A lot of us have experienced slumps. That feeling where you lack the motivation to do anything, when you’re just wasting time looking at your phone for new updates, or when you basically don’t feel like doing anything. It’s hard to get rid of it, believe me I know. I recently had one that lasted over two months. It was the worst one I’ve had in years. Maybe you can relate.
Last semester, I was having the best time of my life by participating in an exchange program. I met new people, I discovered beautiful places, I learned the meaning of independence, and I came to know so much about the world—things I wouldn’t have known by sitting in a classroom. Regrettably, that high can’t last forever.
When I came back home in January, I was motivated to find a job and share time with my friends and family since my semester wouldn’t start until March. But, then I thought: “I have time in my hands, I don’t need to rush to get a job. Maybe I’ll have some days to rest and have them as my winter break.” Big mistake. Days passed and passed and instead of doing something, I wasted a lot of time “relaxing.” The thing in my case is, the more time I have in my hands the less I do. The less time I have, the more I do. Since I had so much time, I started to postpone things, I started to sleep more, I started to stay in my house a lot, I started to lack the motivation to even do the things I liked. I hung out with my friends, but they were studying so I couldn’t bother them all the time. I visited places I liked, but there is so much you can do alone.
As the weeks passed, it was so hard for me to get up and try something new, my goal to get a job just vanished. I just wanted to stay at home doing nothing and be on my phone. This is when I knew that I’m one of those people that needs constant work to maintain themselves active; if not, then I would fall easily into a slump.
If you have ever felt like this, then you are not alone. It’s hard to get back up when you have fallen into one and find the motivation again to get back to work. But, here are some tips to help you (and me) get little by little over it:
1. Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you
Even if one doesn’t notice it, the people in our lives influence us a lot. So, if you’re in a slump, being with people that are active and on top of things may inspire you to do the same.
2. Talk about your situation with people you trust
Talking can resolve a lot. Talk about it with your friends or your family, and they might have some good advice that may help you. Also, a good “wake up!” call doesn’t hurt.
3. Schedule your days
Writing things on paper can make things more “official” for people. Make “To Do” lists and schedule chores or stuff you want to do. You can even set due dates for yourself! Because sometimes a little self-inflicted pressure to do something may help.
4. Watch inspirational videos
Looking up videos where people give advice may spark motivation again in you. It doesn’t even have to be advice videos; it can be videos that give the illusion of the vlogger you like having their life together, it can be videos to spark your creativity, and it can even be “How I start my mornings” videos. Anything that may inspire you, watch it!
5. Set goals for yourself!
Guys this is so important. Goals keep us moving forward. It motivates us to keep working and thriving. Set a goal for this new semester and accomplish it!
Remember that slumps like these are normal, it’s normal for sometimes to feel that you don’t want to do anything. But, if you’ve been in one recently and want to get over it like myself, then I hope these little tips may help you to start this new semester the right way.