How do you motivate yourself to do things?

[Jemina]

We all struggle to motivate ourselves to do things with depression. It can be so hard to get the motivation to do anything sometimes, and I know I for one would much rather just hide in bed some days and do nothing. But often we have things we need to do so we're not able to do nothing like we'd like to. On those low days where you really don't want to do anything, how do you motivate yourself?


For me, the best thing to motivate me is music. I find that I can switch off a bit from other things if I can have my music blasting something or other. I can concentrate more on the music than on anything else enough to get through what I need to do.

 

[Allegro]

I use music as well. I also like writing lists to check off, it motivates me. For example with exercising, or daily chores to do. Once I find myself checking some activities off, I receive a burst of motivation to finish. Couple that with music and I manage to pull through. When I'm feeling especially anxious, I tell myself "If I get up and get this done now, I won't have to worry about it later. If I got up 10 minutes ago, I'd be 10 minutes closer to being done". It's kind of like competing with my anxious side.

 

[morgoodie]

Yes, it can be so hard to get out of bed some days. I will not have the energy to do something and I will rationalize that I will do it later. I am a huge procrastinator about everything. I hate this the most about myself. I can talk myself out of doing just about anything. I like to use music if I am cleaning and that will make it a lot more fun. When I need to get things done, I will see if I can get them done fast so that I can just relax and do something that I really want to do like play online or read.


Allegro I like that you referred to it as competing with your anxious side. It is definitely just like that sometimes. I love being able to win against my anxious side and get many things accomplished.

 

[nytegeek]

Music is a good choice. The thing to remember is that the best motivation comes from within, if you don't feel motivated try to think about what will help you feel motivated. Play some upbeat music, think about your goals and think about the positive outcomes of those goals. That should be a start anyway. Also, sometimes just forcing your self to get moving can motivate you once you actually get into doing whatever it is you weren't motivated to do.

 

[amy88]

Honestly for me some days I just have to get ready and get out of the house before my brain really has a chance to be like "nooooo, stay in the house all day!"


If I have errands to do, I'll write a list before I go to sleep (because worrying I'll forget something also makes me anxious) and in the morning I shower and get ready first thing, have some coffee and breakfast and I basically head straight out the door. Overthinking it is my downfall so I try to just go go go.

 

[gracer]

I really force myself to get going everyday because of my kid. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have any motivation to move at all. I think of my responsibility with him and how he needs me in everything he does. When I feel like giving up, I just think about my son. Sometimes I would just stare at him and I would feel lighter. He's my inspiration for everything I do.

 

[nytegeek]

Getting moving can be enough for some. There are people that literally can't even do that. People that get paralyzed with fear or depression. If you have ever been in that position the idea of just frocing yourself to get moving might be a little frustrating to hear.

 

[Alex]

I motivate myself by giving myself small tasks and no pressure. I think having to do lists are helpful for some people, but can make others anxious. Sometimes things are done out of necessity, for example taking out the rubbish because you have no choice (although on some days that was too much, and I had to force myself to do it) and other times you do it because you know it will have to be done at some point.

 

[pwarbi]

Motivation is something that I struggle with even now on the days when I'm not feeling as anxious as I have done in the past. On my worst days I could barely get out of bed and it took me all my time to even make a drink or something to eat my motivation level was so low.


While I've not been that bad for a number of years now, it seems to have left a lasting legacy on me as even now with the smallest things it takes me time to build up to doing things. Procrastination as become my middle name, and if something that needs doing but it can be done tomorrow, then trust me...it's not getting done until tomorrow!

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

The past couple of months have been really hard more so than usual. Family issues, spouse issues, money issues. All things that always seem to play stress on different people. For me when stuff gets to be to much I can't just shut it out. Instead my mind is going 1000 thoughts a minute almost and blaring out ideas and ways to get out or get better. Even the smallest thing like doing my laundry, taking a shower, doing the dishes can get set off until another day because of my depression. Last month was really bad I remember one week 4 days had past since I showered, the dishes had been just sitting around for a week. I never let things go but when depression grabs me down this happens. I do try to get around it but have yet to find a way. Sometimes I can tell myself "STOP IT YOU HAVE THINGS TO DO" and then I can get up and do them, but other times I am in bed and suffering and feeling stupid for feeling like I do.

 

[pwarbi]

The past couple of months have been really hard more so than usual. Family issues' date=' spouse issues, money issues. All things that always seem to play stress on different people. For me when stuff gets to be to much I can't just shut it out. Instead my mind is going 1000 thoughts a minute almost and blaring out ideas and ways to get out or get better. Even the smallest thing like doing my laundry, taking a shower, doing the dishes can get set off until another day because of my depression. Last month was really bad I remember one week 4 days had past since I showered, the dishes had been just sitting around for a week. I never let things go but when depression grabs me down this happens. I do try to get around it but have yet to find a way. Sometimes I can tell myself "STOP IT YOU HAVE THINGS TO DO" and then I can get up and do them, but other times I am in bed and suffering and feeling stupid for feeling like I do.[/quote']
For most people I think it's the same thing, and it's the smaller, everyday jobs and chores that we need to do that get pushed back the most as at the time they seem insignificant. Sometimes I've gone for days and not done any cleaning or I've let the dishes pile up as I've just not been in the right frame of mind to tackle them. The problem is with that though, is that we already know that if we have a clean home then we start to feel better anyway, so what I always try and do is keep on top of everything, and even if it's just one knife and fork that needs washing then I will wash them, dry them and put them away. That way at least then I know that if a bout of depression hits me, the last thing I need to worry about is the household chores.

