bristol blogger

Showing posts with label bristol blogger. Show all posts

5 Ways To Find Motivation | What to do when you're feeling unmotivated | AD

Wednesday, 1 July 2020

Chloe Harriets wearing Femme Luxe lilac tie dye t-shirt - what to do when you're feeling unmotivated blogpost

We can't always be productive and motivated. Sometimes you start your day with good intentions, yet still find yourself scrolling when you should be making your way through a to-do list, completely lacking any motivation to actually do the stuff. I've been there. I know it's frustrating having that nagging feeling of 'I should be doing this' and then desperately trying to push it to the back of your mind because Netflix is calling your name.

Sometimes our motivation levels drop during the day, and other times they're nowhere to be found when we wake up. When we've got things to do, goals to meet. If you want to feel like your best self, a lack of motivation can really get in the way of that. So today I've thought I'd share some tips on what to do when the motivation goes out the window, and advice on where to look for it again.

Here is a list of things to do when you're feeling unmotivated:

- Move

Sometimes we're just feeling a bit restless, our body wants to move rather than sit at a desk typing. So do exactly that. Go for a walk, a run, do a workout video, dance around your bedroom, find your zen by doing some Yoga (I have a full blog post why to do a yoga challenge here) - whatever suits you. Find a way to burn some of that energy. The combo of those post-workout endorphins and a break from the screen might be all you need to get back with that inspiration flowing.

- Change your surroundings

Sometimes, something as simple as working somewhere new can really spice things up - or if that's not an option have a tidy and rejig of your desk. Our surrounding affect how we feel, so if they're feeling a little stale, you probably will too.

- Listen to/watch motivating content

Soon I will do a full blog post on the content I like to watch when I'm looking for that extra push of motivation. Don't underestimate the power of a Youtube video. I always have my most productive days when I've watched a motivating video or listening an inspire podcast while eating my breakfast.

- Vision board

I am a big fan of vision boarding (I have a blog post on it here and videos here and here). It helps to clarify where you're heading and what you're working towards. Plus it actually freaking works (honestly I should have thought it through more when I added a magazine cutting which says "stay home, work out" to my 2020 vision board because it's certainly happened). If you don't feel motivated, it likely that it's because you've lost sight of your end goal - vision boarding will help you to figure out where you want to be heading.

- Take a walk

I pretty much say it every blogpost now (see here, here and here - I guess I'm obsessed with walking) - nature is healing, refreshing and inspiring. If you're not doing your work, you may as well take advantage of the benefits of spending time in the world around you.

- Read

You really can't bring yourself to go through your emails, write that blog post or do whatever you're supposed to be doing? Why not pick up a book? A self-development book might get you considering how to move forward with your goal or a fiction book can transport you to a new world, so your chill time will no longer include that nagging feeling of an untouched to-do list - If you're looking for book recommendations you can find tonnes of reviews here.

Outfit Details

Lilac Tie-Dye T-Shirt (which was kindly gifted from Femme Luxe): Available here

Dungaree Pinafore (worn as a skirt with a tee over): Old, similar linked here

Sandals: Old, similar linked here

Coming to the end of this post I've realised some of my tips are very similar to what I say in my habits for happiness blog post, but what can I say, for me, happiness and motivation go hand in hand.

I hope you found this post useful! What do you do when you're in need of some motivation?

*The Femme Luxe tee was gifted along with some other pieces which will feature in upcoming blog posts - I could have featured them all together but didn't want to overload this post with images - so I hope you don't mind more gifted posts in the near future.

* Affiliate links are used in this blogpost

bristol blogger date ideas intentional living lifestyle love relationships valentines day

Cute, Affordable Date Ideas for Valentine's Day 2020.

Thursday, 23 January 2020

With Valentine's Day coming up, it's time to get planning, and figure out what cute, affordable date ideas will make your day!

silhouette of man in sunset at view point. cute affordable date valentines day 2020

This year will be my first Valentine's Day in a relationship in 5 years, and I'm excited about it. In the 6 months I've been with my (quite wonderful) boyfriend, we've been on some pretty incredible dates, which have made our time together feel completely magical... and we've not spent much money either - me, my relationship and my bank balance are all very happy.

