Self-Motivation

[thesummerqueen]

I'll tell you, I hated working out at a gym because I was kinda like Lewis Black...the idea of exercising in a mirror, watching your muscle grow, is sorta insane. I started the actual process while gardening though - fantastic work out that is. And found when it was rainy or too cold, I missed the activity. What I liked about gardening is that while exercising your muscles, you're accomplishing something (and plants get me horny, but bear with me). You have some sort of visible result you don't get with regular gym work outs. But after getting into a habit of stressing some muscles, it felt good to have a clean air-conditioned or heated environment to continue. [shrugs] That's just me. I guess remembering how good it feels keeps me motivated to return.

[KichigaiNeko]

What are you doing here anyway? I'll tell you: moping. Making excuses. So stop what you're doing, because there's a whole world out there waiting for you, and you are ignoring its limitless potential.

I'm quite enjoying the forums at the moment actually. And It's my best option at the moment.

What is your daily routine at the moment DvF??

Quite often just "getting motivated" to clean house can have a knock on effect.

[Michelle_Patton]

I hear what you're saying DvF, I haven't been working for about 6 months now, and having operations has kept me out of even looking for work and the situation will be the same for another couple of months.
The first month or so I was motivated - I'd get up early every day to stay in the habit of it (I knew that if I started sleeping in it would be harder when I do go back to work to get back into it) and do all of my housework so that by about 8am I could just relax for the rest of the day, I'd go for a walk every day even if it was only 10 minutes, I started writing my novel again that I'd put away, I taught myself how to knit. After a while though I just lost the urge - the longer I've been out of work, the less reason I've had to get out of bed every morning. And that's when my depression really started settling back in.
So I spoke to my doctor and she told me stuff I already knew but had ignored - I needed to start exercising again (summerqueen is right, once you get into it, it becomes addictive) and I needed a routine. I haven't quite been motivated enough yet to start walking again (the fact that it's hot enough to melt the soles of my shoes doesn't help ) I have started an online writing course to help me with my novel and I try to write something every day, I've gotten back into the habit of cleaning every morning so I feel better in my own home (mess really contributes to depression) and I even went and joined my local library; just little things but they help me to not feel so hopeless.
You need a routine, and even if you don't feel like doing something, you have to make yourself. And before long it will become second nature and you won't have to force it any more.

TL;DR: It can be hard, but summerqueen is right - the only way to do something is to do it.

[KichigaiNeko]

YES!! You are right Michelle... depression IS a biatch!! And yes a routine is what helps...

Start with a cleaning routine THAT HAS TO BE DONE EVERY DAY... and work from there Dvie. I think the phrase "just get up and DO it" is the best we can come up with to imply the urgency you have to apply to activity...

it does come down to mind talk mate.

[Erinome]

When I don't feel motivated to clean my house I watch Hoarders. When I need motivation to go to spin class I try to wiggle into my size 6 jeans. When I can't find the motivation to do anything else I just take a nap and deal with the shit later.

[Zen Badger]

Set fire to your underpants

[Michelle_Patton]

When I don't feel motivated to clean my house I watch Hoarders.

Yep, that'll do it!

All I have to do is remember what it was like cleaning out my Dad's place after he died - it took my sister and I four days to do it in the blistering heat, and while I certainly don't plan on going anywhere for a while yet, I'd hate to put my family through that.

[Autumnlicious]

That's why you should burn down the house when you die. Call it a modern Viking funeral.

[frankiej]

I find killing a hobo and wearing their skin quite motivating.