Sometimes I find myself lying in bed on my day off, scrolling through Facebook or Instagram for an hour or longer when I know I have better things I could be doing. I recently realized all I need to do is force myself to get up. Once you do that, your day goes on, and you find yourself doing productive things even if they’re simply hanging out with friends.

Now I’m not necessarily talking to those with anxiety, although, give it a shot if you think it could work. I’m generally talking to those with depression or those who are just lazy at times. We can all admit we have our super lazy moments, but you can reduce those moments. You just need to force yourself to get up.

Force yourself to get out of bed because it’s already 11 a.m., and you have stuff to get done. Force yourself to go out with friends or family because you need to enjoy life with those you love. Force yourself to sit at your desk for an hour to get that essay done. Force yourself to keep your phone in another room because you don’t need distractions.

It's really all about disciplining yourself. Telling yourself, “No, I need to get this done now. Don’t go on Facebook or Instagram.” It will all still be there after you have finished the important things.

Motivate yourself by thinking about where you want to be in a few years. Will you be graduating from college? You can’t do that if you don’t pass this class. Will you be getting your dream job? You can’t do that if you’re spending your free days lying in bed. Do what you need to get that dream job.

Force yourself to complete the necessities your dreams require. Write that essay. Pass that class. Get that degree. Build your resume. Go to that interview. Get that job. Live your life to the fullest.

Just start by forcing yourself out of bed.