There always comes times for all of us when we’re unmotivated, uninspired or just quite frankly can’t bring ourselves to do anything. Sometimes, it’s down to depression or feeling low, other times, it’s just “one of those days”. But whatever the cause for feeling unmotivated, it’s still pretty annoying. Especially when you actually have stuff to do.
If you work in an office or are employed by a company, it’s arguably easier to avoid slipping into a state of not being bothered to do anything because you have a boss who’s relying on you to complete your work.
If you’re self-employed, like me, it can be a bit harder. With nobody breathing down your neck and your entire workday resting in your hands, it can be all too easy to throw in the towel. Even more so if you work from home.
But this isn’t a discussion about the pros and cons of working from home versus working in an office.
There are a number of reasons why we might find ourselves in a state where we’re completely unmotivated to do anything. Sometimes it might just be an off day – I’ve certainly had those specific days where I just don’t want to do ANYTHING.
Or it might be a more prolonged period of time that you’ve felt that way. Perhaps due to a big life change, like losing a pet or another bereavement, a job loss, a medical diagnosis, depression or something else.
There are just times in life where nothing feels “right”. Every task you need to do feels like preparing to walk Everest and requires more effort than you thought possible.
Where no activity elicits any sort of joy or spark from you, you don’t “fancy” doing anything and well, the world just feels a bit bleak.
I’m sure you can remember a time you’ve felt that way.
On those days where I don’t want to do anything, I typically find myself lying in bed, just staring at the ceiling. I always feel guilty for not doing anything and wasting a day but in reality, I don’t think anything could hold my attention anyway.
So, chances are, you’ve felt this way before. And in this post, I’m going to share some things that you CAN do when you’re unmotivated to do anything.
This isn’t self-motivation advice that’s going to have you jumping up and running a 10k around the park. But a gentle self-care-based approach to how you can manage when you don’t want to do anything.
Just don’t do anything
Talk about start with the obvious. But sometimes, when we’re feeling so unmotivated to do anything, it’s because our body and mind is craving just that – nothing. Were surrounded by stimulation all day every day.
Phones, computers, books, games, socializing, chores, music, people – it’s no wonder we need to just lie in a dark room on our own every now and again.
If you really can’t motivate yourself to do anything, then don’t. Follow your intuition and just do what feels right.
Take care of the basics
When we find ourselves in these states of being unmotivated to do anything, sometimes we can go past the point of it being an act of self-care and into a state of self-sabotage.
This is usually the case if we’re feeling unmotivated due to depression, anxiety or a low mood.
So even if you don’t do ANYTHING productive (or even fun) all day long, at the very least, look after your basic self-care. You deserve that much.
Try something completely different
When I’m in these awful moods where I’m not motivated to do anything, anything I think of trying to do is quickly batted away. However, most of the suggestions that crop up inside my own head are things that I do all the time anyway. Reading, playing PlayStation games, having a bath – you know the gist.
Sometimes when you’re not motivated to do anything, I can be because you’re bored and need to step outside of your comfort zone and do something new – something that will bring some excitement.
Not something that you usually do on a daily basis anyway.
Physically slow down
We’re often rushing through life and rushing through our days. Trying to get as many tasks complete as possible. In the end, all the tasks blur into one and things sometimes start to feel a bit meaningless.
Physically slowing down will help you hone in on what’s important. Start taking your time with every task – especially if you’re feeling low and unmotivated.
Try and grab those small pockets of joy in the mundane tasks. A great book to help with this is Washing Up Is Good For You.
Surrender
There will be a reason we feel the way we do. Sometimes it’s obvious, like burn-out. It might be low mental health. Or just one of those days. Whatever the reason, sometimes the best thing to do, is to surrender to it.
The more you try and change how you feel, the more likely you’ll be to feel worse. Especially if whatever you’re doing isn’t working.
Surrender to the big picture. Let your body lead the way and tell you what it needs and what to do.
Shift your focus and perspective
When we’re so unmotivated to do anything, it’s no surprise that we focus so much on the negatives. And whilst I do think it’s important to feel what you need to feel, sometimes a slight change in perspective can make the world of difference.
This might be taking yourself to a different place to work; a coffee shop or a co-working space. Going for a walk somewhere new. Or ditching the routine completely and taking yourself on a day out.
Ditch social media
We all know the pros and cons of social media by now and when we’re in one of these states of feeling low and unmotivated, being on social media can – unsurprisingly – make it worse.
When we’re scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone else doing the things, we don’t feel like we can do right now, it’ll only lead us to feeling guilty. Or like a failure.
But don’t forget, it’s only the highlights we’re seeing, and those people will get days like this too. Try and switch off from social media and focus on doing things in your “real” life.
Go into nature
Nature heals you on a spiritual level. When we go into nature, we’re starkly reminded of how small we are and how we’re just one tiny piece of the bigger picture at play. This leads on nicely from the point about shifting your perspective.
And nature can be a wonderful way to help you make that shift. Nature can often help us clear our mind, tend to our body and soothe our soul.
