Time to get real for a minute. Today I wanted to share that recently I’ve been feeling unmotivated. Workouts have happened but no motivation to blog, to learn, to move forward or do anything. My yogi friends tell me it’s because Mercury was in retrograde, and something definitely was ‘up’ because it seemed like whoever I talked to, they described a similar feeling, a funk. It’s what I can only describe as a feeling of wanting to hibernate. Unfortunately that’s not really possible in the modern World, so how do you get yourself out of a funk? Slowly increasing motivation, albeit little by little.
5 Tips for increasing motivation and getting out of a funk
Again being honest it took me a bit of a pity party, to dig out of my slump. Increasing motivation can be tough when all you want is to wallow. I’m kinda reminded of sadness from Inside Out (great movie if you haven’t seen it #disclosure affiliate link), the part where she just flops down on the floor and Joy has to drag her along by her leg. Ok it wasn’t that bad, but sure felt like it! However after a good pep talk from friends, some upbeat podcasts and some general self talk helped increasing motivation from the inside. It has to come from YOU! Here are my top tips for increasing motivation to get you out of a funk!
Winter blues can simply be a lack of vitamin D so get yourself out in some sunshine and see if a dose of natural vitamin D can perk you up. I know for some of you under 20 inches of snow that’s not really possible but just being outdoors can do wonders for your mood. Take a walk in the park, go build a snowman in the back yard, and just marvel at the wonder of nature. Failing that take a vitamin D supplement to see if you’re simply experiencing a deficiency and need a quick pick-me-up. I’ve been using my walks with Pixel as my outside time, and I’m happier now the days are getting a little longer too. Today it was a blissful 75° and I got some nice vitamin D walking in my tank and yoga pants.
If getting outside in nature isn’t an option then just move or meditate. Exercise is a great for improving your mood! Natural endorphins start to rush and before you know it the funk has lifted. It might be a temporary fix so repeat as needed. I find this to be my yoga time, where I get deep into yoga, philosophy and meditation. And of course meditation always helps to de-funk the brain. Sometimes the funk is simply us over thinking things, so getting the brain unfogged helps immensely! I’ve been using guided meditation on the “Insight Timer” app to pick me up. You don’t need an hour sitting cross legged, 5-10 minutes is all you need, repeat as needed!
Sometimes when we start to feel unmotivated it’s easy to fall into the comfort foods trap. However unless your comfort food is kale and carrots it’s probably not going to help. Usually our comfort foods are the ones that are high in fat and calories so instead realize that this is a craving. You probably aren’t hungry at all, you’re just trying to feed that comfort monster that wants you to sit down all day and watch endless reruns of Supernatural whilst eating chocolate covered pretzels (don’t buy these they are evilly addictive)! Sometimes you want to eat everything, sometimes you aren’t even hungry. During these times I find it better to eat smaller meals, and load up on the natural foods -> tons of fruits and veggies. Plus it’s flu/cold season but nature has a way of providing and look at all the citrus in season, loaded with Vitamin C! There is a reason for product being in season people! Seriously craving Kale too.
Funk breeds funk. Negativity breeds negativity. Are you surrounding yourself with negativity or positivity? Stop watching “Making of a murderer” and instead watch uplifting things. Puppies and cute animals videos always make me smile. Watch an inspirational TED talk. Better yet find an inspirational podcast and listen to it while walking out in nature getting your vitamin D. I’m serious, surround yourself with positive people, and experiences. There is a saying that you become the 5 people you spend the most time with. Think about those 5 people, are they negative Nancy’s or Positive Paula’s? Sometimes you have to cut people out of your life for a while to work on YOU!
I admit this is the one that helped me a lot recently. I’d heard it on a few podcasts I’d listened to and initially brushed it off as whacky new-age stuff. But you know what? It works! Side note: Earlier this year at the yoga Expo I had the chance to step up and teach a class. I didn’t because that little niggle of self-doubt crept in, and someone else volunteered. Regret #1 of 2016, but it’s a lesson I learned. Seize the opportunity. Don’t let self doubt talk you out of anything! My mantra is “You got this! You can do anything, because YOU are AMAZING!”. I admit initially I felt rather stupid saying this outloud to myself (heck even in my head!) but I instantly stood up taller, the second time I got a smile on my face, and the third time (because three is a charm) I felt confident, alert and alive. Like I was ready to take on the world. I started BELIEVING it! A personal mantra is apparently a powerful thing, I wish I’d used it sooner!
So those are my 5 top tips for digging yourself out from under a Winter funk, increasing motivation and finding that inner fire again.
What tricks or tips do you have? Leave me a comment below.
BodyPump 96 Playlist
laci
Awesome tips I need all the motivation I can get. Laci
Hannah
I know I sometimes find it hard to be motivated to do some things. I find that my diet plays an important part. If i have a lot of junk I get more sluggish for sure
Yanique
Trying to stay motivated this time of year is almost impossible for me. I am so in the camp of watching Supernatural and Criminal Minds re-runs. As for the chocolate pretzels…I-m all over those too. Snyder makes a mean chocolate covered pretzel by the way. Clearly I need your tips to get through this funk!!
