, it hard for me to sleep for longer than 2-3 hours. As a mom, I’ve found I’m always thinking of my kids or what they are up to and doing. Even when all is well, I still don’t FULLY sleep. The joys of mommyhood!
As always..let’s go higher.