Tips on how to find motivation and drive in the last month of 2020 (Phew!)
1.First and Foremost: Think
Be aware of how you think to yourself (and what you verbalise to others)- I know that I was VERY often telling myself and others: “I’m so tired today” “I’m exhausted” “I’m feeling so overwhelmed” the easiest thing to do is to
catch yourself when you are thinking a negative thought and automatically replace it with a positive affirmation ie: “I am energised” “I am excited for the day ahead”
It helps to replace “I am” with your name ie: “Nour is full of energy and excitement today” is in fact more powerful than “I am….” subconsciously we hold more weight in the way people speak to us than how we speak to ourselves so this technique of speaking to yourself as a second person is more impactful.
write down the positive affirmation and also vocalise it OUT LOUD.
2.Second: Write
Reflect and reevaluate both your personal and professional Goals to be able to kickstart them and feel aligned for 2021. Journaling your goals and translating your thoughts onto paper both declutters our mind and gets us motivated about reaching our goals!
This is actually the BEST time to work on your passion projects cause there are NO distractions! After writing it all down you will
A) Feel more relaxed (less stressed)
B) Feel more confident about taking action, the hardest part is to actually start by writing it all down you can start now!
3.Third: Make Time
Time is the most precious commodity- one that we can never get back. To make the most out of your day, waking up early (right before sunrise) has been a game changer for me. I currently wake up at 6 am ( gives me time to journal, meditate, and breathe, exercise have breakfast and be ready to work by 9 30.)
Tip: Sleep early to Wake early: make sure you’re in bed at a reasonable hour, I recommend not looking at your phone or emails for 1 hour before prepping for bed.
4.Fourth: Exercise for Energy
Brain Exercise: Breathing and Meditation: I believe in the importance of how you start your morning as it provides a ripple effect for the rest of the day. Breathing and Meditating increase concentration, mental energy, calms the mind, and helps you feel both present and grounded throughout the day.
I recommend: The app Calm for meditation (It’s only 10 mins long and a great way to start your day.
I recommend the app WHM (Wim Hof Method) for breathing ( it takes me 10-15 mins to do 3 rounds of breathing)
Physical Exercise: The feeling of endorphins kicking in help you feel positive, happy and full of energy!
I recommend: (mainly for women) Paola’s Body Barre (PBB), Melissa Wood Health, and Megan Roup (the sculpt society) they all offer online classes and are easy to do from anywhere even when you are travelling- no excuses!
(men) Freeletics, Nike Training app
<5. Fifth: Get a Blood Test
I recommend to get your blood work drawn and to see if you have any deficiencies. These can also impact our energy levels and our mood. I’m not sure if this is good or bad but I am addicted to my supplements – For example I had severe vitamin D deficiency which is essential especially if you live in the Middle East (ironic as there is more sunshine) but many Middle Easterns actually spend less time in the sun and more time indoors (it’s mainly foreigners that take full advantage)- if you could be in the sun for just 15 minutes a day (without sunscreen) to allow your body to absorb the natural vitamin D from the sun that is more than enough- but depending on your levels I recommend a supplement. Vitamin D benefits include fighting disease, reducing depression and anxiety and boosting weight loss!
To make it hassle free I love buying fun pill boxes with the days of the week as an easy reminder.
6. Sixth: Detox and Eat Well
You can start a one or two week soup or juice detox before Christmas to reinvigorate your body and make you feel energised from the inside out. There is so much scientific data that proves how brain fog, concentration, and mood are all linked to what we ingest, digest and nourish our bodies with.
Recommended brain foods:
Snack on: walnuts, blueberries, dark chocolate (if you have a sweet tooth like me)
Increase your intake of: beets, broccoli, avocado and Salmon
Garnish your with: turmeric, rosemary and coconut oil
Remember Healthy Body = Healthy Mind
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