Getting out into nature might just give you that small boost you need to help you gain some more motivation.
The important thing is not to beat yourself up if you do feel like this. It can be very jarring, especially if you’re normally a very productive, proactive and determined person.
But even the most determined of us need a rest every now and again.
And even if these feelings have come about through mental illness, physical illness or a negative life event, there’s still absolutely no reason to beat yourself up.
We all work through these feelings in different ways, and these were just a few kind suggestions in case you’re struggling to know where to start.
Some great advice there, thanks for sharing. 💜
Thank you x
I hate moments like this, because although I do follow my body, generally doing nothing & sleeps all day.. I mainly feel bad for being so unproductive 🤦🏽♀️ While it’s completely normal and healthy to take breaks and not constantly overworking ourselves.
I totally understand about feeling guilty for doing nothing – it’s so hard to switch up those thoughts.
I really needed to read this – and I hope I can put it into practice. I’ve just been struggling so much lately to even be up and walking about, never mind blogging and moving on with life.
I hope this helps. Just take it one thing at a time as to not overwhelm yourself. Hope you’re doing okay xxxx
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I tend to do the basics just to keep things ticking over or I will do some knitting or something like that to relax my mind for a bit.
Yes, that’s always a good idea!
I hate going through stages of not feeling motivation to do anything, it can be frustrating! Shifting focus and perspective is a good way to help regain motivation again! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It’s so frustrating! Think it’s important to remember that it’s not going to last forever though.
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Excellent tips!!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing all of these ideas! 🙂
Thanks Linda 🙂
Great post Jenny. I often have to remind myself to take a break and stay off social media in particular! Also knowing when to surrender, which I struggle doing if it affects others around me. But I guess you have to know when to put yourself first to live a happier life. Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeandMe
Yes absolutely! Getting off social media is always a good thing to do occasionally!
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Loving these simple tips on how we can reset or just embrace the moment when we do not feel motivated to tackle our to-do lists or be productive! Doing nothing, getting out into nature, or shifting perspective are all wonderful ways to do something whilst doing (almost) nothing. <3
Absolutely! You definitely don’t have to be doing something productive all the time!
When I am not feeling motivated I usually give in and just do something that doesn’t require me to put in much effort. Like watch television or play a game on my phone.
Other things is I just focus on something, like self-care and just do things that make me feel happy. Thank you for sharing your suggestions! These are super helpful.
Lauren x
Yes that’s the same for me, I know people moan about scrolling through your phone but sometimes all I feel motivated to do is watch funny Instagram videos and that’s perfectly okay 🙂
These are such great tips! I hate feeling that way so this is good to keep in mind for when you do
Yes absolutely 🙂
I totally feel this, since having covid my brain just feels so blurred all the time. It’s hard to do anything too tasking, but I’m hoping it will let me write soon
Ah I’m sorry to hear that covid has affected you like that!
Feeling unmotivated is human. When I am in this state, I usually do not do anything. I use it as a sign that maybe I have been going too hard for too long and need a rest. Then after a rest, I read my goals. This usually helps me regain focus and put together some next steps, even if it is just going outside, spending time with my family, or reading a book.
Yes absolutely, that’s my point about doing nothing, sometimes our bodies just need to do nothing.
I get cycles of this regularly so it was really helpful to see your suggestions — thanks so much for sharing; I’m going to put a routine in place that (hopefully) better prepares me for times like this!
That’s great, I hope that helps!
Going in to nature helps me, I have a dog so she nags me until I got out anyway lol
Haha huge benefit of having a dog!
Losing motivation is a bad thing. For me, I would take a break, identify what went wrong, spend time with family and close friends, and talk to my besties about it.
Sounds like some good coping techniques!
Slowing down is so important to me. I tend to become unmotivated when I’ve been doing too much lately. It leads to burnout.
Yes we really need to know our own signs of burn out!
It would be a disaster if I followed what my brain wants lol. I’d do nothing for YEARS heads on.
The thing is, there is something wrong with me that I haven’t identified yet. Something between anxiety and depression is really REALLY slowing me down.
I just accepted the fact that I just got out of an abusive household and decided not to give up and do nothing about it because life doesn’t wait for us to become motivated.
I do agree that we have to give ourselves a break from time to time unless we want to become overwhelmed. Shifting my focus does wonders for me. I always change what I’m doing if I became unmotivated then I come back to what I was doing later.
Thank you for this post! I enjoyed reading it.
I hope you’re getting help or are considering getting help or talking to someone with how you’re feeling? Sounds like it goes quite a bit deeper than what I was referring to in this post but I’m glad you enjoyed it xx
Yes, of course. I’m working on it and hopefully will become better 🙂 thanks for your concern
Great tips! Going out into nature is one of the absolute best things you can do to get yourself motivated – there’s something amazing about fresh air!
Totally agree!
This is such a Brilliant post with fab suggestions and ideas here. Thank you for taking the time to write and share.
You’re welcome 🙂
Great ideas! I am full of bug at the moment so definitely need self care.
Sorry to hear that, get well soon!