How to Motivate Yourself On OFF days

We all have those days where we question. What are we doing with our lives? Due to lack of sleep, excess workload, stress or for any other unexplained reason, we all have those days where you want to sit in one place, do nothing, and feel the energy drain from the body. It is entirely natural to feel like this at times. We all have “off” days where our ‘will’ to go on merely has gone into hiding. The highs and lows of life take its toll on the journey.

On such ‘off’ days we sit and contemplate our lives. I usually get frustrated by each and everything and feel sorry for myself. But at the end of this phase, I realize that the day just went by, and I might have wasted a perfectly good, productive day. On such days, what you need to is lick your wounds, dust off, and get up and play.

For many, this phase doesn’t last very long and for others like me, may need a couple of days to get better. But here are some ways that could help you turn the switch back on and motivate yourself to do well. Read on!

Take a deep breath
Take a breath and relax. Sometimes we get a bit overwhelmed by our surroundings and the work commitment. Take a stroll, listen to a great song, spend time with your children or pets, do anything that calms you down. While your mind is relaxed, try to find out the reason for your discomfort and lack of will. Don’t get anxious about it either. Clear your mind and try to unburden yourself.

Make a goal and tell it to your friend
Accountability works wonders! When you feel you need to answer to someone, you do not let anything get in the way of achieving your target. You push yourself. More than admitting failure to yourself, you would not like to appear as a loser in front of someone you love or care about. When you keep your targets to yourself, there is a scope of getting out of it. At the same time, if a friend or co-worker is made aware of what you plan to achieve they will help you stay on track and thus help you not have a low day. You become bound to fulfill them.

Start moving
Stop procrastinating and move yourself off from the couch or your bed and get up on your feet. The most prominent hurdle is to start. Try and avoid taking baby steps. Go from 0 Kmph to 50 Kmph. Choose a big project rather than smaller ones. You will never get into the groove, so just start rolling. When you are having a bad day if you forcefully indulge in some work at one point of time, you will be able to get over your anxiety and do your task with proper dedication.

Dress up
If you keep wearing sloppy clothes or are in your PJ’s even after taking a bath, chances are you do not want to get out of this mood. Put on some beautiful clothes. Most of the times, our attire sets the right attitude. Wear that dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you are feeling low, your looks might give you the push you need. You will find that whenever you are having trouble with your self-esteem, it is a great idea to wear a sharp outfit or put on a little makeup and wear your favorite perfume.

Do something you enjoy
Pick a book, go out, meditate; choose to do something that you enjoy. It helps in lifting your mood. Eat a bar of chocolate, it is indeed known to elevate your mood. Do something exciting to pump in the adrenaline. Be in the moment, and you will get back on track in no time.

Do not worry or get upset that you are having a bad day. It is okay to feel off. But don’t let it take you down. Stop procrastinating and work your way towards a great day. Sleep on it if required!