Feeling motivated during these times of uncertainty may be difficult. You may not realize it, but this has been a huge spiritual awakening for many of us. COVID-19 has changed our normal routines and has made a significant impact on how we live.
From the lockdown, shutting down of businesses, reduced work hours, layoffs and deaths of loved ones…all of this has taken us on a wild roller coaster ride of emotions.
Here are ways to stay motivated during uncertain times:
1) ACKNOWLEDGE THE FEAR, BUT PRACTICE POSITIVE SELF-TALK
It is okay to recognize the situation by acknowledging the fear. However, indulging in positive self-talk also helps you move forward. You can tell yourself: “This is a pandemic. I’m doing the best I can.” The situation may be something you can’t change, but you can certainly overcome the fear and build up your confidence.
Fear weakens our immune system. Not only does it accelerate the aging process, but it can cause cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, and even premature death.
2) WRITE DOWN THE THINGS THAT LIFT YOUR MOOD
A list of “feel good” activities always helps when we’re feeling blue. I suggest writing down at least 10 things that uplift your spirits. Make sure it is easily accessible. Put one list in your wallet, your work station, the glove compartment of your car, the night stand in your bedroom, etc., that way you can reach for it when you are feeling sad.
Five things that lift my mood include 1) listening to my favorite music, 2) writing about things I am passionate about, 3) meditating, 4) watching a feel-good movie AND 5) doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises.
3) FOCUS ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s entire life. Is there something you want to learn? Maybe there’s a course you’ve been wanting to take. It may be an online class that you can take while you’re at home. Continuous learning is always beneficial.
For those who want to pursue their passion, now may be a good time to start. If you love to write, consider writing a blog. Sharing your feelings can help relieve stress by letting go of emotions that you’ve held inside for some time. It certainly benefits our mental health.
4) RECHARGE YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
In my experience, there were days when I had less on my “to do” list. Yet, at the end of the day, I still wasn’t able to get all of the things done. I felt guilty…but I realized that I had to give myself a break.
I do recall the many days when I had overworked myself. There’s nothing wrong if you are less productive on some days. Remember, our body sends us signals when we need a break. And we have to give ourselves permission to do just that. We must find balance between the daily grind and self-care.
While the last few months have been challenging, it has also served as a reflection period. I now understand what is important to me…and that allows me to live a more fulfilled life.
Stay well, stay healthy and stay connected to yourself and to the people you hold dear in your heart.
Edna Dimataga-Fernandez founded The Wellness Institute in 2013. The company utilizes a holistic model of wellness consulting focusing on the 6 dimensions of organizational well-being: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual & financial health. The Wellness Institute provides holistic health assessments, corporate well-being workshops & wellness consultations with holistic health practitioners. Wellness-Spring, the company’s holistic health store, sells organic & non-toxic health & beauty products. A portion of the proceeds is donated back to causes that support women, children, health, wellness & education. She has worked & consulted for companies in the insurance & financial services industry, the medical & behavioral health field and the non-profit sector. Edna holds a B.A. in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a Past President (2010-11) of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors - Los Angeles Chapter and is an approved Continuing Education Provider for the California Department of Insurance.