HOW often have you delayed tasks simply because you’re not in the mood to do them? How many times have you thought that every day feels the same? And how often have you been unable to get off your phone because you don’t know what else to do?
You (and others) may think you are lazy, but the truth is, you might be in a slump!
To be accused of being lazy as an adult is like a spear being thrown to our pride, disregarding all the hard work we have done to keep everything going. The constant pressure makes it seem like we can’t even take a moment to rest because any break feels like a waste of time in their eyes.
When things don’t go as planned, we feel unproductive, stuck, and unable to progress—all the reasons why we are unmotivated to do other things.
In other words, being an adult means being in a slump.
How I knew I was in a slump
I officially became an adult last year, and watching TikTok content on adulting’s complexities led me to believe that I was well-prepared for the challenges that came with it. However, the reality turned out to be quite different.
When I first noticed my productivity decline, I tried to solve it by doing the tasks that were supposed to be for another day. I thought accomplishing more would help me overcome my unproductivity, but it only worsened by decreasing the quality of my work and exhausting me.
Like you, I have also experienced my days feeling the same, making me sick of my daily routine and leaving me demotivated. What’s worse, there are times when I find myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone and not being able to get off it because it is the only time my brain and body feel rewarded.
Regardless of how I tried to go on with my adult life, my bad days frequently knocked me down.
So, what did I do?
Eager to solve this, I searched for stories, tips, and advice on how to get out of this feeling until I stumbled upon Faith’s blog site, “Her Lifestyle Pursuit.”
In one of her blogs titled, “How to Get Out of Slump & Feel Motivated Again (Ultimate Guide),” she defined being in a slump as “when you experience a decline or downturn in your mood, not feeling motivated, burnout, and a lack of zeal to carry out your daily activities.”
Faith also listed the signs of being in a slump, emphasizing that they vary from person to person:
- Decreased or lack of motivation
- Always having negative thoughts
- Feeling like a failure
- Burnout
- Having difficult concentration
- Lack of zeal to socialize and easily irritated
- Physical and mental fatigue, etc
Furthermore, she mentioned that situations like “burnout, exhaustion, stress, and emotional issues” could trigger it — all these are common experiences for adults.
How can we get out of a slump?
Despite overcoming slumps in the past, I still find myself slipping back into a state of unproductivity and demotivation, particularly when I am feeling stressed. However, with the help of blogs, stories, and posts, I have learned to manage these feelings more effectively.
Hence, here are five simple tips that I have been using to overcome a slump:
- Changing routine
Whenever I feel that all days are the same and I feel demotivated, I consider it my body’s way of telling me that I should change my routine because it might not suit me anymore.
Yes, it is not easy to cut back on some activities and try something new because you may not find the new routine suitable. But there’s always room for trial and error until you find your new routine and see yourself becoming productive again.
- Create a list of your accomplishments
When we are in a slump, we feel like we constantly fail. Recording our accomplishments, whether in a physical notebook or using a notes app, can be a powerful tool to boost our self-confidence.
In my case, I categorize them as minor or major. The minor accomplishments consist of small daily wins, while the major ones include tasks with long-term impact that I’ve dreamed of achieving.
Regardless of how you list your accomplishments, what’s more important is that you recognize them because your past achievements can motivate you to finish your tasks and backlogs confidently.
- Reconnecting with loved ones
When too focused on our careers, we often forget who we are doing it for or who was there when we were preparing for our future.
Our family plays a significant role in our well-being — they could either help or drag us down. But if it’s the latter, “family” is not limited to those you are blood-related with. It could encompass your significant other, friends, colleagues, or even your organization.
As a family-oriented person, reconnecting with my loved ones allows me to heal the wounds I did not notice were there. They always know how to bring out the best in me, especially when I’m filled with doubts.
- Have a date with yourself
When was the last time you pampered yourself? Remember, taking a break from your responsibilities is essential and not a waste of time, especially when constantly pushing yourself to be productive.
During my “me time,” I binge-watch my comfort series, lose myself in music, go for a leisurely walk, and catch up on some much-needed sleep. Basically, everything that brings me joy and doesn’t involve the tasks that weigh me down helps me recharge my personal battery, keeping me motivated for my following tasks.
- Setting micro goals
Setting small and manageable goals can give us a sense of accomplishment as we work toward our larger and long-term goals. It is a gentle nudge from our comfort zone, encouraging us to embrace new challenges.
If you, like me, are uncomfortable taking risks, focusing on smaller goals first can help build your confidence and readiness for bigger and long-term goals.
Getting out of a slump is difficult, especially if you do not know you’re in one. A slump is simply a temporary setback in your adulting journey. It might make you doubt yourself and think you’ve gone lazy, but you will eventually find your way out and regain your productive and motivated self.
So, the next time someone accuses you of laziness, say, “I’m not lazy. I’m just in a slump.”
With reports from Gella J. Aboratigue
