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.
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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.
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):
6.
It's My Life by Bon Jovi - it's a lovely rock song about following your will and pursuing life with unrelented passion.
13.
Try by Pink - a new song by Pink about taking chances in love.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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. (*^_^*)
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| Here is a little advice I got from Aboriginal Day (@^ - ^@) |
