Overcoming Laziness

Do you ever have times where you feel less motivated? You feel like you do not have the energy to complete simple tasks? Maybe you feel lazy and do not know how to get back on track or where to begin? We all have periods where we feel less energetic, and it is common to feel this way on occasion. When these moments become more frequent or last for longer periods of time it may shift our goals to become less important, and we may even start to feel lazy. There are ways to overcome these feelings, and as always it is important to remember to give yourself grace.

We all need a lazy day occasionally, but if you feel like they are happening more frequently it may be a sign to step back and look at what makes you feel unmotivated and tired. Feeling like you have an overwhelming to do list, a lack of passion in your life, or experiencing a medical condition can all interfere in having the motivation to accomplish tasks. Here are some ways to overcome laziness:

Take time to reflect on your ideal self. Your ideal self is defined as an idealized version of yourself created out of what you have learned from life experiences, the demands of society, and what you admire in your role models. Click here for tips to help you reflect.

Set manageable goals. In order to overcome habits of “laziness” take small steps daily to complete tasks or achieve personal goals. Start by developing a plan of what you want to accomplish. If you want to start reading more, but do not feel like you have time, set aside ten to fifteen minutes a day. Want to start eating healthier? Start by planning out two to four healthy dinner options each week. Feel like your house is always dirty? Set a time and clean as much as you can during that time.

Focus on physical health. If you are in the routine of working out already you probably feel more energized from working out. Sometimes we get in a rut of not doing anything. Start small. Try walking 10 minutes a day or hitting play for a twenty-minute workout. This will help you stay consistent with taking care of your body physically.

Develop healthy food habits. The food we put into our body plays a significant role in how we feel. Choose less foods that will make you crash and add in more foods that will provide you with energy. It is also important to drink plenty of water.

Create a bedtime routine. Having a good night’s rest can impact cognition, productivity, and performance. You could go to bed the same time every night, avoid caffeine after lunch, or put your phone away close to bedtime. Small changes and a good routine can help you sleep better at night.

Eliminate distractions. Start by making a list of what you want to accomplish for the day. Find a quiet place, or put some music on, put your phone out of site, and reward yourself after you complete each task.

If you find you are feeling a lack of motivation, remember to start small, make lists, and know it’s okay if you don’t get everything done. Do a little bit each day, and prioritize your health and taking steps to complete your goals.

Sources:

https://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Ideal+Self#:~:text=The%20Ideal%20Self%20is%20an,admire%20in%20your%20role%20models.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-change/201512/five-ways-help-become-your-ideal-self
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important#7.-Poor-sleep-is-linked-to-depression

Jill Haupts, Outreach Coordinator for The Kim Foundation

Jill Haupts is the Outreach Coordinator at The Kim Foundation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University in 2016. Jill joined the Kim Foundation in January of 2020, coming from Des Moines, Iowa. Her previous experience includes volunteer recruitment and fundraising, as well as experience coordinating services and providing resources to adults who have a mental health diagnosis. Jill’s role in the foundation is coordinating event logistics, presenting and attending community fairs, as well as volunteer coordination and recruitment. She enjoys working in the nonprofit field and has a passion for advocacy and helping others.