5 Ways to Motivate Yourself When Struggling Mentally

The saying "Getting started is the hardest" exists for good reason. Starting any business takes more motivation than continuing the business once you have the momentum and focus.

If you're also stressed or having mental difficulties during the day, even the simplest things, like replying to an email or making an appointment, may seem impossible.

Luckily, there are little things and tricks you can do to feel more on top of your task, even when you're not at your peak mental state.

Next time you're having trouble completing your daily to-do list or responsibilities at work or at home, try one of these techniques to motivate yourself again.

1. Plan your whole day

When homework stares at you without structure, it can feel overwhelming and only add to your struggles. Time management is key in this situation.

Take an hour, a day, whatever your job allows, and write down a daily routine. Examples are exercising in the morning, answering emails for 10 minutes, calling customers later in the day, taking a walk around your building to change the scenery, etc.

Creating a guide for your day makes things easier to organize. You can schedule them using the calendar on your phone, with alerts that remind you when you stop and switch to a new activity, or use special organization apps.

2. Make a list and stick to it

When it comes to lists, the old adage "Fake it until you make it" may not be more apt. The simple act of writing down what you need to do can increase motivation and make you feel better and more productive.

If you're feeling stressed or sad, just putting some of the thoughts that are running through your head can make them seem a lot lighter.

“Creating lists that boost productivity or reduce distractions can help you focus even when your mind isn't in the mood. Start with tasks you enjoy or are good at to help you stay motivated and maximize the time you spend at work."

3. Check with yourself and be honest

Do you feel tired, hungry or thirsty? Maybe you're stressed about something at home or have a cold. This uncomfortable situation can make the task more difficult to complete.

While treating legitimate cases of burnout requires a longer and more thoughtful change, others like starvation can be resolved quickly. Don't be afraid to really analyze your feelings and what can be done to help.

4. Review your progress

“When I feel overwhelmed with what I have to do at work, my best strategy is to run a weekly review. By finding time to sit down, check pending tasks, and acknowledge completion of other tasks, I gain a sense of accomplishment for what I've accomplished and clarity about what I still need to do. It's a great way to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed we often feel."

It's easy to overlook what you've accomplished. Taking the time to review everything you've accomplished that day or week can give you a sense of relief and even - dare I say - motivation.

Knowing how capable you are gives you the feeling that you can handle things that previously might have seemed daunting or impossible.

5. Create a motivating work playlist

Many people have a specific playlist that they listen to whenever they need to complete a task or work hard (I'm listening to my writing playlist right now!). Having a consistent background for your work can help you get into the right mindset and even help you feel more relaxed when you're feeling out, unmotivated, or just plain anxious.

Whether it's a generic playlist you downloaded on Spotify or found on YouTube or a playlist you like, stick to it. Add a few new songs once in a while to get your attention.