How I Get Out of A Slump

Consistency is the key to success, but hitting a slump is inevitable. It’s impossible to be firing on all cylinders all the time, and I definitely fall victim to lack of motivation and feeling uninspired. There is nothing wrong with feeling lethargic and needing rest. I just personally get annoyed after long periods of not being able to use my creative muscles! Below, I’ve rounded up my six top tips on how I get out of an afternoon slump.

Find Inspo

As cheesy as it sounds, inspiration can literally be found anywhere if you choose to let it. But I do think it also comes from breaking routine a bit. If you don’t feel inspired but what you’re currently seeing on social media, search for new hashtags or topics! My favorite place for this is Pinterest or TikTok. If you’re not feeling inspired by recent conversations with friends, then hit up someone you haven’t talked to in awhile. 

I’m also a fan of shaking up my environment to feel inspired—I’ll redecorate my shelves or move furniture around. Other small ways I find inspiration include trying a new recipe I’ve saved, wearing a new makeup look, or consuming new media like a podcast or movie. 

If I’m in more need, I turn to nature. I always extra feel inspired and grounded when I turn on a walking meditation during a #HotGirlWalk.

Hydrate

Drinking water is important for a number of reasons. It helps regulate organs, improves brain performance, and decreases joint pain. It also helps boost memory. When that afternoon slump hits, I know it’s time to refill my water bottle. 

Brain Dump a To Do List

This is my favorite writing exercise for anything and everything. I put my phone on DND, take pen to paper, and get to writing. Sometimes I lack inspiration because I feel overwhelmed, but once I see all my tasks laid out in front of me, I can better group them together and assess what I can complete that day. 

Move My Body

When I was working fulltime in an office, I’d make time to go for a quick walk around the building or around the block if the weather was good. Working from home, I still pretty much do the same. Walking and getting fresh air always help clear my mind. If I’m feeling up for it, I’ll break out my yoga mat and get in some stretches.

Take A Break

There is nothing wrong with taking a break, ever. Rest is part of life and should be balanced with work—not as a reward. Sometimes our minds and bodies are just not up for it, and it’s okay to step away and decompress. Remember at the end of the day don’t live to work, work to live.

Mindful Self-care

If all else fails, I know it’s time to listen to my body and get into mindful self-care mode. During the initial pandemic lockdown, I looked into the concept of self-care and came to understand why I chose the methods of self-care I’d indulge in. Self-care should help nourish certain aspects of your being: physical/intellectual, emotional, and spiritual/sensory. You can read all about my mindful self-care tips and favorite activities HERE.

How do you fight an afternoon slump?

XoXo,

Azadeh