A Great Plan for Spring

I found myself in the middle of a brutally cold winter with some seasonal depression and lots of aging fears (see the post). Not to mention that every time I step on the scale the number seems to go up, and my autoimmune disease feels like it’s flaring up more than usual.

Ugh. I definitely have been trying some tried and true mood lifters such as meditation, journaling, and self-care. But nothing seemed to be working, and my mood and attitude sucked, frankly.

Without positivity, motivation and attitude, it is hard to get things accomplished and feel good about yourself. I made this little flowchart to actually depict how these characteristics (ie. energy and positivity) are necessary in order to get any of my projects off the ground.

In order to get motivated, I knew I needed to get a better handle on my physical, mental and emotional health- the building blocks of everything and so important. My body and mind needed to be in an optimal state before I could muster these qualities and get something accomplished every day.

Motivational Tools

Here are some tools you can have on-hand to help give you the energy and motivation to take action, take control of your health, and get everything done on YOUR project list!

A Therapist. This is a safe place where I am able to vent about everything that’s depressing me and keeping me from having motivation and energy! I’ve been going regularly since the start of the year, and it’s helped me more than I can say. For example, I’ve learned that I have a strong fear of failure. I’m slowly learning not to completely turn off that fear (because it is real and it is there), but to “turn down the volume on it”. Interesting!

Self-Help Books. See my post about the best ones for mature moms! I am big into any books and information out there that claims to improve lives in ANY way. The 5 Second Rule, by Mel Robbins, is in my opinion, one of the best ones for motivation.

She claims that the moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move or your brain will stop you. It is human nature for our minds to talk us out of things because of fear! Mel gives some great tips and tricks to help get you moving, and some excellent anecdotes from others who have been helped along the way.

Motivational Quotes. I mentioned that fear of failure is a big one for me. So any quotes I can read that drive home the points I desperately need, I eat them up. Whatever it is holding you back (fear, confidence), please research any articles, books, podcasts, or whatever will inspire YOU. Here are some that inspire me!

Courage is the commitment to begin without any guarantee of success.

–Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

–Walt Disney

Schedules. I talk a lot about these because having “to do” lists can really help keep you focused with purpose, and give you something to look forward to as well. I really like completing mine with colored markers and keeping it in a prominent place on the fridge.

Shared Health Calendars. I mentioned in my post about keeping in touch with older children, that I use shared notes and calendars to stay in touch with my girls. My husband and I also share several calendars to help with our communication, and one calendar is specifically for health.

As I schedule appointments, get vaccines, or otherwise have any information health-wise that’s important to share, I put it on this calendar, as does he. I find it gives me some of that accountability I was talking about. He will be happy to see me scheduling things and to know when the appointment will be. This is another tool that you can make work to your advantage when monitoring and improving your health.

Apps for Meditation and Music. I’ve mentioned that I practice a daily meditation using the Calm app. You can find meditation sessions on specific issues as well. Searching through my app, I found “The Confidence Series,” which I will be trying soon!

I also use Spotify and Sonos speakers through the house so I can listen to whatever might be energizing. Spotify literally has playlists for things like “Morning Motivation,” “Positive Flow,” or “Focused Writing.” Have fun finding the perfect one for you!

A Motivated Day: What Does it Look Like?

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOTIVATED PERSON!!

Planning Time. When I put my calendar together for the week, the first day (Sunday) is dedicated to planning. In order to get up in the mornings fresh and ready to start your days with purpose, you need preparation.

Take stock of how you are feeling, and what might help you. Do a bit of research on practitioners near you or those suggested by others. Make lists of the most important tasks and sub-tasks for your work and personal life. Health-related things like what medical appointments need to be scheduled, what new modes of alternative medicine you want to try, and what questions are lingering for your doctor.

Wake Up Earlier. This is the first thing Mel Robbins talks about in her book, that she literally could not get out of bed and had to make herself get up when the alarm went off. I realized that I have been frittering my mornings away getting up at 9 or 9:30am. By the time I’m done my morning rituals (meditation and journaling), it’s already almost 11 am!! Yikes.

Take advantage of the extra, quiet time…because it does all start with the morning, the time of endless possibility! I will admit that the first day I set the alarm for 7:30, I went right back to bed. But day two, I did it!! And doing it felt great! I already had more positivity and energy than the day before, and keeping up with something for just a few weeks is enough to make it a habit. This is one I’m still working on, but actually loving (once I’m up, that is).

Water. I think the best morning routine is to both drink a full glass of water and also to splash your face with cold water. I really get the water into my eyes, nose and swish it around my mouth. Make it a ritual to do before making your coffee or breakfast. It seriously works to wake me up.

Meditate and Journal. Starting my day with these practices are wonderful for putting me in a positive frame of mind. I just posted on how to quiet your mind in meditation that may be helpful for you, as well as my post on starting a journaling practice.

