How to Rekindle Your Motivation When the World Gets You Down
It’s been a tumultuous year so far, with lots going on personally, as well as unsettling current events on a global scale. All around me it seems friends and family are struggling with health issues, mental health, conflict and uncertainty. And I’m certainly not feeling my usual optimistic, ambitious self.
It even took me several weeks to sit down and write this essay. I just couldn’t find the inspiration or the motivation. So, I decided to use my reality as the topic and write about it while I figure out how to dig myself out of this rut.
My most acute issue is my loss of motivation and the feeling of listlessness. I awaken early with a to-do list but by mid-afternoon, I have expended my energy stores, and I’m ready to call it a day. I’ve been thinking about how to adapt to this current situation in order to continue to live a full and fulfilling life as I celebrate my 70th birthday next month and muster the positive outlook for the years to follow.
This is my plan.
Limit the Doom Scrolling
The constant stream of news, Op Eds, influencer presence, all focusing on what is traumatic and disturbing, seeps into my subconscious even after I’ve turned off the screen. It remains on my mind and contributes to my malaise. I have decided to block as many of the news brief social media sites as I can and only watch the latest news once a day to stay current and informed.
Replace Those Sites with Good News
We are bombarded with sensationalism until it appears all there is in the headlines is tragedy and upheaval. But there are always kind people doing kind things for complete strangers, I will seek out those stories, curate my feed so I have plenty of good news to lift me up and reassure me of the goodness of humankind. Here’s a link to one I like: https://www.facebook.com/thatgoodnewsgirl.
Get Out into Nature
I’m constantly amazed at how, no matter what is happening in the constructed world, nature prevails. Eight years ago, there was a devasting fire where I live in Northern California that burned hundreds of thousands of acres around me. But today, when I hike into the hills, I have to search for evidence of it. Nature has thrived, recovered its vitality and grown new, healthy vegetation to cover the scars. I draw confidence for the future from its resilience.
Exercise – Get Out of My Head and Into My Body
Even when I have to drag myself up the trailhead, by the end of the first mile my spirit has lifted and my body feels strong again. Breathing deeply and challenging my muscles releases dopamine and endorphins that support a positive mood. I will remember this and go more often.
Do Good for Others
There is a growing need for those with time, skills and energy to provide for those experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship, loneliness and the need for all kinds of assistance. I will find a way to share what I have and what I can do for others as a chef and an able-bodied volunteer. I am grateful for my security and doing for others will give me a sense of purpose.
Be Here Now
This is the title of a book I read long ago, that has stayed with me ever since. Be Here Now. The simple advice found in the title is profound and I will consciously practice it. I will be in the present moment, resisting the urge to forecast future doom, or reaching back to relive the unhappiness or the misfortunate of the past. There is a peace in this moment that is available and abundant if I settle into it. So I will.
Be Kind, Be Honest and Offer Support – And Ask for Help When Needed
Now more than ever I need to remember to reach out to others to offer them my love and care. I remember during the peak of the Covid pandemic when I would honestly express my concerns, they would not only be met with a comforting response, but others would feel free to express what was weighing heavy on them. I will be sure to regularly check in with those in my circle and lean into our relationship for support.
Learn to Rest, Not Quit
Things might be unsettled for a while. I need to maintain my sense of well-being over time. I will remember to take time out, rest my mind, body and heart, regenerate my energy and get back out there to do what I can and live my best life, no matter what is happening around me.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How often do you watch the news? Where do you look for good stories? How do you show kindness to others? What keeps you going?
Tags Positivity
Than you so much for this , it is just what I need , at 77 , I am astounded that my years are limited to achieve my goals and will I , can I make it happen AND am I brave enough ??? , and I am now a procrastinator, sigh,, and have lost confidence so will keep yr words and study them, try to get the book, Author ? .. Bless you ,
Thank you for this article! I don’t watch news, but I’ll glance just to see what’s happening in the world. But deciphering between fake news and real news is exhausting and frustrating. As someone else here commented, if I can’t change something, I’ll work on what I can! My mantra for years has been “I WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE OR ANYTHING TO STEAL MY PEACE!” I have to repeat it many times a day lately. I think I need to get that tattooed on me! LOL!!!
Thank you, Alisa. I love your mantra. I think I’ll adopt it as well.
Best Wishes,
Fran
Great inspiration for a Monday morning.
Thank you, Patty. I so glad you think so.
I just turned 79 and have been feeling the same way. The only thing that helps is finding ways to help others. I make myself get out every day even if it is just to offer a kind word, a smile or help with a project here and there. Some times it can be as simple as straightening a messed up book shelf at the library or Goodwill. I’m not the only one, sad, lonely, bored or feeling invisible. No one is useless. We all can find a way to give, even in small ways. I do agree that the awful news everywhere these days get to a person and right now the heat isn’t helping. Lost my husband during Covid, and my daughter 2 years later so I have to stay ahead of the ruminating least it take me down. Teary eyes over sad or good memories is my signal to get busy and get out there.
I’m so sorry about your loss, Karen. And I admire you for deciding to help others as a way to live with your grief, That is such a gracious way to make the world a better place.
Sending you much love.
Fran
After a “grey divorce” (48 yrs married) I felt like many of the commenters about feeling lost after retirement. I’ve worked hard over the past 6 yrs to become me again.
Your get out in nature comment really struck a chord. I was like that burned out area that allowed nature to grow over and cover the scars. No sign of the trauma!
However, trying to put the “news” aside can be difficult. I’m Canadian, experiencing the same difficulties as many of the commenters- just a little differently. But I’m going to try harder. My FB is closed to outside – only family, friends and sewing sites! I’m 80, healthy, have a great family all living close, including 3 great grandkids.
My problem is getting back in my sewing room. I can’t figure it out – I love to sew! Every night I say “tomorrow I’m going to ….” But I don’t. I could open a store with my fabric stash! If someone else has solved this kind of problem, please tell me how.
I love reading that you have found a new and satisfying life the past six years and I have every confidence when the time is right, you will get into your sewing room again to find the joy that is waiting there for you.
Sending you all my best.
Fran