I’m usually the type of person who is super motivated during the school year. But once summer comes around, I tend to get a little lazy. Often, I don’t have a solid routine or schedule during the summer that I normally have at school. I’ve found the best way to kick that summer slump is to first find the thing that gets you out of bed, then keep going from there. Accomplishing one task often drives motivation to do more. Here are some ways to stay motivated, whatever the season!
1—Start your day off on a full tank. Waking up and having a solid breakfast is essential to keep you full and focused throughout the day. I’ve been guilty in the past of “not having time” for breakfast because I’m rushing in the morning. I noticed a positive difference in my productivity when I actually made time for a hearty breakfast. There are many easy ways to do this while staying healthy. One of my personal favorite breakfast boosts is Irish oatmeal with some blueberries and yogurt. If you’re feeling more savory, a quick over-easy egg with a slice of whole-grain toast is another good go-to that’s perfect for fueling your day.
2—Get your sweat on. Try and set aside a couple of days during the week that you can devote some time to working up a sweat. I’ve found that after my morning or mid-afternoon workout, I feel so much more alert and energized. Try and get a combination of both cardio as well as weights. I usually like to start with 30 minutes of cardio to get me going, then move to concentrated muscle work.
3—Find outdoor activities. It’s crazy how just being outside can change your day, but it really does work! Even something as little as going for a drive can change your mood. During the summer especially, taking advantage of those nice sunny days really helps brighten your daily outlook. Growing up in upstate New York, some of my favorite outdoor activities include going on a hike or a long walk.
4—Make a to-do list on your phone. This is one of my favorite ways to make sure I accomplish everything I need to get done for the day or the week. I would highly recommend downloading the free app called Wunderlist. If you’re like me and think of a ton of things you need to get done one minute, but then forget a bunch of them the next, this app is amazing and will be very useful for you!
How do you stay motivated? Let us know in the comments below.
