topic I want to improve my mental health but I lack motivation in Young people

I want to improve my mental health but I lack motivation

Budgieowner — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:27:51 GMT

Hi,

i struggle with anxiety on a daily basis and lately my thoughts have been getting more depressing everyday,

I really want to improve my life style by trying to get into healthier habits to maybe improve my ways of thinking and such but, everytime I try I just feel tired and I lose motivation to stick to my plans and just think what’s the point

I was wondering does anyone have an tips for small goals I could try to achieve on a daily basis to maybe help my motivation?

I do really want to get better but i am struggling with actually motivating myself to do things.

Any advice would be helpful

Thanks

I want to improve my mental health but I lack motivation

geoff — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:05:37 GMT

Hi Budgieowner, welcome to the forum.

Good on you for wanting to do this so I can suggest that you do it slowly, by walking around the block, gradually work towards changing your routine, perhaps go for a swim at the indoor pool, I know once you're in it your feeling changes, the water takes your weight and with this it relieves all the pressure you are carrying around, it feels relaxing.

If you are able to get a puppie then the excitement and joy they provide to throw a ball, that it for a walk and/or obedience school makes you proud.

Take it slowly and don't push yourself because if this happens it may make you want to stop, but you are determined and that's good.

Geoff.

I want to improve my mental health but I lack motivation

therising — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:58:25 GMT

Hi Budgieowner

Understanding 'motivation' is key. It's about finding strong enough MOTIVE for us to MOVE IT (get us moving in a particular direction). A couple of really super basic examples when it comes to motivation: We seek out a toilet when we're busting because we don't want to soil our underwear. We post on beyondblue because we wish to communicate something. 'Because' is a relevant word here, as it equates to 'What would be cause enough for action to take place? In other words, 'What's the payoff?' Keep in mind that fact that our motives will change under different circumstances, in other words what once worked may not work now so we need to keep reassessing and experimenting.

Sometimes it helps to do the passenger thing occasionally - find someone who can act as the driver to a degree in your life. When the chemistry present in depression decreases our level of drive/mental energy, a 'surrogate mind' can be exactly what we need to get us thinking and moving in a certain direction. Is there someone in your life who you can rely on to knock on your door and say, 'C'mon, let's go and I'm not taking no for an answer'?

Another idea involves creating momentum (yes, easier said than done). First, create a goal then work backwards in your mind in stages in regard to how you're going to achieve it. Once you have your plan, use mini-motivators with each step. 1)Goal: Walk to the local shop instead of driving. 2)Imagine yourself at the shop paying for a specific item at the register, then you see yourself walking past house #92, house #82, house #72 etc, until you reach home and put the key in the door. 3)Now, put everything into reverse order, so as to reach the goal. Leave the house, walk past #72, #82 etc. 4)Mini-motivator: With each house you pass, your task is to observe (with all your senses) some things you've never noticed before, such as the colour of a front door, the smell coming from a kitchen, the sound of a barking dog and so on. Before you know it, life becomes a little more sensational in the true sense of the word.

Life is a sensational experience, for it is our senses that help us connect/relate to things. Perhaps you can have all your goals relating specifically to sensory development. Remember Budgieowner, you are a sensational person in more ways than one.

Take care

I want to improve my mental health but I lack motivation

LavenderTea — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:03:18 GMT

Hey Budgieowner,

There are some great tips that the others have mentioned so I'll keep this one short.

Reward yourself and be kind. Set yourself small goals, break up daily tasks into smaller ones, and reward yourself for achieving them. Small steps are key, and the smaller you can break things down, the easier it will be for you to achieve.It might help you to just write down a list of small tasks you want to get done, just to begin with, and each day or each week, just add something else.

You sound like you're fairly good at self-awareness, since you're addressing this yourself, so I'd also suggest being mindful of what you're feeling. If you absolutely don't want to do something, that's okay too - be kind to yourself, and allow yourself a break.

LT.