How To Keep Motivated In August

Summer is a time where the weather's warming and it can be a struggle to keep motivated to be productive, especially when the sun's out and all you want to do is be outside. I've been struggling with motivation as I'm trying to keep posting when I can and next month I'm planning on posting everyday for you all. It's a struggle to find motivation but I thought I'd help by sharing some of my tips to help you keep motivated in August. 

Let's get started.

1. Keeping your space tidy

I don't know about you but I cannot stand it when I'm trying to be productive and my surroundings are cluttered or messy. Before I do any kind of work or writing, I need to clear my space so I will have a quick tidy up, put clutter away and just make sure my working space is clear. Tidying is also doing something productive so technically you're being extra productive by tidying. I also find after tidying up that I always want to do something productive. For example, I recently tidied up my desk space which in turn motivated me to start working on this post today. They do say, tidy home equals a tidy mind and that is so true because you do feel like your focus becomes so much more clearer when your surroundings are tidy. You're also not distracted by any clutter, lurking in your peripheral vision. If you're feeling unmotivated, just start having a tidy up and that will hopefully encourage you to get motivated.

2. Take regular breaks

It's important to take regular breaks when you're working because otherwise if you work too much, you may cause yourself to burnout and shut down from the world which is not what we want. Always remember to take five to ten minute breaks every now and then. I like to schedule them in my writing sessions. I'll work for an hour then step away to make myself a drink or something to eat for ten minutes. Taking a step back can really clear your head and sometimes when you come back, you can see your work with a fresh set of eyes. Taking breaks is really important during your working day so make sure you take them. 

3. Write a to do list

I live by to do lists, I make so many it's kind of ridiculous but it's very useful. I don't write a long list but I will write tasks I need to do. For example, I know I have blog posts I need to work on or I need to take photos for certain posts or even edit posts. I will write each little task to do on my to do list and once I've finished I will cross it off. It's so satisfying when you come to the end of the list because it means you've had a productive day and it also leads you to the next tip.

4. Reward yourself

It's really important to give yourself a little reward at the end of doing your productive tasks. These rewards can be little things, like if I finish this work then I can go play a video game or go out for dinner or watch a movie. It doesn't have to be huge rewards but sometimes knowing there's something good at the end of your productive day can be motivation in itself. Plus you feel like you will have earned your reward after completing everything on your to do list and it will make it worthwhile. Sometimes you do have to bribe yourself with a treat in order to motivate you to have a productive day but it's something that works. 

5. Don't put pressure on yourself

It can be a struggle sometimes if you feel like you have so many things you need to do but you're not sure where to start or you are really not in the mood to do. That's okay. We all have days where we really don't feel like doing anything productive. It's important to not put pressure on yourself or make yourself feel guilty for not having a productive day. There will be days where it's a struggle but it's important not to bottle it up. Talk to someone whether that's a family member, friend, colleague or even your manager. Let them know how you feel, they can help to take the pressure off because at the end of the day your mental health matters and if you're struggling then do talk to someone. Don't leave it all to bottle up because otherwise the pressure will mount up and just explode. You can do it and will do what you need to do eventually but sometimes, you need to take time for yourself to recharge. Put yourself first. 

There we have it, those are my tips on how to keep motivated in August. I'm sure there are some tips I may have missed. Let me know if you have any other tips on how to keep motivated this month in the comments below and maybe we can all help each other out. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I'll be back tomorrow with another post. 

See you then. 

Megan x

*This is not a sponsored post*

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