How can you motivate yourself?
Do you ever find yourself feeling unmotivated and lacking in confidence, doubting your abilities? It happens to us all but the Covid lockdown and the threat of future local lockdowns has made many of us feel insecure and lacking motivation. Not just motivation to go to work, or run your own business, but as a parent as well.
It is perfectly normal to feel that you’re lacking in energy and uninterested in going out. What’s the point when many things are closed, or you’re constantly sanitising your hands after touching the swings, and the slide or whatever else your small person plays with? You hate wearing a mask when you’re near to people so you may as well just stay home. But then your small person gets frustrated because they want to go out, they need to go out, they need to be active. So you then feel worse and get narky and irritated by your small person! Sound familiar?
What can you do to motivate yourself again until you’ve recharged and feel more positive?
Think about positive moments in the last few weeks? What went well? What did you achieve? It doesn’t have to be a big thing - even being able to take a shower in peace is a win as a new mum. Think about those small wins - they’ll start to make you feel a bit happier.
Why is it important for you to push yourself to take your little one out? Will they be happy? Will they have fun and get to be active? Will that make you happy? Thinking about someone else and the reasons why you want them to be happy can often shift your mind set away from you and that, in turn, can start to make you feel more positive.
What motivates you? What could be your reward for taking your small person to the park, or completing those jobs you really need to do? Perhaps taking yourself off to a cafe for a latte and cake, on your own or with small person is your reward? Or taking ten minutes for a cuppa and a read of a magazine? Whatever it is, if it helps to motivate you then do it!
Can you ask for help? Rope in another mum friend to come out with you and your small person? Or ask someone for a play date so you can have the time you need to do what you need to do? People are usually more than happy to help out but we are often too shy or too worried to ask.
Do you need time to exercise or go for a walk? Often just walking with your little one gives them time outside and you the mental space to process how you are feeling. Can you take that time?
I know that I have been overwhelmed due to lockdown and Covid restrictions and sometimes find it very hard to motivate myself. I know the tools I need and it isn’t easy. If you don’t know how to push yourself and feel that you’re spiralling downwards, you may need to talk to someone else. Talk to your health visitor and/or your GP about steps you may need to take to help you going forward. Or check out MIND. There are people who can help.