March can be a challenging month. It’s not quite spring, but not really winter anymore, either. Some days I’m full of energy and ideas, ready to get moving. Other days, well, I can’t find much motivation to get to any of the things on my to-do list.
When you’re practicing living spiritually, it doesn’t seem quite right to force yourself to get up and do what needs to be done. You want your creative projects, in particular, to be inspired rather than rushed or lackluster. But you might have a deadline looming, or simply feel the need to do something.
I thought I’d share some of the things that I do when I find myself feeling the blahs.
Listen to your body. What is it that would best re-energize your physical form? Yesterday my body told me quite clearly that a session of yoga would be just the thing. So I got up out of bed where I’d been lounging, put on a CD and lit some candles, and did some stretching and breathing. Then I got on with the rest of my day. It felt great.
Acknowledge the lull. Your creative energies might be at an ebb, and that’s fine. Set aside your bigger projects for now and do something else. If you need to act, do some de-cluttering and tidy up your space. Answer correspondence or do your filing. Make space for when the creative flow starts up again – and it will.
Invite inspiration. Read your favorite inspiring books. Seek out videos and music that uplift you. You know those inspirational sayings pasted over pretty nature pictures on Facebook? Look for those. Or some photos of cats, or silly cartoons. Bonus points for petting a real cat, or a sweet dog. Do whatever makes you smile.
Go outside. Nature is restorative. Get some fresh air and Earth mojo.
Fake it. Sometimes you just need to go ahead and do what you were scheduled to do, giving it your best shot, even if you’re not really feeling it. When you put yourself out there anyway, often you’ll begin to have fun and get in the groove. Giving and receiving is an empowering cycle.
Get some help. Schedule a massage, or ask a loved one to rub your feet. My favorite thing lately is polarity therapy; BlackLion is bartering web design for some sessions, and it’s delightfully restorative. Figure out what would feel great, and find a way to make it happen.
Break it down. If you have projects that really must be done, break them down into smaller tasks. Listing things that might only take 10 or 15 minutes will seem less intimidating. Pick one and do it, right now. Doesn’t that feel better?
Try one or two of these ideas, or create your own and share them in the comments. I love to add to my self-nurturing repertoire. If you have the March blues, may they soon fade away into blue skies and peaceful feelings. Blessings!
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