You may think I am always motivated.
The reality? There are many days when I wake up, instead of feeling ready to take on the day, I feel low, unmotivated, and unproductive.
This experience is familiar to many of us, and I am no exception.
When left unchecked, this pattern can create a vicious cycle that negatively impacts our personal and professional growth.
You might brush it off as just a 'bad day' but when this becomes a pattern, it takes a toll on how you show up for your loved ones, your team, and your overall productivity.
To tackle this issue, I reached out to my friend Dr. Srinidhi Desikan, a Ph.D. holder in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and an integrated mindset & decision Coach.
Here is what she has to say:
Motivation is an ever-changing force.
It is not an innate trait but a transient sensation that accompanies our human experience.
It ebbs and flows and cannot be relied upon consistently.
But here's the fascinating part: our actions and physical state profoundly impact our brains and the feelings we experience.
When facing low motivation and unproductive days, here are four tips that you can implement to boost your motivation and productivity:
1. Start a 'Tech-Free Morning': Avoid your mobile for at least the first hour of your day to let your mind complete its restorative sleep cycle.
2. Mood-Boosting Activities: Physical exercise or listening to some foot-tapping music releases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
3. Mood Intentions and Process-Oriented Goals: Begin each day by setting positive mood intentions and focusing on the steps needed for task completion rather than solely on outcomes. This activates intrinsic motivation, leading to progress and satisfaction.
4. Fuel your day with nourishing foods: Consuming a balanced meal can optimize brain function for the day. Include brain-friendly foods like fatty fish, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits like avocados and blueberries.
Shaking off sluggish days might feel daunting, but it's certainly doable.
PS: Self-compassion on low days is just as important as the actions you take to regain motivation.