After journaling, I find a Spotify playlist with some yoga music and get onto my mat for a bit of yoga and stretching.

Set an intention for the day. This is one word that means something to you and helps guide you through the day. How do I want the day to go? How do I want to be today? Peace, Love, Calm, Productivity, Courage, Vitality, Energy, Joy, Understanding…you get the idea.

Dress Early. Even if you aren’t going into an office, I suggest getting dressed as early as possible- see an upcoming post on the best work from home outfits! Hanging around in my nightgown all morning just does nothing for my energy level. Psychologically getting ready for your day gives you a “ready for the day” attitude!

Appointments. Start with your primary doctor and get your annual bloodwork and general physical. After a year of being borderline with my blood pressure, I’m finally on medication-and it works, hooray! While you’re there, see what other things he or she can schedule for you. The annual tests are obviously the most pressing- mammogram, eye appointment, gynecology. And if, like me, you have a family history of something not so good, in my case colon cancer, you want to make sure that test is scheduled.

Whatever you have left to schedule yourself, just do it in one sitting. It’s something I cannot stand doing. Talking with people, constantly verifying insurance, waiting on hold forever….we’ve all been there.

What you truly hate doing but must do….do it before your brain can tell you no!

Follow this model for your work tasks too. I love writing blog content, but have a hard time scheduling social media posts or setting aside time to write even a paragraph for my novel. (See an upcoming post about how to get started on your book!)

The hardest and most annoying things for me I have learned to get off my plate in the morning. Then when I return from a rested lunch, I can spend the last part of my day, when I’m starting to lose steam, working on those things I enjoy more.

Simple time and task management- but the trick is to JUST DO IT! You will feel SO much better, I guarantee it. Doing something is 100% better than nothing!

Include in the appointment list whatever new and different alternative medicine you want to try. What ailments are you struggling with that could use some help- and what specialist or healer do you need? I have walking balance and lower back issues- so a deep tissue masseuse, acupuncturist, and chiropractor are part of my care team.

Keep an Open Mind. I will just mention that growing up, no one ever went to a chiropractor, and everyone I knew was kind of afraid of them. I mean, when it comes to your spine, you should be careful. But when thinking about what issues needed to be addressed, my main problem is still my balance and walking, something chiropractors address all the time. I was so thrilled to find someone local who I trust. I go weekly now, and cannot over-emphasize how great I feel after these appointments.

Send a list of questions to your physician. You probably have a member portal with your medical practice where you can log in and see test results, appointments etc. You can, FYI, send a message to your healthcare team at any time. I had these weird nagging questions that needed resolution. With regard to my excess weight, I wanted to ask if there was any way I could be a candidate for a GLP 1 drug. I also wanted to see if I could get a handicapped placard for the car. So many questions can be answered without needing an appointment, so take advantage of this!

Add Fun to your Food. Pull out the cookbooks, go to the library, check out Pinterest…find some new and different recipes. Spring is time to refresh your diet! Thank goodness that as the days warm up a bit, we are more likely to reach for a cool crisp salad as opposed to the heavy warming meals we crave in the winter. See my post on Healthy Dinners for 2 and an upcoming post about creative and delicious bowls.

I’m looking for flavor, color and crunch, and have been making what I call the ‘kitchen sink salad’ these days. I keep some romaine handy and add literally whatever I have that would work! I made this one the other day with sliced turkey and cheese, hard boiled egg, pickled peppers, nuts and cucumbers. Skinny Girl salad dressings are fat free and come in a variety of amazing flavors- so this makes a hearty and healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a spring refresh.

Make One Small Change. Try at least one new and different thing each day that adds a healthful boost to your day. Add something easy, and soon enough it will become habit! Some ideas:

• Get up early
• Eat a big, healthy salad for lunch or dinner, like the one above!
• Walk on the treadmill for ten minutes
• Drink a juice shot
• Start the day with meditaton
• Listen to an energizing playlist
• Call or Zoom a friend for support
• Make your medical appointments and put on shared calendar
• Go to a therapist
• Take a multivitamin
• Go outside for a few minutes
• Get the tough stuff done first thing
• Make a plan and execute it-without much thinking!

I will leave you with this from The 5 Second Rule:

The fact is that thinking about being healthier won’t make you healthier. Even meditation, which is a mental exercise, still requires that you DO it. There is no getting around this, you must take action.

Exercise and health comes down to one simple rule-you don’t have to feel like it. You just have to do it.

Mel Robbins

Do you struggle with motivation, procrastination and low energy? Is your life and health out of balance, especially after a cold and dismal winter?

Let me know if some of these small tools and tricks work for you, or you have other proven remedies to get motivated! Good luck! 🍀