8 Ways To Motivate Yourself When You Are Feeling Down

Whether you’re feeling hurt, depressed, or just plain lazy, finding the motivation to get going can be a real challenge. Learning how to motivate yourself is easier said than done, but it's not impossible!

Never buy into the idea that motivation just happens naturally. Instead, it's something you choose. You don’t wake up and automatically feel motivated to exercise or go to work. Motivation is more about mindset and discipline than anything else.

When you know how to motivate yourself, you can accomplish anything, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing at that moment.

Depression can strike, and suddenly, everything in your life seems to take a backseat. Whether you’ve been cheated on, dumped, or simply aren’t happy with where your life is, depression can significantly affect your work, friendships, and romantic relationships.

So how can you pull yourself out of this slump? Here are three ways to snap out of it. It’s not easy, but it can be done!

# Set a goal

When all you want to do is crawl into bed and never come out, setting a goal seems nearly impossible. However, just because you’re feeling down doesn’t mean the world stops for you. There are still relationships to maintain and bills to pay.

Having a goal keeps you accountable and motivated, even when the last thing you want to do is get out of bed. It doesn’t have to be a massive goal; you can start with simple ones. Begin with a plan to get out of bed and eat breakfast, even if you end up returning to bed later.

# Maintain a Healthy Diet

When feeling down, some people tend to indulge in unhealthy foods as a form of emotional eating, while others lose their appetite altogether. Deep depression can cause the brain to stop sending hunger signals to the body, leading to fatigue and nutritional deficiencies.

Depriving your body of food will only worsen your lack of motivation, so it's important to eat regularly. Nutrition is closely linked to mood and energy levels. Even if eating doesn’t bring you joy anymore, remember that it's essential to take care of your body.

# Prioritize Sleep

Getting a proper night’s sleep not only leaves you feeling well-rested but also rejuvenates your mind, improves memory, guards against health issues like obesity and heart disease, enhances your sex life, and overall puts you in a better mood.

Many people underestimate the power of sleep in learning how to motivate yourself, but it's a crucial factor. Without adequate sleep, you won’t have the energy needed to have a productive day. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night; it’s essential for maintaining motivation levels.

# Establish a Routine

Create a list of your daily routines and display it somewhere visible. As you complete each task, check it off. It feels good to know you’ve finished your daily tasks, and this will motivate you to achieve even more significant things each day.

If you keep a journal, make it part of your daily routine. Writing down negative thoughts may help you get rid of them and improve your ability to motivate yourself.

# Socialize

Interacting with people and engaging in volunteer activities when you have the time can help you build strong relationships. Helping someone in need can improve your perspective and increase your motivation to get out of bed the next day.

All of these factors are important for maintaining motivation.

# Avoid Negativity

Even simple activities like reading the news or browsing the internet can negatively affect your mood. Conversations with people who drain your energy or revisiting traumatic memories can make you feel depressed.

Instead, focus on gratitude and positivity. Surround yourself with uplifting content and positive people to help you stay motivated.

# Get Dressed and Get Moving

Simply getting out of bed is a significant accomplishment. Consider writing positive affirmations like “Yes, you can do it,” “Every journey starts with a single step,” and “Never give up!” on sticky notes and placing them in a prominent place in your workspace.

Ensure that the thoughts you cultivate are positive ones, as your brain absorbs everything you feed it.

# Exercise Regularly

Physical activity increases the synthesis of endorphins, also known as “feel-good hormones,” in the body. Research suggests that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and may also be beneficial in treating more severe forms of depression.

If you want to learn how to motivate yourself, make regular exercise a part of your routine.