As the seasons change, so do our moods. While only around 5% of the population of U.S. has been diagnosed with seasonal depression (or Seasonal Affective Disorder), most of our moods are impacted on some level by the changing seasons. Often these shifts impact our ability to find pleasure in or motivation to do our favorite activities. Those who enjoy working out may feel more inclined to sleep in as the days get shorter, those who love to read may struggle to pick up a book, others who love art may find themselves suffering from an inspiration block.
So, what can we do to combat it? This week we will be sharing five tips to help you continue to work towards your goals within the hobbies you love, despite decreasing daylight. Next time you find yourself in a slump, hopefully one of these tips will remotivate you.
Give Yourself a Break
It is critical to remember that it’s okay if you let yourself relax for a few days. Life is full of responsibilities that need to be performed, regardless of personal preference. Forcing yourself to use what little free time you have doing things you don’t want to do isn’t going to help anyone, in fact, it could cause the slump to go on for longer than it otherwise might have. Just because it is something you love doesn’t mean you need to do it every day. Often a slump is simply your brain signaling to you that it would like to focus on other things for a while.
Schedule Small Amounts of Time
After taking a break, begin scheduling in smaller increments of time to do your preferred activity than you may usually spend. This will allow you to ease back into the habit without it becoming torturous. If you find you still struggle, shorten the time even more, or, if necessary, consider expanding your break until you are ready to reintroduce the hobby back into your schedule.
Talk with Others
Listening to those who have similar passions to you talk about those passions can be particularly motivating. If you don’t have anyone in your life who shares those passions, seek out a YouTube channel or blog that has that focus. There are so many people sharing their favorite hobbies online. See who you can connect with!
Create a Specific Goal
Some people fall into a hobby slump because they aren’t working towards anything with it. It’s simply something they do. Having this mindset, even with our favorite activities, can make it feel redundant and tedious. As people, we enjoy feeling like we are progressing towards something. Try to form a specific, time-sensitive goal that you can work towards. Whether that be developing a new skill within that hobby, creating a specific project, or doing a particular number of rounds of something, having a goal will make every activity more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Change It Up
Sometimes a simple change in setting can make a huge difference. Try doing the activity in a different location. Or, if that’s not an option, redecorate your area. If you like listening to music while doing your hobby, change up the playlist. Consider also changing the way in which you perform your activity. If you like working out, change your routine. If you enjoy art, try a new medium or learn a new technique. Do what you can to expand your horizons within your comfort activities. Simple changes can truly make a big difference.