Simple Ways To Get Motivation - Action Will Always Boost Mood
Motivation Over Mood
January 15, 2024
By Haley Holt
Image by Jeferson Santu
There will come a time, regardless of your situation or life stage, you will crave the desire for a straightforward simple way to get motivation.
We're here to assure you that it's attainable.
Welcome crew, family, and friends. As we embark on the commencement of 2024 - the gyms are chaotic, the New Year's resolutions are pouring in, and the ambitious goals are covertly hung up in the closet (behind the door, of course). Wondering if this is the year you have the ambition to not fuck it all up, well same.Â
It’s 2024, and we are learning from our past mistakes.
This year, our approach will be to take things slow, focusing on the broad scope of our vision board and getting things right. Honestly, taking it one step at a time. Through our experience, attempting a complete overhaul of change all at once often leads to setbacks. Instead, we are adopting a gradual approach to change. Focusing on one element, only then, to continue and progress toward your goals steadily - think building blocks.Â
This wild, ‘never heard of’ approach, calls for a Vision Board mini-series. Yes, we are building together. The second board pin-up, #2 Simple Ways To Get Motivation - Action Will Always Boost Mood.
Image by Toa Heftiba
There is an abundance of motivational methods that might bid to persuade you off of the couch- nevertheless, there are only two practices that have continuously and effectively worked for us.
Two Simple & Proven Motivation Methods:
Mel Robbins’ prominent "5-Second Rule", and more importantly -
The powerful understanding between action and mood
Let’s briefly discuss Mel’s, "5-Second Rule“. Mel Robbins is famously known for her "5-Second Rule", which involves counting down from 5 to 1 and taking action at the end of the countdown, similar to a rocket ship launch.
The idea is simple, your mind has about a 5-second window before you start to overthink things. This can include getting up in the morning, introducing yourself to others, making it to the gym, etc.
When you act within those 5 seconds, you interrupt your brain from going into overthinking mode to actual action.
In the morning, we use this rule to get the heck out of bed. Instead of hitting the snooze button, once the alarm clock starts, count backward starting from 5 and get up when you reach 1. Within those 5 seconds, there's no room for excuses, considerations of the comfort of your bed, or the reluctance towards the gym. It's a decisive, rocket-like action.Â
The 5-Second Rule empowers you to take prompt action without excessive contemplation. However, what happens when you return home after a lengthy workday? It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and you find yourself not in the mood for any sort of rocketship launch, gym sesh, or ‘hot girl walk’.
The understanding between action and mood has the power to determine and change your next steps.
Image by Simona Todorova
Mood Follows Action: Never let your mood determine your actions, as it takes action to change your mood.Â
Picture this - we are back to you sitting on the couch, maybe it’s been a long day dealing with your boss's bullshit, the third grocery run of the week, or you're just in a funk (we are preaching to our type of choir). BUT, the idea is to not let your mood at this very moment determine your next steps to what you could accomplish.
Initiating a change in your mental mood requires physical action, and we strongly recommend starting with a simple walk as an effective approach.Â
The basic act of taking a stroll outdoors might seem like a small endeavor, however, the clinical benefits of walking extend far beyond just physical exercise.
Research consistently highlights the positive impact that walking can have on mood, health, and mental well-being. If finding time to venture outside proves to be impractical for your schedule, rest assured, we have a solution for such situations, our savior, the walking pad.
Again, we would like to reiterate this revelation for the people in the back; the moment you start to take action, you will then begin to notice a substantial change in your mood.
Yes, it will take self-control to be able to consciously choose action over your current mood state, but this choice typically comes with instant mood gratification (the reward).
Image by Wesley Tingey
At times, it's not just the walk itself that motivates us to choose action, but the self-care preparations that will start to shift the mood.
Simple Ways To Get Motivated:
We have esteemed recommendations that are cherished, effectively initiating a shift in mood while prompting the departure.
The outfit - The Wellness Club Sweatshirt (actual perfection), paired with the preferred workout set, not only exudes a positive impact on well-being but also presents a stylish appearance; the look-good feel-good effect.Â
The bag - We are thrilled to see the resurgence of hip fanny packs. Crossbody packs, in particular, serve as an excellent accessory. Their versatility extends to being a convenient travel essential during long walks.
The headphones - Regardless of whether you prefer immersing yourself in music, engaging with a podcast, or simply relishing the sounds of nature, the Beats will always serve as our indispensable lifeline.Â
Image by Olga Nayda
The water bottle - Take with you a water bottle you enjoy - it’s a wild concept, but picking out your daily water bottle has proven to motivate continued hydration throughout the day while allowing you to walk longer.
The challenge - For those seeking to enhance their walking routine, consider incorporating Bala Bangles. The resistance weights can be worn on your arms or ankles, adding an extra challenge to your daily walk or the at-home pilates workout.
The self-care for Sunscreen - We can attest this is nothing new but will continue to preach. While it’s beneficial to soak up Vitamin D, SPF allows you to preserve your skin's youthful radiance, prevent wrinkles, and reduce the risk of skin damage - Two sunscreens we interchange and highly recommend for this, Eleven Serum Face Moisturizer + 40 SPF and Kosas DreamBeam for the perfect makeup base packed with + 40 SPF, glides on the skin like a dream.
The clinical benefits of walking extend beyond the physical realm, encompassing improvements in mood, mental well-being, and overall health.
Image by Anna Keibalo
Try incorporating a daily walk into the routine; this makes for a simple, practical, and realistic approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With the growing acknowledgment among healthcare professionals of the significance of holistic well-being, opting for a simple action over mood can lead to a productive shift in your day's perspective, fostering a more positive mood.
Just to list a few; the benefits of choosing action over mood:
Featuring the walk -Â
Mood Enhancement:
Walking has been proven to be a natural mood booster.
The rhythmic movement and exposure to natural surroundings stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals.
This not only helps in alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety but also contributes to an overall improvement in mood.
Whether it's a brisk walk in the park or a leisurely stroll on the home walking pad, the connection between walking and mood enhancement is undeniable.
Physical Health Benefits:
Regular walking is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that contributes to a healthier heart.
It helps in maintaining a healthy weight, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
The impact on physical health extends to improved joint flexibility, enhanced bone density, and better circulation.
The simplicity of walking makes it an accessible and low-impact activity suitable for individuals of all fitness levels.
Stress Reduction:
Modern life is often accompanied by high levels of stress (the obvious statement of the year).
Walking provides an effective means of stress reduction by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
The time spent outdoors, away from screens and daily stressors, allows individuals to clear their minds and gain a fresh perspective.
This, in turn, can lead to improved cognitive function and better resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Enhanced Mental Clarity:
Engaging in a walk can stimulate creative thinking and enhance mental clarity.
The combination of physical activity and exposure to nature has been shown to boost cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
For those facing mental fatigue or struggling with focus, a brief outdoor walk can be a rejuvenating break that enhances productivity and mental sharpness and a positive mood shift.Â
Thoughts? Comment Below!