Di Hickman
It’s the winter blues. Tough to get motivated when the weather is bad. Fingers in my ears regarding the choc pretzels 🙂
Krystal
I read a GREAT book that helped me create my own mantra. It really made starting each day a LOT easier.
Di Hickman
It’s amazing isn’t it krystal! The power of a personal mantra!
Aubrey
I’ll tell you, between cold weather and recovering from the crud, find motivation has been a challenge lately. These are some great tips. Thanks for sharing with us.
Di Hickman
You’re welcome! Hope you kick the crud soon!
positivelystacey
Perfect list! I also find the music helps motivate me for all kids of tasks.
Di Hickman
Music for me is like the soundtrack of life. Definitely changes depending on my mood!
sylvie
yes to all of this! seeking positivity, eating clean, and keeping the body active are all amazing ways to keep us moving forward in the right direction. great post!
Di Hickman
Thanks, glad you found it useful!
Paula
These are all great ideas! For me, I think meditating, and taking time to do something for myself are a couple of ways I can get out of a funk.
Di Hickman
Definitely. I love meditation. I plan on doing a whole series of posts about it later in the year,
Mar
Is that your mastiff?! My baby is almost 4! Aha, I definitely agree with moving. I don’t think clearly if I’ve been sitting all day!
Di Hickman
Nope, stock photo. I have a dalmatian who never looks this peaceful 😉
Ana Fernandez
Thanks for sharing! I seriously needed to read something like this to get more motivated
Di Hickman
You’re welcome!
April G
I used to seriously lack motivation, until I had a supportive team behind me.
Di Hickman
Oh support is so important. Just having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
Yona Williams
Nature really is a good boost for my mood and attitude when I have to accomplish the impossible. Surrounding myself with positive energy is another thing that really helps.
Di Hickman
Definitely the positive energy helps! Makes you notice too the negative impact things have on your life!
MyTeenGuide
Getting outside in nature really helps. Sometimes, I just need a dose of sunshine and I’m ready to start the day.
Di Hickman
Definitely! I know in Summer I love starting the day with outdoor yoga. Slightly more difficult when it’s raining and gale force winds!
Kacie
This seems like a great list to come back to when I’m feeling lazy or procrastinating my to do list! Getting out into nature always does the trick for me!
Di Hickman
Yep being in nature really works for me too!
Debra
These are all such great tips! I think winter has zapped my motivation! I will do some of these to get them back!
Di Hickman
Exactly where I was Debra! Winter blues.
Natalia Pessoa
Oh my god I totally need a mantra! Great idea!
Susannah
Working out helps me SO MUCH when it comes to being motivated. It encourages me to get off my butt and get things done!
Di Hickman
Me too! Plus I sleep so much better!
Erin (@SugarCrumbs)
Fabulous, wonderful tips! I especially love that you mention fueling your body with healthy foods. Thats exactly what you need!
Di Hickman
Right! Too easy to fall into fast foods that just send you further down into depression
Heather Lawrence
I totally agree with getting outside! Even just cracking the window open and letting the cool morning air circulate around the kitchen seems to help rejuvenate me and get me moving.
I’m eagerly awaiting spring so we can get outside more..the ice and cold leave me feeling yucky!
Di Hickman
That’s how I feel too when it’s cold and grey! Right now we have rain again, and gale force winds. Flash flood warnings make you just want to stay indoors!
jill conyers
Yes to all of these! Nourish the body mind and soul.
Di Hickman
Exactly Jill!
Ana De Jesus
I like the idea of moving and trying out meditation. It is something I have wanted to do but have never tried before!
Di Hickman
Super easy to try, grab the “insight timer” from the app store.
laura londergan
these are great tips to staying motivated. I started the healthy, clean eating back in october and now I am addicted to eating healthy. plus the weight i have lost is a good motivator for me to keep going 😉
Di Hickman
Yes!!! Glad to see you on track and feeling motivated!
Ellen
These are great motivations! Thanks for posting this.
Di Hickman
Thanks, hope they help!
Kori
I really need to get motivated again to work out or at least do something :/ I’ve really fallen off the fitness bandwagon. And in a bad way.
Di Hickman
Yep it’s the time of year. Easy to fall back into old habits.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
Sometimes I seriously lack the motivation to do ANYTHING at all. These are great ways to help me get moving.
Di Hickman
I hear ya! Getting out of a funk like that can be tough. Hope the tips help!
Karen
LOVE being outside… that is key. I also really LOVE the snow – wish we had more here in Cleveland. That somehow always makes me happy to see snow falling!
Karen
Di Hickman
You’re on your own Karen, I’m not a snow/cold weather lover. One of the reasons I moved to So Cal!