Some days, I don’t feel like doing anything. Not because I’m tired or overworked—though that happens too—but simply because I feel... stuck. A strange mix of laziness, boredom, and procrastination starts to take over. The longer I wait to start something, the harder it gets. And soon, the weight of what I haven’t done feels heavier than anything on my to-do list. And that is how my weekend was.
Maybe it’s the heat of summer. Maybe it’s just a phase. But lately, I’ve noticed I’m going out less, doing less, and even thinking less. I catch myself sitting still for too long, jaw tight, shoulders tensed, as if my body is bracing for something I can't quite name. I remind myself: unclench your jaw. Let your shoulders relax. Breathe.
It’s easy to get caught in this loop. One lazy morning becomes a lazy day, and then another. The things I usually enjoy—writing, gardening, working out - Yoga - begin to feel like chores. And then I wonder: am I just bored? Or unmotivated? Or both?
I think it's okay to not always know.
Sometimes we push ourselves so hard to always be productive or inspired that we forget that rest, stillness, and even boredom are part of the rhythm too. They don't feel good when you're in them—but they often mean something deeper is shifting. That maybe we’re due for a change or just a slower pace for a while.
So instead of trying to fight the low-motivation days, I’ve started trying something simpler: just one thing. Not everything. Just one small thing. Drink a glass of water. Write one sentence. Put away one dish. Wash one dish. No big “motivational moment,” just a gentle nudge to move forward—slowly but kindly.
And sometimes, that’s enough.
I’m learning that motivation doesn’t always come before action. Sometimes action brings motivation. And sometimes, even if it doesn’t, at least I did something. That counts too, I guess.
So if you're also in a bit of a lull—blame the heat if you must, or the repetition of days—but don’t be too hard on yourself. Rest a little. Move a little. And remember to check in with your body.
Unclench your jaw. Let your shoulders drop. Breathe...
You’re still doing okay.
Thanks for reading.
Image from pixabay -
Photo by Keenan Constance: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-wooden-planks-2865901/
