As I near the end of my summer semester at my university, I have reached a point where I am really ready to finish up my classes and see my lovely family again. Although these past six weeks have consisted of a lot of studying in the library and exploration of the city, I am definitely ready to get back in the Carolina sun and spend what’s left of my summer with my best friends (aka the fam)! But, I can’t forget that even though I am almost done, I’m not completely finished. My dad has ALWAYS stressed to me the importance of finishing strong. But I know sometimes that’s easier said than done.
When I just don’t feel motivated to go to the library or edit an article for my internship, I typically like to do five things to kick up some motivation in myself. Keep reading below to find out!
1. Work out!
When I was younger I was a competitive gymnast. I basically spent my entire life in a gym! Now when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I always head to the gym on my campus or to my local Pure Barre studio. (I am obsessed by the way.) Working out helps me focus on myself instead of the situations that may be contributing to my lack of motivation. Usually after a good workout I will treat myself with a yummy snack and get to working on making my day as productive as I can!
2. Window Shoping (Online!)
Nothing makes me more happy than scrolling through my favorite fashion blogger’s Instagram to find super cute fashion ideas that won’t break my bank. Even though most of the time I am not exactly looking to buy a new shift dress or pair of nude heels, online window shopping occupies myself by not getting so caught up with everything around me. It’s also motivation for me to work hard so I can one day afford these little treasures. For a college student with no job, I may or may not have way too much of an expensive taste.
3. Take a mini Spa Break!
This one is my absolute favorite and was originally inspired by my aunt! I never use to understand why she had nail polish at her desk in her home office until she explained to me that whenever she felt overwhelmed or stressed, she would paint her nails. This has been some of the best advice I’ve ever been given when it comes to destressing in times of chaos. So if I have 15-20 minutes I take a break from my work and put on a face mask, do a quick mini manicure on my nails, or even meditate in the shower! (Okay, that last one sounded a little weirder than it was suppose to but trust me, it works.)
4. Watch Netflix/Movies/Youtube!
I. Love. Netflix. I usually use this technique as a reward system especially when it comes to reviewing lectures or reading tons of chapters in a Biology textbook. I usually make a deal with myself that looks similar to the following: “If I study these three lectures and write detailed notes on each, I earned an hour of Netflix time.” Sometimes it gets hard to discipline myself with only that hour but, it gets the job done. Although studying 24/7 sounds ideal to do great in a class, it’s important to remember to have proper balance between work and play.
5. Pray!
Whenever I am at my worst with anxiety or stress and I just can’t seem to motivate myself to do anything, the most important and effective thing for me to do is to pray. Now I’m not one of those extravagant prayers who uses fancy words and memorized scripture, but I do remember learning since I was a little girl that when I feel stuck, pray for guidance. So that’s what I do! After praying and releasing my problem to God, I typically meditate on a scripture such as the one below.
“God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me with His eye.”
-Psalm 32:8
I hope you enjoyed reading! Comment below if you have certain rituals that you do when your feeling unmotivated! Always remember that you are blessed, brilliant, and beautiful! See you next time!
<3 TD
