@Itsokay.needtotalk; Motivation!

Feeling demotivated? Increased time at home, missing loved ones and heightened stress levels have left many of us overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up with our ever-growing lists of goals and responsibilities. But you are not alone! Pop on your best lockdown loungewear, get out your to do lists and read on for our best tips to get back on top of things.

Get Up and Show Up (even if you have nowhere to show up to!) Getting out of bed, washed and dressed in the morning can really lay the foundations of a productive day. And making your bed as soon as you get out of it can help to feel as though you have already achieved something before you even leave the bedroom! Even if you are spending the day at home, freshening up and changing into something that makes you smile can help brighten your mood and improve motivation (and yes, clean pyjamas do count!)

You need to have a goal to achieve a goal! Before you go to bed, set out a few things that you would like to achieve the next day. Remember that what seems like a small goal to someone else might feel huge to you, and that is okay – progress is personal! Breaking a goal down into manageable chunks can mean that you see progress every day! And remember that doing something you enjoy is just as important as ticking off a chore. Start with something that will make you feel good and you will be more motivated to continue!

It’s a numbers game! If thinking of a day stretching out in front of you is daunting, try setting a timer for 15 minutes and seeing how much you can get done. Split up your day into bitesize intervals, with a well-deserved break in between, and you will be amazed at how much you can achieve! Also consider the two minute method: if something takes less than two minutes to complete, get it out of the way first – this stops the little jobs building up and feeling bigger than they are! And for tasks that you find yourself avoiding, the five second rule can be a useful tool: Five… four… three… two… one… action!

Big or Small, Progress is Progress! Some days you might feel capable of taking on the world, and other days the weight of the tasks ahead can feel too heavy to carry. Be adaptable - there are things you can achieve even from your bed! Paying a bill online, sending an email you’ve been putting off, making a call to someone you love… there is always something you can do today to help yourself tomorrow. If you find listing the things you ‘need’ to do discouraging, try writing a ‘Tadaa’ list (courtesy of the lovely @mrshinchhome) and record your achievements throughout the day instead. You will be surprised how quickly your list builds up!