Wondering what you can do to wake up with a burst of energy every day?
Do you notice that your motivation definitely decreases during the autumn and winter periods?
Do you want to be active and successful, but you just can’t seem to get going?
Motivation is a state of readiness to act which depends, among other things, on our attitude and emotions. In addition to these two factors, the condition of our body also has an impact. Any health disorder can affect our energy levels and, consequently, our motivation.
If you want to gain a “second life” and exude vigor every day, learn the 5 steps to finding motivation and energy for action.
1. find inner peace and calm your body.
Contrary to what you may think, getting all things in order in your head and being able to disconnect from the whirlwind of information is a key skill to regain your motivation to act.
Our body always works in a compatible way, i.e. if you allow it to rest and relax, it will enrich you with energy and power to act. All this happens through neurotransmitters, which regulate our internal processes and cause energy surges/outflows.
To find out more: https://moodandread.com/the-role-of-dopamine-and-serotonin-in-daily-life-what-is-a-neurotransmitter/
2. Don’t do anything by force
If you don’t feel like working out, meeting friends, working, or studying – let it go. Doing anything by force introduces a sense of waste and frustration, and this takes away our motivation. Pick up a favorite book or TV series instead – give yourself time to relax and enjoy. Without the imposition of pressure and obligation to do tasks at the moment, the next day we will feel a surge of strength and probably more desire to do things.
*If the situation of not wanting to do anything persists for more than two weeks and there are co-morbid symptoms, e.g. low mood, sleep problems, digestive problems, or stomach/headaches – it is worth seeing a psychologist. These can be the first signs of depression and should not be underestimated.
3. Think about your life
Reflect on your life. Recall all the good moments from the near and distant past. Think about what is happening now and consider what the future will look like. Pay attention to your expectations, resolutions, and plans. Make a list of things you would like to do in the coming months. Creating a list will allow you to face your dreams and goals. And, more importantly, it will trigger the start of an active process!
*Research proves that people who write their plans and goals down on paper are much more likely to achieve them. This is due to the ‘generation effect’, a phenomenon in which information is better remembered if it is generated from one’s own mind than, for example, if it is read.
4. Start the day with a walk
After getting out of bed, it is a good idea to move forward, i.e. go for a walk. In humans and animals, there is a phenomenon whereby when we make a forward movement, visual images pass through our eyes – that is known as optical flow. If someone is blind or has poor vision the same phenomenon occurs in the auditory system – sounds pass by us in what is known as auditory flow. Going into forward-moving mode – the experience of visual flow has a powerful effect on our nervous system. It causes a quieting or reduction in the amount of neuronal activity in the brain structure ‘amygdala’ or amygdala body. The amygdala has a role in anxiety, fear, and threat detection. It is part of the network in the brain that generates feelings of fear and anxiety.
Movement in the morning, walking, running, cycling, etc. is responsible for quieting the amygdala, i.e. reducing anxiety levels. Reduced anxiety levels will contribute to lower stress levels. Your motivation level will not be limited by your own emotions, which will consequently stimulate and increase your motivation.
5. Be honest!
This may seem strange to you and unrelated to your motivation level, yet I will surprise you.
Honesty stimulates and regulates the prefrontal cortex (responsible for delayed gratification, future planning, and storytelling). When we tell a true story we stimulate our prefrontal cortex – when we stimulate it we are able to create connections between the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens – which is the pleasure and pain pathway.
Being honest we will become more satisfied with life, and as I wrote earlier, our motivation is largely influenced by our emotions. Being satisfied with life will make our sense of empowerment increase and with it our motivation.
6. Find a passion that consumes you
If you have something you think about as soon as you wake up and you love doing it – YOU ARE LUCKY. If you don’t have an activity that makes you happy, it’s time to change that. Do some research, read up, and get interested in different activities. Try out a few and choose the one you enjoy the most. Remember that nothing in the beginning, while learning, gives you the same pleasure as after years of regular practice. Passion is finding something interesting and practicing that activity systematically. Give yourself time and space. Try new things. Choose one that is best for you and don’t give up. After years you will thank yourself. Promises.
*Progress in learning new things makes your motivation level go up. Finding a passion adds +100 to your motivation in everyday life. Passion makes you know what you are living for and what you can dedicate yourself to. Remember that each of us has a lifetime to find our passion. A passion can be reading, meditation, prayer, sports, music, and many more. A passion can be any activity that does not contribute to self-destruction. If you haven’t found your passion yet, start your search today!
