Introduction

Have you ever experienced a day where your motivation seems to have vanished into thin air? Today, I found myself struggling to muster the enthusiasm to write a blog post, despite having tasks to complete. If you've been in a similar situation, you know how challenging it can be to initiate action when your motivation is at an all-time low.

In this article, I'll share some thoughts and actions to consider when facing such moments.

Reducing an Excessive Number of Tasks

The things you "need to do" and what you can realistically accomplish at once are not always equal. In my case, when I have too many things I want to do, I tend to feel an unfounded sense of urgency and attempt to do a lot of things at the same time. In such situations, if the number of tasks on my daily to-do list exceeds a certain limit, productivity drastically declines. Additionally, the experience of tasks not being completed as planned can lead to a negative cycle, lowering motivation.

An effective approach in such situations is to significantly decrease the number of tasks on your daily to-do list. For example, start by narrowing down to just three tasks to accomplish in the morning. If a task is taking too much time, it's also acceptable to break it down into smaller parts.

Furthermore, if there are tasks that are not urgent but you're thinking, "If I have time, I'll do them today," it's advisable to set them aside. While keeping them in mind so as not to forget, focus solely on the tasks you plan to do for the day. This helps avoid the negative cycle of uncompleted tasks impacting motivation.

Creating Days or Moments of Inactivity

During busy periods when there's a lot on your plate, paradoxically, setting aside a day to do nothing can be a refreshing change. For reasons I can't explain, in my case, taking a day off from tasks leaves me with a clear mind and a renewed determination to give my best effort the next day.

For instance, during a recent hectic phase working on a project in last summer, I took an entire day to go hiking in the nearby mountains. Being surrounded by the sounds of birds, walking the mountain trails, and enjoying the fresh air left me with a remarkably rejuvenated feeling.

For those who tend to overwork and are always preoccupied with thoughts of work, taking a break might feel a bit intimidating. However, giving it a try could reveal positive effects, making it a recommendation worth considering.

Taking a Break for a Change of Mood

Individual preferences vary, and there are various ways to change your mood. Here are some examples:

• Dine Luxuriously: Treat yourself to a slightly upscale restaurant you don't usually visit. Try cooking an elaborate dish or explore something you don't typically eat.

• Refresh with Water: Take a shower at times you want to refresh or relax by soaking in a bathtub.

• Exercise: Engage in physical activities such as going to the gym, taking a walk, or hiking.

• Socialize: Meet people, especially if you don't usually have the opportunity. Have tea or a meal with friends.

• Watch a Movie: Enjoy watching a movie.

These are some of my favorite ways to change my mood. While I also enjoy playing games, in terms of improving mindfulness, activities like outdoor exercise and socializing seem to have a more positive impact on mental health (at least for me).

Additionally, the food you consume can play a role in your mental well-being. If you habitually consume unhealthy food, it might contribute to mental discomfort. Being mindful of your diet, avoiding excessive alcohol, junk food, and tobacco, and opting for a healthier diet can be beneficial for your overall well-being.

Conclusion

There's a proverb that says "if pushing doesn't work, try pulling". Similarly, if you find your motivation declining, take it easy and consider the suggestions in this article. Give them a try.

Thank you for reading!