As much as we try to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, some days we’re just not feeling it. We asked our amazing Facebook community what they do to motivate themselves when they’re feeling down. Here are some of their excellent responses:
Take your mind off it. Some days, all we need is a quick distraction to elevate our spirits. Many of our followers said they like to exercise, read a book, visit the spa or peruse Pinterest (how can your mood not be lifted by snarky cats and cupcakes?).
Keep your eyes on the prize. Other days, though, our sinking mood might have to do with something a little deeper. At times like this, our followers said they remind themselves of their larger goals. As one follower commented, “When my situation is perceived as temporary, I can focus on what I need to do in the moment…my plan [is] to go back to grad school.”
Be grateful. When you feel you’re stuck in a situation you’re not happy with, it can be challenging to remember all the things that are going well in your life. Taking a few minutes to reflect on what you have is a valuable tool. Some of our followers said they create gratitude lists, while others simply remind themselves of the aspects of their lives that bring them happiness.
Don’t go it alone. Support networks are crucial, according to our followers. Many of them turn to family members or networks of friends and other women to help them gain perspective on challenging situations. A different viewpoint can often help you stop catastrophizing and see that your circumstances may not be as scary as you think. As one follower noted, “It’s difficult to motivate yourself sometimes, but my husband helps me stay focused.”
