Creative endeavors, be they “ugly” or “perfect,” are great ways to self-regulate. Making something achieves several coping skill goals:
Redirecting your thoughts and emotions
Harnessing your energy for a “good” reason
Directing your feelings away from yourself and others and onto the “canvas” of your choice
Taking control of your thoughts and emotions
Choosing not to punish yourself
Proving to yourself that your work and effort can make something brand new and totally unique
Embracing your thoughts and emotions in a healthy, constructive, or creative way, which keeps you from ruminating
Allows you to reflect back on your creation once you’re out of the thick of it ->
What triggered the negative feeling(s) & thought(s)?
What were your mentally and emotionally experiencing?
How can you prepare yourself the next time you find yourself in a similar situation?
What boundaries can you put in place?
How can you communicate your needs?
When I say “create” something, you don’t need any sort of art supplies or tools beyond a pencil and notebook paper. Your “art project” can just be mindless scribbles.
If you want to use art supplies but have no budget for anything “nice,” resale shops sell loose bundles of crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Dollar stores have stationery sections, often with sample packs of brand name goods like Crayola.
You can make art from anything around you: books, magazines, newspapers, cards, envelopes, calenders, notebook paper, computer paper, paint, glue, pencils, markers, white out, pens, etc.
Speaking from experience, whatever you make will always be better than hurting yourself or others in the long-run.
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5 Ultimate Ways to Avoid Procrastination
“I’ll do it in five minutes.”
“Just two more minutes and then I’ll get up.”
“Well it’s 6:02 and the day is about to end, I guess I’ll start tomorrow only.”
This is what Shreya said to herself whenever she was about to sit down to study. The moment there was anything that needed to be done, it always happened at the very last minute. Be it studying, getting ready to go outside, or getting up to close the door. “Two minutes more on Instagram, then I’ll do it.” Those two minutes never ended. She always ended up being stressed about the deadline and doing a sloppy job, unable to give her best.
If you have caught yourself making excuses to postpone your work, you are caught in the cycle of procrastination. Procrastinating is nothing but a pressure-building machine that makes you stressed about the work you’ll have to do in the last hour. It is not healthy to let the pressure build up. Multiple studies have proven that individuals, especially students who procrastinate are at an increased risk of having high-stress levels as compared to those who don’t. Procrastination leads to high levels of stress at the workplace, deterioration in one’s mental health, and low life satisfaction is reported.
Here are some strategies you can use to become efficient.
Don’t stress yourself for procrastinating
Now that you have spent your time procrastinating do not waste time further by blaming yourself. Rather than thinking what would have happened if you had started your work ten minutes ago, start working and make the ten minutes that you have now count. Lost time cannot be bought back but the present can be used wisely.
Just work for 15 minutes
Okay you do not want to work right now, don’t. Just work for 15 minutes now and then take the well-deserved break you want. Tricking your brain into working for just 15 minutes rather than on the whole project at once can help you get started. Once you have seen the work and started a little, you will be motivated to do more and not procrastinate.
Set goals and reward yourself
Don’t let the deadline be the motivating factor in your life. Break down your work into smaller chunks and after completion of each part, reward yourself. This could be a chocolate, an episode of Friends, or a short nap. You choose your reward for the effort and work that you put in.
Ask your friends to help
If you find yourself not being able to give up procrastination, have a friend hold you accountable for your progress. Ensure that they are someone who will check in on you and be strict if you start to miss your deadlines. In case you both have a similar schedule, tie up your work progress with them.
Provide yourself incentives to stay on task
Whenever you feel like giving up work and putting it off for some time later, bribe yourself with food, gifts, relaxing time, anything that would motivate you to stay on task. It does not have to be big, it could be as small as five minutes on Instagram.
It’s okay if you miss one task in the schedule: Make a schedule for all the work you need to do that day. It is the best thing if you could complete all of them on time. In case you miss the time frame for a task, leave it and start working on the next one. Don’t worry about it, you’ll find time to do it later.
Remember the best way to deal with procrastination is to find the inner motivation to guide you rather than relying on deadlines. Rather than letting your stress levels shoot up to the sky and negatively affect your mental health, find what motivates you. Use it to incentivize yourself into working.
