10 tips to spark motivation

We all have times in our lives when we feel drained, sometimes life gets heavy and overwhelming. This is a big part of being human; being alive. Here are some tips on what I personally do when I am lacking motivation.

1. Listen to music

Music is such a huge foundation in my life. It's my go-to for any given situation. However, when I find myself unmotivated, turning on some pumped up songs can instantly put me in a good mood. Anything that has a good beat is sure to get you up and dancing in no time.

2. Listen to motivational speakers

There are so many motivational speakers on the internet. I love exploring YouTube and finding the ones that really hit home. One of my personal favorites is Jay Shetty, however, there are so many out there. Depending on what you need motivation on and what resonates with you, will take some digging of your own to find the perfect speaker for you.

Helpful tip: Sometimes motivational speakers make it sound easy or instantaneous to turn your life around and reach ALL of your goals. I only suggest these videos to help get yourself started in the right direction, the right mindset, to keep pushing forward in life. There is no time frame to life.

3. Read motivational quotes/poems

A lot of people love scrolling through Pinterest, I know I do. While you're on there, feel free to look up some motivational or happy quotes to get yourself in a more positive mindset. In today's world, we read so many negative/pessimistic things that it can really take a toll on a person. It's been proven that by surrounding yourself with a more positive lifestyle/atmosphere, you can better lead a more positive life.

4. Meditate

Meditation is one thing that a lot of people shy away from. It sounds a little intimidating or weird at first. Like really? You just sit in silence? But honestly, it's so relaxing and rewarding. And you don't have to sit in silence! I often will play soft music or calming nature sounds. Sitting in silence is tough so this definitely helps. Meditating allows you to focus on any negative stressors in your life and gives you an uninterrupted space to be with your thoughts to sort them out.

5. Unplug from social media

As fun as social media is, it can also become extremely toxic. It builds up unrealistic standards for society and can be negatively impressionable on anyone's mind. It's important to take some time to unplug from social media for a bit. I've started setting time limits (Apple products actually have Screen Time where you can set limits for apps) for certain apps, so I don't overuse my phone. I also turned off social media notifications, so I'm not constantly tempted to check my phone. It's been really healthy for me, and I have felt more relaxed after taking that unnecessary weight off of my shoulders.

6. Journal

Sometimes in life, our exhaustion comes more from our jumbled thoughts and inner stress than it does from our outside environment. Writing down your thoughts can help you unscramble them and make sense of them. From there, you can decide a better course of action for how to help yourself feel rested and sort out any stressors in your life.

7. Just start creating!

This sounds silly to say. Like telling someone with asthma to "Just breathe" or something. But truly, just picking up a pencil and drawing randomly, or painting without purpose. Simple acts like that can begin sparking creativity because you've already completed the hardest task; getting started! It's always hard to find the willpower to start something. However, by simply just doing, it sets the wheels of creativity in motion.

8. Exercise

I know. I know. Such a silly suggestion. But it really works. It doesn't have to be anything rigorous. Something as simple as yoga or going on a walk will get your blood flowing and help boost your energy. I always start by doing small workouts and build up to larger ones, that way I slowly build my adrenaline and by the time I go all out, I'll spend all of the energy I just built up. After that, you get to tell yourself you did something productive which motivates your brain to keep doing things.

9. Turn to friends/family

Sometimes, your lack of motivation goes beyond just being tired and bored. Maybe you've been dealing with a lot and just haven't realized how much it's drained you. If you notice this, it really helps to turn to someone you trust so they can help you through whatever rough patch you're going through.

10. Write down goals

Seeing your goals written down makes them seem so much more real. Make a list, but don't feel bad if it takes a while to cross those goals off or if they change. It's up to you to define those goals and they'll grow and change with you as you grow and change with life.

Overall, finding motivation is all about finding something positive that works best for you.