Depression and Motivation
I wanted to share my thoughts on this
I used to be very dependent on my mood. I needed enthusiasm in order to do things
Let's say you want to get in shape. You know you will feel better if you are fitter and look better.
I think it is important to assess yourself and think, "what can I continually do?" without emotion, motivation or enthusiasm being a factor
You are going to the gym. When is the best time for me to go? Perhaps it is 6pm. Maybe monday, wednesday and friday at 6pm and you will stay for 1 hour and you will do specific things there. The more structure you can create, the better. This leaves a lot less room for "I don't feel like it, what's the point? I don't know if I want to.." blah blah all those negative self-defeating thoughts that a depressed person might have
If you are depressed, you can't rely on your feelings, you have to bypass them. You need to find a structure that allows you to ignore your feelings. You don't have to push yourself to the limits, this would be detrimental. You need to find a realistic structure which is sustainable and use your mind to stick to it. Create a structure that requires some willpower but not too much - whatever you can handle. Know yourself and acknowledge your limitations
As you become fitter and healthier and look better, you will start to feel better. Your feeings are temporary but we become swamped by them and they can dictate what we do or don't do, if we let them. This is why it is important to override them by making a structure that is realistic for you and then following through on that. This enables long-term change bypassing the short-term feelings which, if listened to, will keep you in the same depressed state forever
I don't like motivational videos. You don't need motivation. What goes up must come down.. what I mean by that is if you try to get motivated and enthusiastic then soon enough you will find yourself on the other end of the spectrum, feeling unmotivated and unenthusiastic and that might spell the end of the entire process. Stick to level ground. Stick to a structure and don't make feelings a part of it, neither good or bad. They are only temporary
@Themaninblackxxx
while some do well with an appointment type item .... i find a streak like with fitness apps ..... keeps me going
even when i do not feel like doing it being accountable that you do not tell yourself oh i can skip this day because as you take a pause once it becomes easier and easier to skip a day ........ i think that is why so many gym memberships are all gung ho and slowly then completely you find reasons to say >.. I will go tomorrow or next day and stay longer and make up.
@Themaninblackxxx
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
It's interesting to think that simple routines and discipline might help battle the negative emotions that hamper progress through depression.
@Themaninblackxxx
Thank you for sharing this insight. This is certainly something to take a look at and think on for those who might be struggling and may not have seen things this way. This could also be a different source or added benefit. Thank you again for sharing.