Someone coping with depression likely already knows what they aresupposedto do, but the question becomes how.
After all, depression kills motivation, energy, interest, and focus.
Here are a few strategies for motivating yourself to get started when you’re depressed:
1.
Set the bar low.
When you’re depressed, you’re not functioning at your usual 70 to 90%.
Rather, you’re sitting somewhere closer to 20%.
Set small and specific goals instead: Unload the dishwasher.
Heck, unload three glasses.
Task completed and still itching for more?
you’ve got the option to always raise the bar if you’re feeling particularly motivated.
Try instead to use the sameencouraging wordsyou might use for a friend or loved one.
Recruit support, or ask for help.
Some of us have trouble holding ourselves accountable at the best of times.
With little motivation or energy, it’s that much harder.
Confide in someone you trust, and ask for their help.
Ask a friend to hold you to your commitment.
Ask your partner to accompany you to a yoga class.
Envision how you’ll feel after the task.
As such, they tend to feel overwhelmed and avoid such tasks.
Make the goal to do it, not to enjoy it.
Anxiety, depression, and self-loathing take over, leading to feelings of detachment and defeat.
Acknowledge your courage for stepping out of your comfort zone.
You know what to expect, for the most part.
There’s a good chance whatever you’re experiencing will come with anxiety because anxiety accompanies uncertainty.
