Three Things I Do When I Feel Unmotivated

April showers bring May flowers.

…and Mayflowers bring pilgrims.

That joke cracks me up. I know that joke is not some grand example of high comedy, but the innocence of it really just makes me laugh. All jokes aside, though, April showers really do bring May flowers. However, the flowers only bloom if the seeds are planted.

The last few days have been so dreary and awful here on the East Coast. Many opening-day ball games have been rescheduled, the sky is gray and rainy, and it’s even been cold. It’s pretty obvious that these early spring weeks have been less than ideal, and I, for one, find this kind of weather and dreariness so disappointing. I find myself unmotivated during times like this and I really hate that feeling.

With that being said, I have a few tricks that help me through the dismal early days of spring when winter is still in the process of being forgotten about. In a way, these are my proverbial “seeds” that I plant now in order to have a fruitful May. When I do these things, I feel better, more productive, and even happier. I hope they help you, too.

1. Make a comfort meal

Nothing makes me feel better than comfort food. The other day I posted a question on my Instagram asking my followers what their favorite comfort foods were and all the answers made me so happy. So many people love potatoes! And soups! And cereal!

I have a few favorite comfort foods. Some of them include my new Chicken & Gnocchi Soup (which I am making on Saturday again!), Cherry Tomato & Sausage Orecchiette, and Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. What are your favorites? I would love to hear!

2. Write a to-do list

I always find that having a set list of tasks that I can complete systematically keeps my head level. I also think there is a satisfaction in physically crossing off a completed task that makes me feel so accomplished.

When I get up in the morning, I make a cup of coffee, grab my toddler a smoothie, and write out my to-do list. It really helps keep my day organized and flowing.

3. Do some sort of exercise or physical activity

I am not suggesting that everyone should go run a 5K when they’re feeling unmotivated. What I am suggesting, though, is to do anything that gets your blood pumping. That might even just be 25 jumping jacks when you wake up in the morning. Personally, I feel better and more motivated when I am energized and alert.

So, I hope these tips help you if you’ve been feeling down or unmotivated lately. The weather should break soon! (Hopefully…)