Lacking Motivation, Energy and Focus

Spending so much time at home can begin to feel like Ground Hog, monotonous, dull and predictable. Without our regular routines it can be easy for us to fall into an unproductive rut, sometimes making us feel like there’s no point in doing anything and then this cycle of negativity and un-fulfilment continue. It is so important that we try to avoid falling into this downward spiral, we can do this by filling our time up with different things, yes of course work, but also creative and active tasks that keep our minds and souls full and content.

Kindness was the theme of my last blog and it’s important to always remember that kindness is something we should champion and now more than ever we need to extend this out to each other and also ourselves.

Mental Exhaustion

Nearly all those I have spoken to lately have been telling me how exhausted they feel, they are finding it hard to focus, lack their usual creative flair and using avoidance tactics to curb any motivation. This is all very normal, don’t judge yourself. We are all in a very surreal time, therefore it is not surprising that our focus, energy and motivation are all out of sorts. The human mind is extremely clever, and it is subconsciously trying to help you adapt to this bizarre experience, which is exhausting. Be patient with yourself, allow yourself to have these tired days, don’t punish yourself for your lack creativity or motivation. It will come back.

Each day when scrolling through social media, there are people complaining of being up in the middle of the night, saying they are struggling to sleep. Sleep problems are very common in our modern daily lives, however what we don’t realise is, that issue with your sleep over a prolonged period of time, will start to cause you both physical and mental health problems. Sleep and rest are vital to our well being.

Did you know your sleep pattern, has a direct impact on your mood. Lack of sleep can cause irritability and you to over react. It is important to put in place things to improve your sleep pattern. This can involve mediation, no electronics before bed, journaling and exercise. However, if after trying different things over a period of time, your sleep is not improving, it is advisable to speak to your doctor, as prolonged sleep problems can lead to mental ill health.

How to get your MOJO back….

Some of you may still be shielding and therefore unable to venture out and about, some of you may be working from home and feel ‘What’s the point of getting out of my pyjamas?’ Well, whatever your situation, create a structure to your day. It's funny isn’t it, we usually grumble about the monotony of our lives, however human beings actually thrive on routine. It reduces our cognitive load, meaning we can have more focus in what we are doing and more fulfillment in tasks.

To allow you to start getting yourself back into a positive head space, with motivation, energy and focus, set yourself a daily routine. Do not over structure your day as this can cause pressure, however sometimes having some routine will encourage you to do, rather than procrastinate, and find yourself in negative thought patterns and cycles.

Accept Yourself and your Emotions

Never invalidate your feelings and emotions, you are allowed to feel a range of emotions, there is no right or wrong, however it is important to acknowledge your feelings and know ways to deal with them so they don’t escalate and effect your mental wellbeing. If we are able to articulate our own feelings, it can help us understand them. Furthermore, gaining an understanding of our own feelings and emotions, allows us to understand how our emotions affect our behaviours and in turn those around us.

Think about the way you behaved today, did something happen that you reacted to? What feeling was connected to it? How did it affect those around you? Could anything have been put in place to help you at that time?

Please never feel a worry or a problem you have is too small or too silly. If something is bothering you, then it is important. Talking to someone can really help and lessen the load.