Chances are you know if you've been there and you know if you are there. It's that lull in live, that dull ache and lack of motivation. It's hard to place exactly when it started, but it feels like it won't ever end. It sounds dramatic but there is a surprising amount of apathy that exists. It's like being a preprogrammed robot. Get up, to go work/school, go to bed, repeat. Truth is, it absolutely sucks. It makes simple tasks we do everyday seem impossible. You start caring for yourself less, others less and just overall stop caring. It's a tricky place to be, it's a low, maliciously subvertant decline.
So, here are some ways I've found that help to combat giving up. Some work better than others, some are fun, some are uncomfortable but they all are integral in pushing out the beast that is monotony and apathy.
1. Watch a TV show, series, movie WITH someone else.
This....
Versus this...
Usually TV watching is a no-go when you're trying to avoid zoning out into nothingness. But, I've found that watching a show with someone, usually something funny or thought provoking that you can talk about and laugh at, can be a really low-key way of being social, connecting with someone and preventing yourself from vegging out in a destructive way. Some of my closest friends have come from watching a series and spending time together doing nothing.
2. Sweat!
Alright, stick with me here. Honestly, for me, showering and just general hygiene is the first thing to go when I'm questioning my entire life's purpose. So, I workout. This gets me nice and disgusting to where I feel like there's no other option than to shower.
PRO TIP: Do not under any circumstances allow yourself to "air-out" while watching Netflix after a workout and convince yourself that just because you're sweat is dried you no longer need to shower.
3. Let's Get Physical!
This one is closely related to number two. Be active. I know, I know. This one was absolutely the hardest for me. Nothing like being in a room with perfect-looking people and large mirrors to confirm the fact that you have given up, but don't. This one has had the greatest positive impact on me and my mood. Find a gym, running track, workout program, anything and just move. Feeling like you've given up is like walking through molasses but the best way to improve that is raising your heart rate. If you're like me, find a gym that is desolate, put your headphones in and be active. Use it as your "You Time." It's so unbelievably valuable. Listen to music, podcasts and books on tape that you usually don't have time for. Or be a huge loser like me and listen to a podcast version of 48 Hours true crime show, that'll get your heart pumping.
Most importantly, don't get discouraged. Any activity is good. If you could only squeak out a one mile run, that's amazing, you're amazing, don't stop. Ignore the guy running a marathon, grunting like a caveman and lifting 10 pound weights with pinky-toe.
I mean, good for him/man-beast but don't use your working out as a punishment. Use working out as a quality alone time that also happens to strengthen your body and improve your mood. Find a way to enjoy it and do whatever you can. All that matters is you're moving, being active and that's progress. Be proud of that.
4. Make yourself follow through on one commitment a week
I am the master at flaking out. And yes, sometimes canceling needs to happen and it's completely OK. I've found, for me, when I start getting int a habit of always saying no or backing out, I don't stop. So, once a week I try to make an effort to make a plan, agree to a plan and do it. This one is especially hard because the last thing you feel like doing when you stop caring is being in public, around people and feeling like you have to pretend.
TIP: Do trivia (my personal favorite) or bowling or something else you actually enjoy doing.
5. Do something you enjoy every day
(Can't say I know exactly what's happening here but they lookhappy!) It sounds obvious but doing things that make you happy/you enjoy are sometimes right up there on things you give up on. When I'm doing poorly, I stop writing, stop playing music, stop reading books. All things that I love doing. It's strange to have to force yourself to do something you enjoy but it's necessary and worth it.
And I mean, if 80s outfits, cellos and dancing are your thing-- get on it.
6. Make something your thing
Make a tradition or weekly event: Taco Tuesday, a weekly TV show, a sports team's games, Chipotle Fridays (and Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays....).
Get excited about something. Find it and make it your thing. Get yourself pumped for it, invite people, or don't, but make yourself get excited about something and do it consistently.
My choice: Nacho Friday. So yes, I eat nachos every Friday and I love it.
Nachos are just so important.
All of these sound pretty similar but that's because they involve some sort of choice, and I know it isn't always easy, but it's so worth it.
So, get out there, or in there, over there, anywhere. Just know you are capable, wonderful and kick butt. The mental state of giving up is a tough rut to get out of but you're much tougher. Now, go eat some nachos.