If you're having a mind blank when it comes to celebrating Valentine's day, I've put together a list of cute, affordable date ideas to help ya out (you're welcome).

Watch Sunsets:

This is honestly one of my favourite things to do with my boyfriend. Nature often has a way of reminding us how wonderful the world is, and there's something simple yet special about sharing that view with a partner, just taking a moment or two to take in the world together. If you're planning a sunset viewing, keep an eye on the weather, and find a spot with a good viewpoint. Living in Bristol/Gloucester, some of the ones we've explored have been Cleeve Hill, Selsley Common, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Nibley, Coaley Peak.

Go to a Comedy Show:

On our second date, we went to see some stand-up comedy. As the comedians were all relatively small it was inexpensive. It was nice to do something different, and we got to laugh - what more could you want?!

Magic Show/Bar:

Probably one of the more pricey suggestions but I didn't want to leave it out. If you're looking to do something a bit different with your loved one, why not consider going to a magic show/bar. We recently went to Smoke and Mirrors with some friends (it's a great choice for a double/triple date, group hang situation). It was so fun to do something a bit different and made for a memorable evening.

Walk:

There is nothing I love more than going for a walk... I mean seriously, I've talked about it in this blog post and this blog post. Getting out in fresh air is good for the mind and soul, and it's nice to explore nature with your partner. You can talk about your goals, hopes and dreams as you wander, or laugh and reminisce. If you're stuck on where to go walking, you can't go wrong with a National Trust Trail. Extra points if you manage to combine it with a sunset view!

Cook Dinner Together:

Sometimes, the best things are the most simple. We all need to eat, so why not make dinner an event. It can be fun to try out new recipes and cook together. Put some extra effort in when you set the table and light a candle or two and enjoy the flavours of a meal you made together.

Go to the beach:

No, it doesn't matter if it's cold, thermals and jumpers exist for a reason. Sit on a blanket with fish and chips and watch the waves come crashing in.

Cathedrals:

Cathedrals make a nice place to visit together, that's whether you wander inside and admire the stained glass windows, or simply take it in from the outside. Cathedrals tend to be both beautiful and peaceful. Near us, we have Lacock and Gloucester cathedral, in both locations parts of Harry Potter was filmed which makes them feel, well, magic.

Museums & Art Galleries:

The majority of museums and art galleries are free to enter, maybe with occasionally paying a little extra for certain exhibitions, or making a small donation. Honestly, I couldn't think of anything more perfect than holding hands and looking at art.

Star Gaze:

If it's a clear night, take advantage. Take some blankets outdoors and watch the night sky together. There's something romantic in the twinkling lights in the sky, reminding you how big the universe truly is.

Read together:

Something me & my boyfriend have begun to do is read together. We choose a book we both want to read and take it in turns to read a chapter aloud to one another. It felt awkward and bizarre at first, but once you get over the initial weirdness, it was wonderful to get lost in a fictional world together.

Pottery Painting:

If you want a creative activity, to keep you busy on Valentines Day, why not try pottery painting? It's usually inexpensive, it's fun and you get to take something you made home with you. You could even each paint something for the other and trade when you're done to add that extra bit of romance.

Skating:

One of the best dates I've been on with my boyfriend was an ice-skating one... but I realise it's not really the season for that. Rollerskating, or a roller-disco if you're feeling funky could be a super fun option!

Visit a new place:

Vague I know. What I mean is, choose a city or cute village nearby that you haven't been before, somewhere that's not home but close enough that taking a day trip won't cost you the earth. Explore somewhere new together.

I hope these date ideas have inspired you! There have been times we've of course ended on less romantic dates... does the time my boyfriend took me to the recycling centre (in the early days) count as a date? Or what about the time we went to Gloucester service station just to have a look?! As fun as these both were, I'm assuming you want something a tad more romantic for V-Day, so the list above should help.

Let me know how you end up spending the big day!

Follow

Instagram | Youtube | Twitter | Pinterest