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HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DOWN

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From time to time, we all get a little down, maybe even a little depressed. Maybe we are feeling overwhelmed, or feel bad because we’re not doing well with our goals. 
Feeling a little depressed can interfere with achieving our goals. We know we should be doing something, but we just don’t feel like doing anything. This can last for a long time if you don’t step up as soon as possible and take action. 
Depression kills motivation, energy, interest, and focus.
In this article, BEBEAKINBOADE.COM presents to you 15 ways to motivate yourself when you’re feeling down. 


CHOOSE NOT TO ALLOW YOUR FEELING TO CONTROL YOU
Feelings help us to know how things are affecting us and how we are processing our life experiences. However, this does not mean we have to allow them to control our actions. Feeling down? Smile anyway. Be nice anyway. Keep living and moving forward. Soon enough you’ll realize things are not so bad and you’ll be glad you did not put your life on pause.

MAKE THE GOAL TO DO IT, NOT TO ENJOY IT
When you’re feeling depressed, it’s natural to lose interest in things that used to make you happy. Comedy is no longer funny, sports are no longer fun, spending time with friends is no longer engaging. Anxiety, depression, and self-loathing take over, leading to feelings of detachment and defeat. So, when doing something “fun” or “active,” do it with the goal to do it, not to enjoy it.

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Depression can become comfortable in a “devil you know” kind of way.You know what to expect, for the most part. You know the pain, you’re in the pain, you can predict that tomorrow will be more of the same. 
However, you need to step out of your comfort zone. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’re always going to get what you’ve always gotten. So, if you find you’re able to do something (even very slightly) different, congratulate yourself.

MAKE A LIST
Sometimes we are depressed simply because we are overwhelmed with all the things we have to do that we haven’t gotten around to doing; these can actually overwhelm us. Start simply by picking up a piece of paper and a pen, and write a list of the most pressing things you have to do.  
Simply making a list can be a big relief — you’re getting things under control. You can see, right in front of you, what you need to do, and that alone can pick up your mood.

TAKE ACTION
Get started on the first thing you need to do. Is it a big task? Break it down and just do the smallest task, something just to get you started. Once you get started, once you get into action, you’ll feel better.

HELP SOMEONE ELSE
When we are feeling down,  the best thing to do at that point is to 
push through the negativity to offer someone else kindness . This will helps us to focus less on feeling negative and empowers us to plant seeds of the type of kindness we want to see more of around us.

GET MOVING
When we are sad many times we like to curl into our shell and detach from everyone and everything. However, sometimes this only provides an environment for our feelings to fester and grow out of control. Not only does a little physical activity help to clear our mind, it also helps to increase blood flow to help us feel physically better as well. 

PRAY
Talking to God about your problem can help you release some of the stress and  it also takes your feelings to the One who can do something about it. 
When we seek God, we open ourselves up to receive more encouragement and strength than we could on our own.
God is greater than whatever it is that has you feeling down. Believing this truth lightens our burden and grants a peace that goes deeper than our sad feelings. 

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
The best way to combat negativity is with gratitude. Not only does it take the focus off your issues and bad feelings but it also redirects your attention to the good and positive in your life. Many times we feel down when our thoughts are simply headed in the wrong direction. Taking time to think of what we already have and how blessed we are helps to get our thoughts and feelings back on track.

DISCONNECT
With social media and reality TV we have an inside view of those around us. Unfortunately this can sometimes lead to toxic feelings such as comparison, envy and insecurity. Many times its best to take our eyes off others and focus on the life God specifically designed for us to live. 
Also, electronics tend to magnify a lack of motivation. TV becomes mind-numbing and the internet — a total time suck. Instead, pull those plugs and get some fresh air. 

DON’T PUT YOURSELF TOO HARD 
Instead, be kind and gentle. Acknowledge your weaknesses, and don’t push yourself too hard. Allow yourself to feel bad, and analyze your options for action. Ask, what small step can you take towards feeling better?

ASK FOR HELP
Sometimes, we need a patient person to pull us out of our own apathy. Some of us have trouble holding ourselves accountable at the best of times. With little motivation or energy, it’s that much harder. Confide in someone you trust, and ask for their help and support. 

PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION.
Try  to use the same encouraging words you might use for a friend or loved one. If you can’t find the words, read more about self-compassion .

EXERCISE
Taking a walk, going for a run, going to the gym, whatever it is you do for exercise — get out and do it now! You don’t need to do a real hard workout, but the simple act of exercise can lift your mood immediately. 

PLAY SOME LIVELY MUSIC
You might have your own brand of feel-good music. Whatever it is, crank it up, and let yourself move to the beat. 

TALK ABOUT IT
Got a significant other, best friend, family member, co-worker you can talk to? Bend their ear. If you don’t have anyone close to you to talk to, there are hotlines, or professionals, you can talk to. 
Getting things off your chest makes a big difference, and can be a huge lift. It can also help you work out the reasons you’re feeling down.

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