Welcome to our Motivation Station –

1. Create a space

Whether at a desk, a kitchen table or in an office, setting the scene for work – whatever ‘work’ may mean to you – can be vital to get you into the right mode.

Where possible, separating out your space for work, fun and downtime can make a big difference to how you associate with the task at hand. You can do this in many ways – if your work-space is also the place in which you sleep or spend your downtime, take 2 minutes at the end of your day to tuck away any evidence of work in a draw or some decorative storage baskets. If not, simply keeping your space neat can make a big difference to your mindset.

Scent can also help the mind associate the same space with different segments of your day. Try diffusing stimulating oils like Rosemary or Peppermint while working – or use our Find Focus Pulse Point Roller Ball! – and use restful oils like Lavender or Sandalwood in the evening. The citrus oils are great for uplifting the mood at any time of day, if that’s what you need.

2. Work smart, not fast

To get the best out of ourselves, it’s important to recognise what will make the task at hand work best for us. By forcing ourselves into methods that just don’t resonate with us as individuals, we can end up making the work ten times more difficult and we can lose interest quicker if we start to feel demotivated.

While we may have set jobs to do and deadlines to hit that are out of our control, making small changes to suit the way we work as individuals can make the biggest difference to how we approach a task. Some of us are morning larks, and some prefer a later start to thrive later in the day. Some of us learn better with images, and some need lists or numbers for things to make sense. Whatever works for you, make it happen!

3. Make a list

Lists may seem a little old school, but they are a great way to create order, and can help you cope if feeling overwhelmed. By transferring all the tasks or worries that are floating around in your head – without order or perspective – onto a piece of paper or a blank document, you often feel lighter and can see more clearly the tasks that need to be done first, and those that can take a back seat for a while. When it’s time for a break, it’s easier to leave your list behind, enjoy your break with a clear head, and then come back to your list when you’re ready to go again.

4. Structure your day

Remember that list you made? Have a good look at it and perhaps take note of roughly how long you think each will take you, or perhaps how difficult they will be. Often starting by ticking off a few smaller, easier jobs on your list can help you find your groove and feel motivated to tackle the scary stuff. But don’t put it off too long, make sure you have a good amount of time to get your head stuck in when tackling something that you know will be a challenge, to save you working late, rushing things or becoming overwhelmed. In order to work at your best, it’s also important to take breaks to reset the mind and stay focused in manageable chunks. We are human, not machines.

5. Stay active

Keeping our bodies active can help stimulate our brains and help us feel more switched on. Lethargy is the enemy when it comes to a positive, productive mindset, so helping your mind and body to stay alert, refreshed and active can make a big difference when it’s time to sit and concentrate. And we’re not always talking bootcamp! Sometimes all the body needs is gentle movement to wake up. And remember, do what works for you!