Friday, July 10, 2009

How Do You Fight Apathy?

I've been feeling a bit apathetic lately. I am not sure how to describe it - I just haven't felt any desire to do much of anything lately, financial or otherwise. My motivation seems to have gone down the drain. I find myself sitting at home thinking I should do this or I should do that, but I can't find the energy to actually do it! I am sure it is just one of those cyclical things - I'm just in a bit of a slump.

Do you ever get these attacks of apathy? I can't even say I have the blues, because I am not sad, but I just don't seem to have any energy. What do you do to combat them?

I was talking to my friend Catie the other night and she had a good suggestion...

She has been giving herself some small, achievable goals. Of course, the hope is that once you start working on something, you'll have the motivation to just keep going, but if not, at least you know you're tackling a few things every day. I loved the idea, so the last two nights I have been trying it myself - I've set 3 small goals that I am determined to achieve before the day is done. Wednesday night I did laundry, wrapped my brother in law's birthday gift and watered the front planting bed (which is a project since it means either hauling a hose all the way around the house or filling my watering can over and over.) Last night I celebrated my brother in law's birthday with family, so I didn't have much time in the evening so, I set my goals accordingly. I cleaned out my black travel bag (the one I always take with me to the cabin), watered the back garden and swept the kitchen. I still don't really have any energy, but I do feel better about myself because I am at least getting a couple things done.

I've also been making sure I list a few books on Amazon and Half.ccom each weeknight. I figure at least I am working on something for my finances. As for the rest, I am keeping up with things the best I can and trying not to let my apathy turn into full on sadness.

How about you? What do you do to shake a slump?



Beautiful Photo by: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

7 comments:

Lucy said...

I've also been feeling quite apathetic lately (summer! fun!), and I think setting small, achievable goals is a great idea.

I've also been forcing myself to be content with the cheaper substitution. If I'm out and crave a latte, I wait and make a cheaper coffee at home. If I want to troll the bookstore, I try to make myself go to the library instead. Making sure I don't deprive myself keeps me a bit more motivated.

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

I agree. Being content with cheaper substitutions.. or going out for a walk to clear my head.

I am always on a lookout for ways to make a buck too.. namely PayPerPosts (even if it's $1 each) and Swagbucks, where you just use a search engine and earn $5 in cash after getting 80 SBs.

Every little bit counts.

Dawn said...

Frugalchick, this "Making sure I don't deprive myself keeps me a bit more motivated." is such a good point!! In fact, it fits in nicely with my whole view on life. Some small, inexpensive indulgences would be lovely. Thanks for the tip!

Dawn said...

FB - Getting some more walks in is a good idea. I could use both the therapeutic quiet time and the exercise. I've been playing with Swagbucks lately. I like them - it is fun!

Anonymous said...

You might try eating more protein. I notice that if I am feeling apathetic I'm either getting sick or need to pay attention to my diet.

Dawn said...

Anonymous - I know just what you mean - I get that if I have eaten a lot of junk food. However, with summer on I have been eating fairly healthy and with a fair amount of grilled protein. However, a friend suggested drinking a lot more water, and I have to say, that seems to have helped.

Slinky said...

I usually do the opposite. I give myself permission to do nothing for a day or a weekend. Since I've said that I don't have to do anything, I can stop feeling guilty for not doing anything enabling me to relax which in turn recharges my mental batteries for dealing with all the things that need to get done. But then I'm usually only apathetic when I'm stressed or unhappy or just not getting enough down time.