Feeling sluggish and unmotivated this summer? You are not alone. The so-called “summer slump” is real – and it can have a big impact on motivation and achieving your goals. So what can you do about it? In this article, we will discuss how summer impacts motivation plus some top tips to help you get your mojo back.
What Is Motivation?
In short, motivation refers to the drive to achieve your goals. It is influenced by a few different factors, including how much you want a given goal, what you will gain from succeeding, what you stand to lose from not achieving the goal, and your expectations for yourself.
Most people have at least one goal or see something they would like to change in their life. But for almost everyone, finding the motivation to get started can be a challenge. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks that can help you kick off your progress toward your goals this summer.
Why Is Motivation Important?
Succeeding in your goals begins with understanding what motivation is and why it is important. Motivation is important because it supports you in working toward your goals, helps you solve problems, allows you to cope with challenges, and helps you change old habits. If you want to change or improve yourself, your wellbeing, and your life as a whole, it begins with motivation.
Sounds easy enough, right? The problem is that motivation can be elusive for many people – and this is especially true for people who are living with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety. However, there are plenty of tools that you can learn to bolster your motivation and pursue your goals. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of achieving something you set your mind to… and with motivation on your side, you can do just that.
Why Does Motivation Suffer in the Summer?
In the summer months, motivation is known to suffer. Why? There are a few different reasons that summer can negatively impact motivation.
First off, summer means changing schedules and disrupted routines for many of us. For parents with young children, summer vacation comes with a major shift in your day-to-day life as you shuttle kids to camps and activities, trying to keep them entertained. Even if you are not a parent, the nice weather can have you feeling trapped inside and distracted as you try to get your regular work done.
Additionally, the summer heat is no joke. If you feel like the summer weather has you dragging, you are not alone – and there is scientific evidence to support this very real phenomenon! When it is hot outside, your body requires more oxygen to cool you down. That means there is less oxygen available to fuel your muscles, which can lead to lower energy levels and fatigue. The heat literally drains your energy!
Finally, you might be working fewer hours, taking fewer classes, or enjoying vacation and days off from work. It feels like you have ample time on your hands… So why do you feel like simply sitting around? Well, relaxing can cause a release of dopamine, a chemical that increases your feelings of happiness. That happiness is addictive – you will want more of it!
Some time spent relaxing is healthy. After all, everyone needs a break from time to time. But ultimately, finding a good balance between idle time and action time is crucial for your mental health. The good news is that there are plenty of productive activities that can also increase dopamine levels: exercising, cooking, reading, or other pursuits that you enjoy.
Now that you know why you feel so sluggish in the summer, let’s talk about a few small changes that you can try to bring your motivation back.
How Can I Get Motivated This Summer?
There is nothing wrong with relaxation – but if you are having a tough time getting started on your goals this summer, you might be looking for an extra dose of motivation. Here are a few of our favorite strategies for bringing back your go-getter attitude, even in the summer heat…
#1: Introduce Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a component of holistic wellness, and it means being present and focused in your life. As life slows down a bit in the summer months, one mindfulness tactic is taking the time to disconnect from your electronic devices. We spend so much time looking at screens (the blue light from screens can even impact your sleep cycle) – summer can be a chance to take some time away from the digital world and focus on what is in front of you.
You can also try bringing your work outdoors to enjoy some Vitamin D from the summer sun (don’t forget your SPF!), planning intentional activities to connect in-person with friends and family, and devoting time each day to self care. Living your life in a mindful and intentional manner can make a huge difference in boosting your motivation levels!
#2: Fuel Your Body
Maintaining healthful eating and drinking habits can feel like a challenge during the summer months – but with the risk of dehydration from sun exposure and heat, drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet is more important than ever. If you get dehydrated, you will feel sluggish and tired, making it challenging to pursue your goals.
Summer is also a great time to enjoy delicious snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. When you eat a balanced diet, you help your body get all of the nutrients and vitamins it needs to support mental as well as physical health. Fruits and veggies, as well as your daily dose of water (the Mayo Clinic suggests adults should drink between 2 and 3 liters of fluids per day), can boost your energy levels, too!
#3: Create Goals You Care About
Instead of comparing yourself to others or creating goals that you think you “should” want, spend some time reflecting on what truly matters to you. When you set goals that truly align with your values and what you want from life, you will be so much more motivated to achieve them. Additionally, think about the positive benefits you will reap once you achieve that goal.
Setting intentional goals is a great way to boost your motivation and ensure that you are setting yourself up for success!
Stuck in a Summer Slump?
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you get your motivation back on track this summer. But remember to stay in tune with your body and your mind. If your lack of motivation continues or if you are feeling down, depressed, or sad for an extended period of time, there might be something else going on. If you are worried about your mental health or simply want to talk, our team at Triumph Behavioral Health is here to listen.
We are a group of highly trained nurse practitioner behavioral health providers, and we can help you learn to live your most fulfilling life. Get in touch with us today to take the next steps toward a better tomorrow.