One of the answers that comes up time and time again when asking clients what they want to gain from having hypnotherapy is “more motivation”. It might be the motivation to get out more, or try new things, be more sociable, or simply more enthusiasm to get up and get on with things. Over the last few months I have seen an increase in clients seeking help with motivation to improve their health and fitness in some way. I have frequently heard people say…
“I am drinking more alcohol than usual”
“I have been eating more unhealthy foods again”
“I have stopped exercising”
“I have no enthusiasm or motivation to do…”
It is understandable that many people’s motivation levels might well have gone down during recent months. The impact of Covid-19 has been profound and for many of us our lives and routines have been significantly changed in 2020, causing a knock-on effect on our emotions. We may be struggling with feelings of isolation, for instance, through working from home, or feel downhearted from not working due to redundancy or business loss. Furthermore, we have been unable to engage in many of our usual social activities this year, activities that help to lift mood and motivation, and we might not have seen loved ones for many months which can cause anxiety and sadness.
Add to this all of the additional challenges that a global pandemic brings, then even the best intentions to look after our health and wellbeing may have fallen by the wayside.
Here are some tips to help:
1. Be kind and supportive to yourself
First and foremost, practise self-compassion. If you beat yourself up with negative self-talk, berating yourself for what you’re not doing, you’re going to keep yourself feeling down and de-motivated. Start to observe your self-talk, trying to suspend any self-judgement and imagine instead what words of support and encouragement you might say to someone you care about. Use these on yourself, try to be your own best friend.
2. Set specific goals
Reframe your goals in a positive way, focusing on what you want to achieve rather than what you don’t. And be specific. There is a huge difference in saying “I will go for a walk on Saturday mornings” rather than “I don’t want to stay indoors all the time” or “I will go to bed at 10 pm each night” rather than “I don’t want to go to bed so late”. By affirming what you do want you are giving your brain clear and positive messages that will help to kick start your motivation.
3. Imagine how will you feel
Use your imagination to envisage what will be better and how you will feel once you have achieved your goal. How we think determines how we feel and how we feel determines how we behave. By using your brain to imagine the positive outcomes you will create serotonin, the mood enhancing hormone. You will start to feel more positive and then you will feel more motivated into doing something.
4. Think baby steps
If you set expectations for yourself that are too high for you at this moment in time, you’re going to create a negative cycle of emotion. You may keep going for a short time or you may not even start. Either way, this can lead to feelings of defeat and lower your motivation. So think about the goal you want to get motivated for and break it down into small, realistically achievable steps. Extraordinary results can come from taking small steps every day in the right direction.
5. Give yourself credit for each step forward
Give yourself credit for each and every step forward that you make, notice the tiny triumphs. This will give you a sense of satisfaction and achievement. When you notice your progress and feel pleased with yourself for what you have accomplished so far you will create serotonin. The increase in serotonin will make you feel more motivated into taking your next step forward.
If you have found yourself struggling with lack of motivation and would like some support, solution-focused hypnotherapy can help you to get back on track.
To find out more call 07514 931 096 or email me using the contact form.