 

[hades_leae]

What really motivates me to do something is self-motivation because if I don't do the things that I need to get done, no one else will and I'll just be left out. I have to work to take care of myself, and I know if I don't then I'll loose my house, and a many other things. That's enough for me to motivate myself to do things.


When I want to get out the house, I just think about how I'll feel when going out like going to the movies which helps with my anxiety. For the 2 or 3 hours that I'm there, I'll feel really good and forget about life which eliminates any anxiety I have for the day or moment. It's worth motivating myself.

 

[Robilas]

Music works for me aswell, as it helps me staying focused on what I'm doing. However to find and maintain motivation I use a little trick called "eat the frog". Mark Twain said that if the first thing you do in the morning is eating a frog, nothing worse will happen in the whole day. So I do the most important and scary task of the day as soon as I can, and everything else seems better in comparison. Of course you need to find the motivation to "eat the frog", but since it's the first thing of the day you will be fresh and hopefully well rested - at least this is what I tell to myself every morning!

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

For most people I think it's the same thing, and it's the smaller, everyday jobs and chores that we need to do that get pushed back the most as at the time they seem insignificant. Sometimes I've gone for days and not done any cleaning or I've let the dishes pile up as I've just not been in the right frame of mind to tackle them. The problem is with that though, is that we already know that if we have a clean home then we start to feel better anyway, so what I always try and do is keep on top of everything, and even if it's just one knife and fork that needs washing then I will wash them, dry them and put them away. That way at least then I know that if a bout of depression hits me, the last thing I need to worry about is the household chores.

I do agree with you there when my home is cleaner is really changes my frame of mind in general where I might just be in a better mood anyways. Now that I got all the chores done I will be keeping up with them but I am sure there will be the odd day where it will slide. If need me I even make a "To Do" list and try hard to follow it and take care of these things.

 

[pwarbi]

Making a 'to do' list is an excellent idea, and I keep mine pinned up on the fridge door, so it's always there to remind me that I can't spend the day sulking around, I have things that need doing and in a way that in itself acts as a motivation for me. For most people who aren't going through any sort of depression or down days if we want to call them that, then I think it's only natural to let things slide for a couple of days because they know they will be able to catch up but when dealing with a lack of motivation due to depression, even the smallest task can seem monumental.


2 days worth of washing up doesn't take all that long but when you're feeling so down that you're even struggling to have a shower then it can seem like the end of the world.

 

[EdmondA]

I motivate myself to do things by telling myself that no one else is going to do it for me which works wonders, talking to yourself is sometimes all you need. When that fails I write down a list of 3 things that I must accomplish for the day, even though it's a small list, it'll show you that you are capable of setting goals for yourself and completing them. Which is the first big step to becoming your own personal motivator. Now keep these skills I have just laid before you, and practice every day. and thou shalt live the privileged life of being a motivator.

 

[emmaruthnagano]

I just think of my future and what would happen if I won't be able to do that thing. If you really lack motivation, try watching videos that are about getting things done despite the depression or how to get things done faster. I just watch videos and that will make me get out of the bed and get things done. My depression builds up especially when I have tests or exams. I just relax for awhile and try to do what I love then get to work.

 

[Bea]

Since I suffer from manic-depressive disorder, I have periods of time - during my manic episodes - where I'm really happy and motivated, and I try to take advantage of that. I think it's very important to establish routines and habits, because once you have the discipline to follow through with your routines, motivation doesn't matter as much. Sometimes it's hard to even take a shower during my depressive episodes, but I just firmly remind myself that I have to do it because it's something I always do, and that's how I manage to drag myself out of bed.


Making lists is also a good idea! Managing to cross out stuff on my list does wonders for my mood and my motivation.

 

[Tshaka]

I use the false façade of how the mainstream media is manipulating us and deceiving us for motivation. Whenever I watch CNN or FOX News and see the unmitigated lies and deception that is being spewed on a daily basis that pisses me off. The anger alone gives me motivation. I relate it to the world of sports whereas most athletes have always said that whenever they get really angry they are motivated more than ever to go out there and win. I must say that motivation for me is seeing what I am seeing right now with Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump's rise has inspired and motivated me. Also whenever I read about history for example the Sons of Liberty I get motivated. Motivation for me is fighting against the constant apathy that is part of this society and culture.

 

[joshposh]

When I'm depressed about anything, I chose to do hard labor. Either in the form of house chores or going out for a walk with the dog. I would lean more towards house chores as you get to better yourself and you get something done around the house and get a sense of accomplishment afterwards like a bonus.


Exercise and physical activity has been known to treat depression and negative thoughts. So if you feel like you're losing your grip on things, go take a brisk walk and take it out on the pavement and not onto others.