Things Not to Do When You Lack Motivation
Even activities generally considered beneficial can sometimes be detrimental depending on your physical condition or mood.
You might be unknowingly losing your motivation, so take a moment to do a quick self-check.→Constitution Check 2: “気（Vitality）, Blood, and Water”
First, things you should not do
1. Aromatherapy Scents have a relaxing effect. While some scents can refresh you or seem to boost your motivation, “pleasant scents” are fundamentally for relaxation. If you relax when you lack motivation, it’s like getting buried in a “cushion that makes people lazy,” making it impossible to escape. Relaxation and lethargy are similar but not the same, yet relaxation can lead to lethargy. While tension is stress, tension is inherently necessary for survival. A moderate level of tension can even extend lifespan, as seen in the relationship between sardines and sharks. While relaxation is recommended against excessive tension, if you further reduce tension when you already lack motivation, it can be dangerous as you might lose your willpower.
2. Relaxation exercises like yoga These exercises improve blood circulation and deepen breathing, making you feel good. However, it can feel like being in a sauna, making your body less active. Deep breathing can also slightly relax your nerves and muscles. Doing something that makes you even more lethargic when you lack motivation is dangerous.
3. Meditation Meditation has become popular again recently. Throughout history, whenever stress was treated like an epidemic, breathing techniques and meditation became popular. There are many wonderful teachings in Buddhism and temples that I also like, but should these be treated lightly as trends? It is very dangerous when superficial meditation techniques spread just because they are trendy. A friend of mine, who was depressed at the time but has since recovered, tried it and said, “I felt blood circulating to parts that never had blood before, which confused me more. I felt like I was being engulfed by my own thoughts and became even more scared.” He did it alone, which is not advisable. Meditation is inherently part of training and should be done with guidance, not alone. While meditation itself has a relaxation effect, what happens if you keep calming yourself when you lack motivation? Some people say they get more confused by their thoughts. There is even a term called “meditation sickness.” If you are interested in meditation or Zen, make sure to practice it under proper guidance. It can bring positive effects when done correctly.
4. Eating sweets Sweets can provide just the right amount of nutrition and motivation to the brain and muscles if consumed in moderation, but excess can make you less motivated and sleepy. An unbalanced diet can lead to stress as unnecessary substances accumulate in the intestines, making it difficult to move due to poor metabolism. While Japanese food is good for the body, it is often high in sugar, so there is no need to add more sugar through snacks. If there is a risk of hypoglycemia, sugar intake is important, but excess is never good. If you really want to eat sweets, try having them with bitter coffee, tea, or green tea, as bitterness gives a good stimulus to the heart.
Then, what should you do?
1. Sunbathing
It is recommended to get sunlight before 10 AM. Even through a window or glass, try to soak in some sunlight. Wearing sunscreen and going for a walk with sunglasses or UV-protection glasses can also be effective.
2. Light Exercise
Start with simple movements, even if it’s just a bit of light stretching or swinging your arms. Simple activities like radio exercises or gentle movements can help. When your body moves, your mind will follow. Opt for exercises that involve movement rather than static poses like yoga.
3. Use the Power of Colors
Red has stimulating effects, while orange and yellow evoke fun and excitement. Green helps with relaxation and stimulates growth hormones. Pink can revive your liveliness, and white enhances focus. If you’re feeling tired and unmotivated, try looking at blue.
4. Energizing Foods
Incorporate foods that boost energy, such as chicken, beef, and shiitake mushrooms, into your diet. These foods are easily available in supermarkets.
5. Set Motivational Goals
Having the desire to lead a better life can be a great source of motivation. Remember to praise yourself for your efforts. The ultimate goal is to “live well.” Consider your personality and circumstances when setting goals related to work, money, studies, or relationships.
6. Think About Exciting Things
Engage in activities that excite you, like watching fun videos, listening to your favorite music, or following your hobbies. Having something that ignites your enthusiasm, like music or art, can be a good switch.
7. Enjoy Fashion
Putting on makeup successfully or wearing your favorite dress can naturally make you want to go out. Enjoying accessories can also be uplifting.
8. Use Aromatherapy to Balance Mind and Body
Once you start feeling motivated, use aromatherapy to balance your mind and body. It’s important to enjoy both active and relaxation times.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, forcing yourself to get motivated can cause stress. If you’re tired, it’s important to rest. It’s only natural to run out of energy if you’re constantly on the move. Just like a car needs gas, electricity, or hydrogen to run, you need to refuel yourself appropriately.
First, praise yourself for wanting to feel motivated. Then, incorporate things that can be sources of motivation in moderation.
Everyone experiences fluctuations in energy. It’s natural for your mood and health to be influenced by changes in hormone balance and living conditions. Especially for women, frequent changes in hormone balance can significantly impact their mood and health. However, this varies from person to person, and men can also experience similar effects.
The important thing is to listen to your body and mind and take appropriate breaks when needed. Instead of forcing yourself to keep moving, take time to replenish your energy.
