Coping with… Apathy and a lack of motivation
Coping with… Apathy and a Lack of Motivation
Apathy can affect anyone at almost any time. It can lead to withdrawal that influences you mentally, physically and emotionally. But it doesn’t have to have a lasting impact. When you understand the causes of apathy and how to overcome them, you can stop the negative influence and take your life back.
Apathy is defined as lacking or suppressing emotions and being indifferent to things that would normally be emotionally moving or exciting. One major cause of apathy is depression, which make people to feel numb to what is happening around them. This depression can cause other symptoms that may trigger apathy, such as an absence of hope. Other causes of apathy include a perception of powerlessness, frustration, and a negative attitude.
Everyone at some point may experience apathy: it is a normal reaction at times to the stresses of life. It allows you to accept difficult conditions and move forward in a way that they otherwise might not be able to. Fortunately, transient apathy such as this can be treated with great success. Here are some ways to help with apathy and get back on the road to healthy emotional expression and positive life experiences.
1. Reach out to other people. Talk with family, friends or a therapist about what was happening in your life at the time the apathy began. Having people reinforce your value and offer support is a great way to reawaken emotions.
2. Exercise. Physical activity boosts endorphins and gives you a feeling of physical and mental well-being. Aim for 20-30 minutes a day of a type of exercise you normally enjoy.
3. Do volunteer work. Focusing on helping other people will take the focus off of yourself and awaken feelings of accomplishment and happiness.
4. Try something new. If you’ve ever wanted to take dancing lessons, learn to ride a motorcycle, or study a different language, this is the perfect time to do so. Having something new in your life will generate excitement and anticipation.
5. Get in harmony with nature. Spending time in a forest, by the ocean or even sitting outside in the sun is restful and healing and can restore a sense of balance.
6. Think about the positive. Apathy can make it seem as though nothing in life is worthwhile. By looking at the good things in your life, you’ll renew your appreciation for them and release yourself from apathy.
Above all else, remember this – you cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. Be proactive and never lose hope!
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” – Samuel Smiles
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