I find myself every month (hello hormones) in a motivational dip. A moment (often a day at the most) where my emotional immunity takes a dive and my ego reigns full tilt. The beauty of this blog and writing weekly posts, it is great to retrospectively map out these occurrences as they definitely show up in my subject matter.
Sometimes though, external events coincide with these moments to blow them out of proportion (at least in my own mind). Exposure to others or situations that seem to highlight how crappy I feel in comparison, can have these “blues” hanging around a little longer than usual. This can result in more of a flat line period than simply a dip.
I am building up an armoury of defence in response to these monthly dips, and I thought I’d share them with you – in case you’d like to add some to your emergency first aid kit for your soul.
Eat something Green – (not mouldy cheese). My first reaction (well practised habit) is to grab some comfort in chocolate – for me it’s peanut m&ms. But something I’ve learned along the way –
Shit Food = Shit ‘tude.
Eating a high sugary treat actually depletes my energy faster and further than it was before hand. Since a handful of lettuce is not appealing in the face of a confectionary craving, I like to fill up first on a green smoothie, followed up a good 20 minutes later, with a cup of herbal tea (I use the Pukkah Love tea – because I know I need a little Self Love) and some Loving Earth chocolate if I am still seeking the comfort of chocolate. Give myself another 20 minutes and if I still really want it then Peanut m&ms are on the menu – sometimes this is the case, but more often than not I have gotten what I needed and have no desire or opportunity to get in the car to travel to the shops specifically for them. If I do have the opportunity and the desire remains, at least my body has received some happiness inducing nutrition and the m&ms will be purely for comfort.
Don’t look to Social Media in the hope of finding a spirit raising post that someone is promoting – more often than not, the guff that is surrounding that gem will overshadow it and you will be left in a sea of comparison and unrealistic portrayal of how fabulous everyone is doing or alternatively someone’s negative energy will be jumping out at you from the screen. Instead try your email inbox to see if those blogs you have consciously subscribed to are offering any insights for you. Here’s what greeted me today – perfect timing and nothing to sort through to get to it…Pushing Past the Terrifying Dip in Motivation
Start yourself a list of things you find uplifting and helpful when your spirit is low. Here’s mine from a previous post Staying the Course looking back on this list can become your go to – rather than trying to reinvent the wheel every time you feel low.
Immerse yourself in something meditative – whether it be meditation itself or creating art or craft. It’s all about gaining some space in your head. I have recently learnt a lot about absorbing colour through your eyes to lift your spirit – try resting your gaze on a bright colourful image as you regulate and deepen your breath. For inspiration, if you do a google image search on Happiness Mandala you will be rewarded by some of the most colourful uplifting intricate designs that you can lose yourself in for at least a little while.
If you have others relying on you (especially small people) try and do something that will make both your life and their life a little easier. Whether that’s getting takeout, or renting a video – adding a little bit of fun will help ease up your sense of “must do” and will help you from transferring your dark mood onto them.
Give yourself a mini vacation from how you feel if it is lasting that bit too long. I like to lose myself in a bit of escapism in the form of great fiction. Whether it be a book you’ve been dying to get into – just for fun instead of learning something from it. Or a good bit of aussie drama. Try not to aimlessly watch tv – but if there is that one show that you love – perhaps a re-run on the computer (Offspring!) or something that you may have missed that week – something removed from your own feelings that you can just be absorbed in for an hour or so – may leave you feeling refreshed as you’ve switched off your own mind for that time.
I’d love to know what you have in your armoury of defence against Motivational Dips. Share below in the comments – as always your input is inspirational to me. xx
