You know that feeling. The one when you feel so unmotivated to do what you love because you are so tired from life. That is exactly how I felt last week, and I know everyone goes through it. When I get like this, I honestly take a day off from life so I can recuperate. This is what I do in order to stay motivated.

1. Remember my purpose!
When I do this, I look to only one place –Scripture. This is the one place I can look to in order to really be encouraged. In the past, I have read motivational books, but they never did anything for me. I remember being so discouraged by one that I threw it across the room. It wasn’t until I looked to Scripture that I found unconditional purpose for my life and for what I do. When I really need motivation, I read through the Bible before I go to bed and after I wake up.

2. Eat a HEALTHY meal.
This is so important. Eating a healthy, nutritional meal is a great way to feel energized. Also, I try to stay away from coffee, because as much as I love it, it doesn’t do much for my body. It gives me little bursts of energy, and then I crash. I usually try to have a smoothie. However, if I really want (not need) some caffeine, I usually have green tea, which is high in antioxidants. Another thing is to stay hydrated and drink a lot of water. It keeps me refreshed and awake.

3. Workout!
I know this is not the first thing that people think of when trying to get motivated, but it really works. Working out gets the blood pumping through your body and wakes you up. I know doing this really inspires me to go outside and take a walk, especially if I remember to bring my camera.

4. Read an actual book.
Yes, I mean I read a book – one with pages and a binding, not on a computer screen. This is very unheard of in our era. We are in the time of electronics and social media. Being in front of a screen is not all bad if you are only on your device for small parts of the day. But if I am on it too much, it makes me weary and agitated and more stressed. This is why when I am writing or planning a to-do list I use a pen and a notebook. I love to do this, along with reading. Reading for me, helps me focus and relaxes my mind and body at the end of a busy day. I also love to read when I am bored. It takes me on an amazing journey or makes me think.

5. PRAY!
This is the best thing I can do when I am discouraged or anxious. It takes it all away and replaces them with relief. It is a remedy for all of my emotional needs. Why? Because it is the communication with my Heavenly Father. It is such a blessing for me, for it draws me near to Him. It is how I spend time with Him, and I know He is the only who listens to EVERYTHING I have to say. It is my first response for everything.

“God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. . . God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there.”~ C. S. Lewis