Procrastination can lead to stress and anxiety. Get yourself assessed if you feel anxious or stressed. You should also seek therapy if you feel that because of procrastination you are being unproductive, starting to feel worthless, anxious, or stressed.
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Maintaining Motivation During Stress: A Comprehensive Guide
Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, and it often goes hand in hand with responsibilities and challenges. While a certain level of stress can be beneficial in motivating us to achieve our goals, excessive stress can have a detrimental effect on our overall well-being. In times of stress, it can be difficult to maintain motivation and stay focused on our tasks and aspirations. However, it is crucial to find ways to maintain our motivation during stressful times in order to prevent burnout and achieve success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies and techniques for maintaining motivation during periods of stress. Whether you are a student juggling multiple assignments, an employee facing a demanding workload, or a parent trying to balance work and family responsibilities, this guide will provide you with practical tips to stay motivated and productive. By understanding the impact of stress on motivation and implementing the suggested techniques, you will be equipped to tackle stressful situations and emerge stronger and more resilient. Let us delve into this guide and discover how to maintain motivation during stress.
Set clear and achievable goals.
In order to stay motivated during times of stress, it is crucial to set clear and achievable goals. This means clearly defining what you want to achieve and breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. By setting achievable goals, you are setting yourself up for success and avoiding feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. It is important to be realistic and specific when setting goals and to regularly reassess and adjust them as needed. This will help you stay focused and motivated, even in the midst of challenging situations. Remember to also celebrate your accomplishments along the way, as this will keep you motivated and encouraged to continue moving forward towards your goals.
Prioritize self-care and relaxation.
Taking care of oneself is crucial to maintaining motivation during stressful times. This includes prioritizing self-care and relaxation activities. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks and allowing time for rest and rejuvenation can actually increase productivity and motivation. Whether it be taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, incorporating self-care into daily routines is essential for managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better cope with challenges and maintain motivation for achieving their goals.
Practice effective stress management techniques.
In addition to self-care activities, practicing effective stress management techniques is crucial to maintaining motivation during stressful times. This involves identifying and addressing sources of stress, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting realistic goals. Some effective stress management techniques include deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a trusted friend or therapist. It's also important to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to avoid becoming overwhelmed. By implementing these techniques, individuals can better manage their stress levels and stay motivated to achieve their goals, even in the face of challenges.
Seek support from loved ones.
In addition to implementing stress management techniques, seeking support from loved ones can be a helpful tool for maintaining motivation during times of stress. Whether it's talking to a close friend, family member, or significant other, having a support system can provide a sense of comfort and understanding. Sometimes just talking to someone about your stressors can help alleviate some of the pressure and provide a fresh perspective. Additionally, loved ones can offer encouragement, accountability, and practical help in managing responsibilities and tasks. Don't be afraid to reach out and lean on those who care about you during stressful times.
Break tasks into manageable steps.
Another helpful strategy for maintaining motivation during times of stress is to break tasks into manageable steps. Often, when faced with a long list of responsibilities and deadlines, it can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. By breaking tasks into smaller, more achievable steps, you can create a sense of progress and accomplishment, which can serve as motivation to continue moving forward. This approach can also help to prevent burnout by allowing you to focus on one task at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once. It may also be helpful to prioritize tasks and focus on the most important or time-sensitive ones first. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress and can help keep you motivated and on track during stressful times.
Stay organized and maintain a routine.
Consistency is key when it comes to staying organized and maintaining a routine, especially during times of stress. While it may be tempting to let things slide or take on too much at once, sticking to a schedule and keeping track of important tasks and deadlines can help reduce stress and increase productivity. This can be achieved through tools such as planners, to-do lists, and setting reminders. A structured routine not only helps with organization but also creates a sense of stability and control during uncertain times. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, motivation can be maintained and stress can be effectively managed.
Celebrate small accomplishments along the way.
