Summer saps my energy. Lower energy equals lower self motivation. How do I break this self defeating cycle? With great difficulty. Here are a few of my thoughts. What are yours?
- Self compassion. I find it crucial to remember it is OK, even normal, not to feel at the top of my game 100% of the time. No need for a pity party. Simply a need for acceptance.
- Take a moment to reflect on, or better yet, write down things I am grateful for. In fact, this is something I do every single morning as soon as I get up. It is a great way to start the day.
- Exercise. As I age I’ve slowed down to more moderate, less joint rattling exercise. Yoga instead of step aerobics. Walking instead of running. You don’t have to go to the gym, do a series of burpees, run a marathon or even walk a mile or more to exercise. The key is to move. It can be as intense or gentle as you are able.
- Spend time with others. This is more of a challenge during the pandemic than it has been in the past. One of the advantages of summer and/or warmer climates is we can gather with a few friends or family members outside for a visit. Our granddaughters, aged 6 and 8, will be visiting this weekend. I’ve made them pretty masks for the occasion. We’ve stockpiled some simple outdoor items, such as bean bags and ring toss. I expect they will also have some sprinkler time.
- Educate yourself. This is a personal preference of mine. I love taking classes online, honing my drawing skills through tutorials, watching videos about art, and broadening my horizons through books and movies.
- Finally, simply writing out this list of what I do to motivate myself has proven to be motivation. I can’t wait to walk the talk.
One of the advantages of working on Turbulence is even with a nearly empty motivation tank, all I have to do is piece one piece to next. I have a blueprint. I follow it. Seeing the work expand and pull together as a cohesive piece of art reminds it is all worth it.
I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.
All of your suggestions are excellent. We are often times too hard on ourselves. Your piece is progressing beautifully!
I know I can be extremely hard on myself. I cut others more slack than I will cut myself. I confess, I used the post to remind myself I am entitled to have a few off days. This week it felt as though I was more off than on. One of the advantages of posting weekly is seeing even when I am off, I do accomplish something.
Thanks for the positive nod towards Turbulence. Much appreciated.
As much as I love summer and the outdoor activities, our latest weather pattern is hot, hotter, and hottest with matching humidity. Even in an air conditioned home, and few outings (errands!), I watch our cats who have made sleeping an Olympic sport! If they are lethargic, and doing nothing, why am I surprised when I have a similar reaction? (And I don’t wear a fur coat!) I have learned that, while a list of to-do’s is a good start, the day will end with something not completed. I have learned to accept that about myself and, as Scarlett would say, “Tomorrow is another day.” And it is!
I am fascinated by “Turbulence” and will continue to watch it “grow,” no matter how long it takes!
One thing that surprised me about Appleton, WI is the range of temperature. I never thought of the Boston area as temperate. I reserved that for “one season” weather. Appleton’s temperature range is noticeably broader than here. AC helps, but it is nice to be able to sit outside. I expect I will finish piecing Turbulence by end of July or first week in August. Each new block completed adds to the picture.