Just a few simple ways to be productive when you’re not feeling motivated.
We’ve all been there. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed or have a run in that has an unpleasant outcome and have no desire to do anything the rest of the day. We know there’s a lot on our plate, but we’re completely unmotivated and don’t know how to get started.
Yeah we all deserve a break every now and then. But we can’t take a break from our lives for weeks or months on end without there being some serious repercussions; like a filthy home, no food in our fridge, or even a sub-par review at our job.
Here are a few simple ways to be productive when you’re feeling unmotivated.
Exercise // Exercise always puts me in a good mood, and leads me to want to continue working hard on something. Sometimes all you need is a change of pace to find your motivation. Even just a quick walk around the neighborhood can lead to inspiration and the desire to be productive.
Change your environment // I used to do this at work all the time when I was unmotivated to work on a project (which was often). Find a new location to work for a few hours, take a break and grab a cup of coffee, go for a walk or even just walk up and down the stairs a few times. A change of scenery can change our perspective and our state of mind.
Put on your favorite music // When I’ve lost that lovin’ feeling and just want to sit and do nothing, I’ll blast a favorite song and dance around for a few minutes. It gets my blood pumping, brings a smile to my face and helps me forget about my lack of motivation (it also works well to get my toddler out of a funk and into a good mood). Even just putting on some background music will help me get into a better mindset to feel more productive.
Set a time limit // No matter what it is you’re trying to accomplish, set a timer and see how much you can get done in say 30 minutes. No other distractions, just focus on what you want to accomplish. Start doing and see how far you get in those 30 minutes.
Make a list // Write down what you want to accomplish. Making a list of the tasks you want to do can help motivate you to actually do them, instead of just thinking about them. We’re a visual society and seeing those tasks written down, ready to be crossed off can be the kick in the pants you need to get going. And if all else fails, at least you’ve written down what you need to accomplish so you’re further than you were before.
Here are 5 simple ways to be productive when you have no motivation Click To TweetThere are countless number of ways to be productive even when we aren’t feeling super motivated at the time. If I can just start doing something, I find that as motivation enough to keep going.
What works to get you feeling productive when you’re totally unmotivated?
Girl you’re speaking my language with the list…it’s my favorite way to get motivated!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I agree with switching up your environment-it helps a ton!
I love all of these tips. We just moved around some things and got a new desk and it really has made a huge difference in productivity.
Yes to all of these! A change of environment does wonders for me if I’m feeling stale and unmotivated. Daily exercise helps a ton, too. All great things to keep us going!
You have that baby yet?!?!?! 😉
Exercise is always a big one for me!!! It makes such a difference in my day, which is why I make a point to do it every day!
You are speaking to me today : ) I’m on spring break but have a ton of work to do. I put my sports bra and workout clothes on first thing in the morning to motivate me. Took an hour walk with Ginny, and now she’s napping so I’ll workout and make my to do list.
If I were you I’d be getting nothing done. I admire your motivation, girl!
Love this list.
Making a list is such a great way to keep me on track throughout the day! Plus I love crossing something off that list!
Me too! Why is just a little line so rewarding, haha!
Set a time limit! That is so important for me because I definitely tend to get involved with so many other projects and don’t get the first one finished!
Yes! I agree with all of these! Especially making lists! Making lists is seriously the only way I remember to do things and actually get them done. There’s something so satisfying about checking things off!
I love all your tips, Tiffany.
There are a lot of things we can do when our energy levels are down that can contribute to our well-being.
In my case, I clear my inbox. Such a necessary no-brainer!
I love your list Tiffany – and I do several of these. My favourite is using a timer. Man that works wonders!
Thanks for sharing!
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
This was me yesterday! My mind is/was bogged down with heavy things and I could not get motivated. I told myself to just do one big thing on my list and give myself a reward. It helped me look at the list I made and decide what was most important. I wish it got me to keep going but I threw in the towel. Better luck next time! I’ll need to try the time limit idea.
Definitely try the timer idea. It makes me hustle and get things done for sure!
Great ideas! Exercise always helps me to get motivated and in a good place mentally! Also a good list making session is the best!
Number 3 is my favorite! Music definitely helps me focus at work
Such good tips Tiffany! Getting moving always gets me out of a funk and makes me feel better. Sometimes I just literally need to get moving to clear my head!