As part of the rehabilitation team, we occupational therapists use our disposition to be therapeutic. In the purest sense, we must be motivated to move others. For how can a full-fledged bonfire start without the tiny sparks? But, of course... we are human as well; and oftentimes in our adult lives, we face daunting situations that leave us feeling dejected. Even for some, the everyday "normal" lives make us feel dull and jaded - that we are stagnant of some sort. This slump can go on for as long as you allow it to. And yes, when you're in that pit of boredom and frustration, you might start to think that that is where you ought to be - decrepit and useless. As Dr. Seuss said, "Un-slumping yourself is not easily done."
Here I share with you the things I usually do when I'm in a slump.
1. Take a walk
I've found that when you wake up in the morning and you feel that certain uncomfortable nudge of the slump, it will set out to keep you at home. If it starts to whisper, then the best thing to do is to GO OUT. Take a walk! By taking a slow walk outside, you'll be able to give yourself time to reflect. You'll notice small things that you've never concerned yourself with before. Minuscule circumstances like a child walking with their parents, an old lady waiting for the bus, teenagers walking with their friends on the pavement and cars bustling by as you take your walk. Random acts of kindness like a man opening a door for the next person or walking by the dangerous side of the pavement to shield a stranger. And in that simple walk you took, you'll be filled with obscurity of wonders - how people in your small community live their best in small ways. That your existence may be small but significant and surely, as you traveled from your house to whichever direction you went, you're unmotivated self too shall pass.
2. Read something inspirational
I always believe that words have spirit. That whatever kind of words you speak can hold a person captive or unbind them if you will. It goes the same for whatever you feed your mind. Words that you read can inspire you into motion or keep you prisoner in your current mindset. True to my belief, I have survived the adjustment phase in Canada by living on my everyday "inspirational something". Be it a quote from a scientist of the past century, a contemporary poem or a Dr. Seuss book, I read them and let them linger in my mind. It's even funny to admit that I look forward to reading Vancouver 24 Hours's horoscope because I find them inspiring. The way in which they construct their sentences are always so positive and encouraging. I also have this application with lots of motivational quotes that randomizes quotes everyday. I start my day empowered by such words and still do.
Here is a list of quick motivational reads and links to quote sites I frequent:
1. Don't Quit Poem - a very famous poem since I was a child. Whoever wrote it, kudos to you.
2. If - by Rudyard Kipling - this is a great poem to make you start reflecting on yourself.
3. Mutability by Percy Bysshe Shelley - a poem that will make you realize the world is never stagnant.
4. On Quitting by Edgar Guest - a poem telling on how hard it is to let go of something you truly love.
5. Brainy Quotes - frequent site I visit for quotes. They have an archive of quotes in landscape backgrounds.
6. Think Exist - frequent site I visit again for quotes. No pictures however.
7. I Like To Quote - an imageboard for quotes that is easy to share with social media.
8. Incidental Comics - I recently discovered the genius of Grant Snider. He has some really great stuff in his site about a variety of topics. Well, mostly art but still his works are quite inspiring.
8. Incidental Comics - I recently discovered the genius of Grant Snider. He has some really great stuff in his site about a variety of topics. Well, mostly art but still his works are quite inspiring.
3. Listen to music
Much like how words move you, add melody to that and you have magic. I grew up in a house filled with song and I've realized how music can generally empathize with you to heal your soul. To me, listening to music is like breathing, like going back to the basics of life. There's nothing like a song that can express your remorse and unmotivated self then another different song to cheer you up out of that slump. Listening to music always has that connection to one's soul. It hooks deep and fishes out those bad feelings and can patch it up nicely with warm, positive ones.
Here is a list of some moving songs I like and recommend (may contain Japanese songs):
1. Closer To The Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars - a song about determination in life and looking past your regrets.
2. What Doesn't Kill You (Makes You Stronger) by Kelly Clarkson - definitely one of those songs to pump up your day with self confidence
3. Firework by Katy Perry - an uplifting song on inner beauty and potential.
4. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield - I heard this song first from a shampoo commercial and got hooked! It's about taking the future into your hands.
5. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong - quite an old song that will make you reflect on the bigger picture of everything. You'll be thankful for the small things that make up your life.
6. It's My Life by Bon Jovi - it's a lovely rock song about following your will and pursuing life with unrelented passion.
7. Have A Nice Day by Bon Jovi - another Bon Jovi song that string up the daily dose of courage you need.
8. Defying Gravity (from Wicked) by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth - from a broadway musicale about fighting for what you believe in. There is a Glee version but I prefer this better.
