2020 has been quite a year for EVERYONE! It would be very natural to feel that you wish the year was over and that 2021 could get here already so we can all get on with our lives. The issue with this is that we still have many months left in this year and ‘wishing our life away’ can leave us feeling in a low mood and inevitably depressed. This article aims to help you feel inspired.
I believe there are many types of inspiration and each of us connects with something different, check out this list and find what works for you, this list is not exhaustive, anything in life could inspire you, make sure you notice what it is. Find the sound, quote or person that gets inside your mind, body and soul and shouts, “You can do this!”
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James
MUSIC
This one is pretty self explanatory, most of us have a playlist that we use at the gym for a workout. Why not take it one step further and create a playlist that you listen to each morning to get you in the mood for your day? There are studies that show our heart rate tends to sync to the tempo of music, keep that in mind when creating your playlist. Anything too fast will increase your heart rate and if you are trying to relax, this isn’t the best choice. Avoid tunes that you associate with negative times in your life and most importantly, each time you hear a piece of music that makes your heart sing, place it in a playlist for the times you need inspiration and a smiling soul.
MOVIES/ VIDEOS
If you are searching for inspiration, then Ted Talks may be what you need. Ted Talks are inspirational and educational videos, usually less than 20 minutes each by a massive range of expert speakers on almost any topic that you could think of! You can even make playlists of your most inspiring Talks. Sometimes, a short video we see on social media can motivate us, facebook has an option to save a post so that you can access that video when you need to feel inspired. It’s time to get watching!
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving” — Albert Einstein
BOOKS
I love reading, almost any genre. However, I love motivational and personal development books, Some of my favourites include, “The One Thing“, which encourages you to discover the one thing you can do TODAY that will bring you closer to your goals. Maybe that’s business, personal, fitness. Consider that one thing and DO IT! I also LOOOOVE the book “The Slight Edge“, which explains how important the tiny things we do each day are. Those small, seemingly insignificant habits really add up and shape your life. What are your favourite books to read that have inspired you to make your dreams happen?
PODCASTS
My hands are frequently full being a new mum and so podcasts are my new best friend. I love playing a podcast while sorting out things around the house, podcasts make multitasking easy for me. Alternatively, get pen and paper out and make notes on the podcast if that’s your thing! Whatever works best for you! My all time favourite podcast is by Lewis Howes, if you are not already listening to his inspirational podcasts, then subscribe to him on iTunes. Every Friday he releases a 5 minute podcast that is specifically created to inspire you. It is quick, easy and does the job. Just like every other option I have listed here, there are podcasts for any topic that you could desire, find what speaks to you and make a habit of listening to it.
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” — Ella Fitzgerald
NATURE
Nothing soothes a tired soul, like a mindful walk in nature. If you are feeling burnt out, uninspired and a little tired of adulting and looking at your same 4 walls, then get outside (social distancing of course). It may seem like an effort to even get outside, but I promise you that the fresh air, sunshine, and sounds of nature will be the soul food you require. I like to refer to a walk in nature as a “nature bath,” being bathed in the goodness that is nature!
Make a routine of getting outside regularly, it is very easy to fall into the habit of not leaving the house at the moment. Take a moment to feel the sun on your face, plan a weekend at the beach and feel the sand between your toes. Sometimes, we don’t need any of the distractions listed here to inspire us, maybe we need to return to nature to find the space for inspiration in our mind.
QUOTES
Who doesn’t love a quote? If you are looking for regular inspiring quotes, make sure you follow our instagram page @_mindbodylife, we post regular quotes that we find inspiring and hopefully they will speak to you also.
I have scattered a few quotes that really spoke to me throughout this article, I hope you’ve enjoyed them! There are SO many quotes online; google or Pinterest search ‘quotes’ and find your favourites, frame them, put them on post it notes, write them in your diary. Surround yourself with positive words that inspire you.
“Limit your “always” and your “nevers.” — Amy Poehler
PEOPLE
This one’s my favourite. Who has inspired you most in this world? It could be anyone, an entrepreneur, an actor/ actress, a friend, a child or a partner. Next, consider WHY they inspire you? If it is someone you don’t know, maybe you are inspired by work they do and want to replicate it. If the person who inspires you is someone you know, it may not be because they motivate you. Perhaps you are inspired to be your best self FOR THEM. Find the person that inspires you to get out of bed each day. Remember every morning that they are your source of inspiration and allow that love for them to motivate you to succeed.
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Love and Light
Lauren x