In addition to staying organized, it's also important to celebrate small accomplishments along the way. This can help boost motivation and maintain a positive mindset, even during times of stress. Taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the progress you have made, whether big or small, can give you a sense of accomplishment and drive to keep moving forward. This can be as simple as checking off a task on your to-do list or treating yourself to something you enjoy after completing a difficult project. By celebrating small accomplishments, you are acknowledging your hard work and giving yourself the recognition and motivation you deserve. So, don't forget to take a moment to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, as they all contribute to your overall success and well-being.
Stay positive and practice gratitude.
In addition to staying organized and acknowledging small wins, it is crucial to stay positive and practice gratitude during times of stress. It can be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions, but by shifting our focus to the good things in our lives, we can improve our mental well-being and motivation. Take time each day to reflect on things you are grateful for, whether it's a supportive friend or a delicious meal. This will help to cultivate a positive mindset and keep you motivated to push through any challenges. Remember, positivity and gratitude are powerful tools for maintaining motivation during stressful times.
Embrace the power of delegation.
In addition to these strategies, another powerful tool for maintaining motivation during stress is delegation. Many of us have a tendency to try and take on everything ourselves, thinking that we can handle it all. However, this often leads to burnout and a decrease in motivation as we become overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities. By learning to delegate tasks to others, we can free up our time and mental space to focus on the most important tasks and goals. This allows us to work more efficiently and effectively and can also provide a sense of relief and support during stressful periods. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and delegate tasks; it can actually improve our overall productivity and motivation.
Stay focused on the bigger picture.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and challenges, but it's important to stay focused on the bigger picture. When we keep our ultimate goals and aspirations in mind, it can help us stay motivated and determined, even during stressful times. Remember why you started this journey and what you hope to achieve in the long run. This will give you a sense of purpose and drive to keep pushing through, even when things get tough. So, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It's not just about the tasks at hand, but about the bigger picture of your goals and dreams. Keep that in mind, and it will help you maintain motivation during times of stress.
In conclusion, maintaining motivation during times of stress is crucial for personal and professional success. By implementing the strategies and techniques discussed in this guide, you can effectively manage stress and stay motivated to achieve your goals. Remember to prioritize self-care, stay organized and focused, and seek support when needed. With dedication and determination, you can overcome any obstacles and maintain your motivation even in the most challenging times. Keep pushing forward and stay motivated!
FAQ
How can individuals maintain motivation during times of high stress and pressure?
Individuals can maintain motivation during times of high stress and pressure by setting clear goals, breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrating small victories along the way. It is important to prioritize self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of friends, family, or colleagues can also provide encouragement and motivation. Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and reminding oneself of the bigger picture and the reasons behind the tasks or goals can help individuals stay motivated and focused during challenging times.
What are some effective strategies for overcoming feelings of burnout and staying motivated?
Some effective strategies for overcoming feelings of burnout and staying motivated include setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, seeking support from others, managing stress levels, and finding joy in the work you're doing. It's important to prioritize tasks, take breaks when needed, and engage in activities that help recharge your energy. Additionally, finding a support system or talking to a mentor or therapist can provide valuable guidance and perspective. Lastly, reminding yourself of the purpose and impact of your work can help reignite motivation and passion.
How does stress impact motivation, and what can be done to counteract its negative effects?
Stress can significantly impact motivation by depleting energy levels, causing feelings of overwhelm, and reducing focus and concentration. It can lead to a lack of drive and enthusiasm towards tasks and goals. To counteract the negative effects of stress on motivation, it is essential to prioritize self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help reduce stress and boost motivation.
Are there any specific techniques or exercises that can help individuals maintain motivation and focus during stressful periods?
Yes, there are several techniques and exercises that can help individuals maintain motivation and focus during stressful periods. These include setting specific goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, practicing mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, seeking social support, prioritizing self-care activities, and creating a structured and organized schedule. Additionally, utilizing positive affirmations, and visualizations, and creating a supportive and motivating environment can also contribute to maintaining motivation and focus during stressful times.
How can individuals create a supportive environment or seek external support to help maintain motivation during times of stress?
Individuals can create a supportive environment by surrounding themselves with positive and encouraging people, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-care. Seeking external support can involve reaching out to friends and family for emotional support, joining support groups or therapy sessions, and seeking guidance from mentors or coaches. Additionally, incorporating stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and practicing gratitude can help maintain motivation during stressful times.
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