What can I do to get motivated?

Question

I'm a housewife, and my sleeping pattern is totally out of whack. Sometimes I'll be up all night and sleep all day, but it doesn't matter when I wake up I don't feel motivated at all. I'm not depressed or anything, I just don't feel the need to clean my house or do laundry or anything like that anymore. I don't feel joyous when I accomplish something in my home, because every time I do I hear my mothers words ringing in my ears, "These are things that you just DO, and should to them anyway because you have to." It makes me feel disheartened every time I think of her yelling this at me as a kid. My husband is very supportive, and doesn't complain, but this is starting to be a problem, when all I want to do is get up and sit on my butt all day, and do nothing, and it's not because of my mother. I feel as though I look for reasons to not be motivated at times. HELP!

Answer 1

Sounds like you need some goals. The idea is to set goals toward something you enjoy though, not some errand you have to run. Start an outdoor activity, whether it be walking, running, tennis, biking...something cardiovascular though will help keep your mood positive and actually give you energy for the rest of your day! It can also be relaxing, when you don't do too much too soon, and can be a nice stress release! So start, say, by doing 1/2-mile of walking, then try a little longer the next day, then see if you can run that 1/2-mile instead of walking it, or try walking part and running part. Once you get used to the 1/2-mile and it's not as difficult, try a full mile! It's not difficult once you get used to doing it, and you will have tons more energy and a more positive attitude toward everything you do the rest of the day! Just 6 years ago, I started with only running 1 mile a day and am now up to running 50-100 mile races!

Answer 2

I hate to say it but....that IS depression. YOu don't have to have suicidal thoughts to be "depressed". I JUST went through this a year ago. I wanted nothing to with house work. my kids. I just wanted to sit on my butt and do nothing. I had NO desire to have a life. I went to the Drs. and she explained to me what I just told you in the first part of the paragraph. PLus....the fact that you are hung up over the words of your mom is a good indication that you are not dealing with the issues you have in a healthy way. Which, from what my Dr said, is a sign of depression. ANd there are all different levels of depression. YOu might not even need medication...I actually did. But you just might need to talk to a specialist who is educated enough to help you learn how to deal with whatever you are struggling with in your subconscience. You might not even know HOW deep these feelings go. From the sounds of it...you have deep seeded issues about your mom....and I can understand that because that happens to be the issue I have! Good Luck. ANd don't be embarrased if in fact you are diagnosed with depression. It is real and it is hard to deal with. People who have never had to experience these issues are too quick to pass judgemnt...like the saying goes...walk a mile in their shoes......etc.....Hang in there.At least you have a good man beside you. I have one and it makes a world of difference!