Too busy, tired often, difficult to find motivation

kw1452
kw1452 Posts: 113 Member
edited December 2 in Motivation and Support
I am a graduate student working on a PhD, and if any of you have any idea what that is like, you can sympathize. I basically have 3 jobs - I'm a student with difficult, time-consuming classes - I'm a teacher (teach a science lecture to 100 undergrads every semester, plus some lab time) - and I do research full time. I ought to be busy from sun-up to sun-down, but I have a great deal of trouble with motivation, and often find myself sitting on the couch binge-watching netflix or scrolling pinterest.

I know lots of you out there have busy lives - kids, jobs, hobbies, etc. How do you find the movitation to keep cooking and eating well and exercising when you have so much going on?

How do you get over the "im so stressed out I just want to lie in bed all day" blues?

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    If you have time for Netflix and pint rest, you have time for exercise and some food prep.

    Look at your exercise as something you do, like going to work or brushing your teeth - you don't skip them things cos you don't fancy it.
  • MaddyT122
    MaddyT122 Posts: 152 Member
    I watch Netflix while on my treadmill. Two birds, one stone. :smiley:
  • annekejohnson
    annekejohnson Posts: 49 Member
    When I was working 3 jobs and in school I cooked a lot of meats on one day, usually Sunday, so then I would just have to heat them up quickly on busy days. I like to cook a bunch of chicken tenders/breasts on the indoor grill and put them in the fridge then I can slice them up and put on salad.
  • Kiekie007
    Kiekie007 Posts: 15 Member
    It's finding a routine that works for your life demands. I am a Registered Nurse, a single mother and a Union President at my Health Unit. I find evenings difficult because of the many demands during the day, so I run in the morning. I do that before anything else...even brushing my teeth!!! Find a time where making the change works for you and make it a MUST do. Remember beginning a new routine is usually the most difficult time! Hang in there!!
  • annie_858
    annie_858 Posts: 80 Member
    Binge on Netflix and walk on the treadmill
  • runningforthetrain
    runningforthetrain Posts: 1,037 Member
    I am not as busy as you are - and still find excuses. What I have found that helps me the most is not to ask myself "Do I feel up to it?" Instead, schedule it in, and just go. Plus don't demand that you do any certain amount - tell yourself you can just do 20 minutes on the treadmill--- and go home to the Netflix. Also as an academic over- achiever, knowing that exercise will help you with everything- including thinking and studying; the motivation isn't purely physical.
  • Sharon_C
    Sharon_C Posts: 2,132 Member
    You're not going to be motivated 100% of the time. You're not going to be motivated 1% of the time. I work 2 full time jobs and have 3 kids. I get up at an ungodly hour to work out. This morning I did not want to get out of bed but I did it anyway. I had to force myself to the gym, grumbling and cursing the entire way. But once I was there I was 100% focused and I got it done. You just do it. Period.

    I don't allow myself to entertain thoughts of not going. That path will lead to failure. I always ask myself, "How will you feel if you don't go to the gym? How will you feel if you do go to the gym?"

    My answer always gets me up and moving.
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