Do you have motivation?

[TheManWithNoName]

I'm having strong anxiety lately, and I feel that it's all down to a complete lack of motivation. To make matters worse I have started to worry thinking that I have ADD.

[bab]

I think its most probably the other way around. Anxiety is draining and its probably causing your lack of motivation. As much as we cannot be bothered its best to keep going and keep busy. Even a wee walk around the block

[hanj16]

I constantly struggle with a lack motivation and feel I'm wasting my days away. I'm not really one to talk but I think Bab is right we have to just try and keep ourselves active. What do you enjoy doing that could maybe take your mind off how you are feeling for at least a few hours? For me its cooking and when I can really push myself going for a walk. At the moment its abit of a battle trying to persuade myself to do these but we'll get there

[Magic]

I am the same. Roll on warmer weather-- perhaps it will get us all motivated.
I have had to have the heating on full today i am so cold

[TheManWithNoName]

Thanks for the replies

I really enjoy running, I've been doing it for over a year now. Last weekend my friend who ran with me has gone into the army, I'm thinking that it's had a big affect on me the last couple of days. Plus I would be finishing my course at Uni if I didn't leave last year around now, and its my 23rd birthday next week. I can't grasp my feelings right now.

I signed onto Job Seekers allowance last month, hoping I would find some motivation to move on with life. I'd not really had any serious anxiety issues this year, all I was doing is going out some nights, some light weight training with running every couple of days and I do an organised run every Saturday at my local park with around a hundred people. But when it comes to looking for work, I can't bring my mind to do it.

[meche]

Severe boredom and lack of motivation is what set me on the road to anxiety! I've always been quite active but I went through a phase when I felt really down in the dumps, work was rubbish, money was tight and we couldn't afford to do much and I just got myself stuck in a non-motivational rut. It took a long time to pick myself up but gradually I did and I haven't looked back since.

Bab is right - it's so important to keep busy and active. For 6 months now I've gone to the gym 3 nights a week, do zumba classes and I'm now training for a 27 mile hike. On top of that I always make sure I have something to look forward to. It might just be a night out with my other half or a girls night out, a day out somewhere, a weekend away or booking a hair appointment or massage. Don't get me wrong, I still get lazy days but that's ok - I actually enjoy them and don't feel bad about it. Hang in there - it will get better. xx

Don't give up on the running. Push yourself to do it even when you don't want to. You might feel crap to begin with but you'll feel fantastic afterwards! xx

[TheManWithNoName]

Thanks, Meche.

I might take a leap and join my local gym, I weight train on my own at home so it might be a boost for me to join, adds a few extra activities in. I love running, I joined up to ParkRun, they have organised runs all over the country and everyone is really friendly. I can't recommend them more, I will have to create a thread somewhere to spread the word. I have some motivation to exercise, I just hope I can bring it to looking for work and get the ball rollng, I think I'm afraid of failure.

[meche]

It'll all fall into place. For now focus on your running. We all know that exercise makes us feel better & with that comes confidence. I remember when I first started the gym..... I hated it. It was a real struggle because I'd become so unfit & I had to really push myself to go. Once I'd been there a few weeks not only was I noticing a change in my body shape but also my energy levels were through the roof. I wanted to get out & about & do things! That's been the biggest & bestest change for me. Definitely join your gym, take one day at a time & I bet soon you'll have the motivation to do other stuff. xx

[TheManWithNoName]

Thanks

I struggled getting to sleep last night, but I bucked up the courage to go to the park to do the organised run. About 150 people were there so it was a little nervy waiting for it to start. I didn't run so well, I just didn't have the energy to push, but I didn't stop to walk which was difficult not to. I'm so glad I just got out of bed and did it, I could have easily just stayed at home and let my mind wander. I'm going to try my local gym next week to consider a membership, it will be good to start spending less time at home. I've been looking at volunteer work to just get me back into work without too much pressure.

It's great that you've found a piece of mind using exercise, Meche. Hopefully I can follow suit and start living more

[TheManWithNoName]

After having an awful week last week I had a pretty good weekend, I went to the cinema and managed to get a couple of run's in too. I set today as the day to head down to my local gym to get a membership, which I've just returned from. I've always had low self esteem and always felt underweight, so hopefully with joining the gym I will gain more confidence, and some muscle, hopefully.

I was really nervous going in, lots of big guys in there and you have to walk through the gym to get to the counter. I told them that I have little experience with gym equipment other than what I do at home, so I was advised to use a personal trainer for my first session just to get a feel for everything, which I figured was ideal.

It's my 23rd birthday on Thursday, so hoping to have a good week and move on from there and turn over a new leaf. Exercise brings great relief to me and I can't express that more really.

I might make a thread for it specifically but I would strongly recommend having a look a attending a ParkRun event every Saturday if you have one in your local area. Around 150 people attend my local run, so it's a great place to socialise before and after the run, as everyone is really friendly. Heres the website, the events are all free!

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

Here's a quick overview.

"Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all.

Using the events page, select the event you are most interested in and review all the information about the course, local news items, the photo gallery and information about volunteering. Also, take a look at the extensive results page where you will find an incredible amount of information about your past performance.

If you’re interested in signing up to run at an existing parkrun event, or you fancy starting an event where you live, click the buttons below to find out more..."