I might add, I don't mean, get 8 hours sleep, eat right, exercise..... yes, I know those help, and don't mean to downplay them, but I was wondering if people would share more specific things.

I can share one, though I can't say I'm totally successful with it yet.

It involves making a list. Just spam up a list on a piece of paper of things you want to do, and make sure they are little things, like wash dishes, do one load of laundry, etc. (not clean out the garage or build the add-on bathroom to the house) and then making a commitment to do one or two a day, posting the list up and marking them out boldly as you complete the task.

It might not mean much to some, but to me, that little burst of feeling of accomplishment feels soooo good when you are down and feeling guilty and just can't motivate. You feel that one thing made you a success today, and at least you moved forward. I know it recently got me through company coming through town, which totally stresses me and fills me with anxiety.

I don't know if this will help anyone else, but I hope so. I especially hope someone posts some other ideas. I sure need them

Hugs

I completely agree with the list strategy. I have a book now that I write things I need to do in every day and then enjoy ticking them off. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. Beyond that I don't really have any ideas. I would like to spend more time in the countryside, surrounded by trees and silence, but that's a non-starter with my house full of kids.

I work with an online group another DS person suggested, called flylady.net

I wish I could thank the woman that suggested the site, because it helps my motivation when nothing else does.

It was founded by a woman who was a depression patient and her house ended up a mess. She devised a method to clean her house (can be applied to any organizational effort) using routines and babysteps that any of us can do.

I used to be a high energy person, but now lack routine and motivation because of this depression.

At the bottom of the site page, there is a web-chat working room. It is NOT a depression website, its a non-judgemental website for those who need help organizing their life again.

Good luck !!!!!!!! I am posting this for others on DS too.

what a source of lighthearted and fun ways to approach housekeeping. thank you for suggesting that site, chrissy.

and Juice, you just make me smile, with your post of your day and your sense of humor. Thank you for being an inspiration here :)

I found something else, the mirror technique, that people might like. You write a nice thing about yourself, and you tape it to your mirror, (one you see pretty often) and it reminds you, no matter how bad you feel, or how many bad destructive thoughts you have of yourself, of that good quality in you every time you walk by it, use it, or see it. I like that.

People, please share more with me.

Journaling and listening to music works sometimes; I gotta say keeping a little agenda and marking things off like Juice mentioned definitely makes a difference because even just checking off one thing a week makes you feel a bit accomplished. Even something silly like, 'groceries' or 'buy metrocard'.

WuWei,

One of the things that helps me tremendously is having pets. A lot of times I feel so disconnected to the rest of the world, and the cats somehow bring me out of that. They are affectionate and really funny. It isn't work to be with them, and there's at least some temporary peace. This is not the answer for everyone, but it's worth a try if you're in a position to have pet. Good luck and hope you feel better.

It sure does, and if you make it really little things, you get to mark MORE off MORE often, which just give you more kudos, good feelings, and combat all those negative feelings that come automatically.

One of my tasks was to go through ONE drawer. I did it, and I found a page of little stick-ons, old ones leftover from ages ago. After feeling nostalgic and sad because they once belonged to my daughter, I called her just to talk and told her about my list. She said, "Mom, use the stickers!" A bad thing turned into a good. I know it sounds super silly, but I'm using them. When I get 5 of the same little emblems, I get a reward............. coming here to sit and read and visit and post for one hour. guilt free! ;)

Silly or not, I still like kudos, and if I have to give them to myself, well, so be it. Works the same :)

Now, I CHALLENGE you guys to post ONE strategy you use to motivate yourself. Surely between us all, we can build a thread of ideas for us and other people. Share what you do to get through, or to stop the lows when they start, or to feel better, or to get your house cleaned, or groom the dog, or WHATEVER.

I triple dog dare you!!!!! :)

Every day I have to FORCE myself to get washed up, put on clothes and cook something to eat. Try to use all your willpower to get through this hard time in your life by making yourself do small things.