8. Defying Gravity (from Wicked) by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth - from a broadway musicale about fighting for what you believe in. There is a Glee version but I prefer this better.
9. One Step At A Time by Jordin Sparks - a song about reaching your goal by taking one small step after another.
10. Skyscraper by Demi Lovato - Demi's comeback song rising up after failing many times
11. Who You Are by Jessie J - a very powerful song speaking of loving yourself as you are.
12. The Climb by Miley Cyrus - Disney Miley's song on facing obstacles in life.
13. Try by Pink - a new song by Pink about taking chances in love.
14. When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey - a classic song by two unbeatable divas of our time regarding having faith.
15. Bad Day by Daniel Powter - probably the most famous song in the list if I might say so. The most empathetic song in the list too. Who would've thought it was released a decade ago?
16. Complain by David Archuleta - a song from Archie's 2nd album which moves you to action.
17. That's The Way It Is by Celine Dion - a love song released almost 15 years ago that never fails to uplift my mood. It's about not giving up and working hard in your relationship.
18. Chances Are by Five for Fighting - actually a love song but speaks of taking chances on life.
19. Warattetainda by Ikimonogakari LYRICS TRANSLATION - a song that describes strongly moving into an optimistic future .
20. Dareka ga by Puffy AmiYumi LYRICS TRANSLATION - a popular song from the anime Naruto that speaks of supporting each other in fretful times.
21. Muteki no Kimi by Fukuyama Masaharu LYRICS TRANSLATION - a song by my favorite J-artist about independent women and their courageous souls.
22. Against Wind by Akutagawa Jirou - a song from the anime Prince of Tennis about adversity and how you could overcome it.
23. Brave by Sara Bareilles - a fairly new song about standing up for yourself. The video is quite interesting as well like here "Uncharted" one.
24. Makenaide by ZARD LYRICS TRANSLATION - an old Japanese song from the 90s about not giving up.
25. Uncharted by Sara Bareilles - I love this song! It speaks of moving forward from where you are now to your goal.
4. Do something productive
Unbeknownst to many, accomplishing a little task everyday could greatly improve your disposition. Setting a small goal such as arranging your clothes in the closet or trimming your house plants and finishing it can help you feel fulfilled throughout the day. Take a moment to think about the time when you are in an upsetting mood, then you engaged yourself into something that produced results. There is a certain satisfaction in that. The feeling is small but its effect in your soul resounds through your body - like a raindrop creating a ripple in a larger body of water. Start by doing small things a day then proceed to bigger tasks to complete.
5. Keep a hobby
There is nothing comparable to immersing yourself in things in which you can express yourself freely. In the midst of the almost maddening effects of the slump, you'll find that engaging in your hobbies will keep you sane. It is entirely different from other activities which we "put effort" in most of the time, as the motive to do them comes intrinsically. The motivation to do them comes out naturally as though the hobby was already part of you even before you were born. Thus, we rather than expending energy and getting tired, we become emotionally charged when we do our hobbies. If you don't happen to have one or feel like you need a hobby change, then try looking at the community board and find something that may pique your interest.
6. Self-reflect and move on
I confess to my abysmal habit of reflection. Most especially towards myself. I have always been delving in thoughts of queries and answers. At times when I feel unmotivated, I try to look inside myself to find the reason as to why I am in such state. Why do I feel down? What events lead to me feeling suddenly unmotivated? What did I do to remedy those? If there weren't anything I can do about those things, then what am I supposed to do? Those kinds of questions come up and somehow, through the long process of rationalizing with yourself, you'll be able to know just where you stand right now in life. And from there, you'll pick up on your trail.
 |
| A beautiful art about self-reflection found in Incidental Comics! |
7. Pray
I find that at times when everything just falls into chaos and that no matter what I do, I can't seem to relieve my restlessness, I pray. When you've tried all of the things that can possibly cure your seasonal slump and still it won't go away, perhaps it's time to surrender your mind to a Higher Power. You'll find the peace you need.
That's it for my 7 ways to motivating yourself. These are the things that work for an introvert like me. I suggest browsing through the song list! They are absolutely wonderful. And feel free to suggest things that work for you when you're unmotivated on the comment box! I might try it out and see if it will fit for me too. (*^_^*)
That's it for my 7 ways to motivating yourself. These are the things that work for an introvert like me. I suggest browsing through the song list! They are absolutely wonderful. And feel free to suggest things that work for you when you're unmotivated on the comment box! I might try it out and see if it will fit for me too. (*^_^*)
 |
| Here is a little advice I got from Aboriginal Day (@^ - ^@) |
No comments:
Post a Comment