Some days it’s just plain hard to get out of bed and get moving. Low-to-no motivation and no reason to get going can feel like a blanket of lethargy stifling any inclination to do… well, anything. Here are a few ways to put some pep in your step, some cheer in your ear, fire up and boost your energy, and blow past the blues.
Get Up!
From motivational speaker and life coach Tony Robbins comes this easy and fun way to power up. He recommends doing this regularly before starting a challenging task in order to rev up the internal engine and shake off ennui. It’s a whole lot more fun sounding than taking an ice bath. Yes, sitting in a tub full of ice, every morning at 5 AM is what he does to charge his day.
Put on some fast-paced music that you really like and get up and dance, shake your booty like no one is watching. Bonus points if they are! Just revel in the sense of freedom that good music and dancing offer. Rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and roll, country, oldies, anything goes. Just play something you like. Sing along and really get some energy flowing. If you don’t still have your old record or tape collection, or DVDs, try Amazon Music digital, which allows you to play some selections for free.
This absolutely works, and I can attest to it. I’ve tried it myself when in a down state dealing with loss and though it didn’t totally eliminate the feelings, it offered a more positive mindset from which to deal with the situation. Not only that, but it also boosted my energy and inspired me to tackle some other things that needed attention.
Go Outside!
It’s hard to stay down in the dumps when you’re outdoors and moving. Pick up your pace if you can and be mindful to breathe. With Spring the colors return, the air seems fresher, and the sun reemerges, offering natural boosts to our attitudes. Reawakening in nature promotes positivity within.
AARP reports researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise appears to increase the size of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory. Moreover, exercise, even mild exercise can also lengthen life. The benefits of exercise cannot be overstated. AARP also reports on several studies claiming the link between exercise and eye health may be threefold.
First, exercise is believed to decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure – all of which can contribute to cataracts. In addition, exercise seems to decrease the likelihood of glaucoma, strengthen bones, and reduce blood pressure. Harvard Health reports that regular walking reduces the risk of developing breast cancer and eases joint pain.
If all of the above weren’t enough, exercise just feels so darn good! It promotes the release of endorphins, minimizes stress hormones, and increases serotonin and dopamine levels and has been part of a go-to weight loss plan for ages. An all around win!
Breathe Deeply
Breath is closely associated with our feelings and thoughts. Shallow breathing, according to Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA, contributes to feelings of stress and anxiety. Sitting at the computer and sitting in chairs for long stretches can contribute to shallow breathing.
I found this was a habit I’d developed from sitting at the computer for long stretches and so began practicing taking slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths to counter the habit. What I found was that breathing more mindfully not only improved my mood, but also brought a greater sense of relaxation and overall ease.
Engage with Others
Join a reading club, perhaps through your local library. Many libraries sponsor reading groups and have the books on hand for members. Join a church and volunteer. Having meetings to attend will motivate you to get up and move out of the house. You’ll meet people and contribute to the community, and helping others often gives a dopamine hit.
Join a class or a group focused on walking, hiking, or bird watching. Or connect with or even establish a dinner group with each member, taking a turn hosting. Take a genealogy class at a local college and learn about your forebearers. That may be an interesting way to make contact with far flung family members.
Through one of the online ‘ancestor’ sites that tracks DNA links, I heard from family members I didn’t even know existed! The benefits of socializing that group involvement offers cannot be overemphasized. Social interactions decrease depression and often instill a sense of belonging. You may even make some new friends!
Move – Any Way You Can
Travel. Fire up the RV and hit the road. Visit your state and national parks. There are RV groups just for women solo travelers as well as couples. Take a cruise on one of the great rivers in the US or abroad. Many travel opportunities are available today for singles that weren’t available in the past. Of course, there are plenty of travel opportunities for couples and groups of friends. They’re often organized around themes: biking, historical interests, walking, or botanical subjects.
Art, architecture, and music are popular themes. In fact, several classical radio stations organize tours centered around music and composers. Stumped for ideas? National Geographic offers more than 250 trips on all 7 continents with many different subjects of exploration.
Take Action
One step often leads to new opportunities you may have never considered. The Baby Boomers are reimagining and redefining retirement in entirely new ways. No more sitting on the front porch watching life go by. We are staying active and engaged, growing, and developing our interests and capacities as we continue to enjoy each precious moment of life.
Let Us Hear from You:
What’s the most surprising or audacious thing you’ve attempted or plan to do in retirement? Have you overcome some fear in order to realize a dream? How did that go for you? What’s the next step in your journey? Do you have a daily routine that works which you’d like to share?