Staying Motivated When You'd Rather Pull the Covers Up Over Your Head

We've all been there. You wake up on a Monday morning and the last thing you want to do is go to work. But you drag yourself out of bed, get dressed, and make your way to the office. Only to find that you're not the only one who would rather be anywhere but at work. So how do you break out of the funk and stay motivated? Read on for some tips.

1. Get Moving

When you're feeling sluggish, it can be tempting to sit at your desk and hope that inspiration will strike. But more often than not, what you need is a physical pick-me-up. So get up and move around for a few minutes. Go for a walk outside or do some stretches at your desk. Whatever you do, just get your body moving and your blood flowing. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel once you get some movement into your day.

2. Set Small Goals

If the thought of everything you have to accomplish today is overwhelming, then don't try to tackle everything at once. Break your tasks down into smaller goals that you can realistically accomplish. And once you complete one task, check it off your list and give yourself a pat on the back. Seeing your progress will help keep you motivated throughout the day.

3. Take a Break

When you're feeling unmotivated, it can be easy to think that working harder is the answer. But sometimes what you need is a break, not an extra hour at your desk. So if you're feeling stuck, step away from your work for a few minutes and clear your head. Take a walk, chat with a colleague, or just sit quietly for a few moments and breathe deeply. Once you return to your work, you'll be surprised at how refreshed and ready to go you feel.

Feeling unmotivated at work is normal—we've all been there. The important thing is not to let those feelings take over and ruin your whole day (or week). By getting moving, setting small goals, and taking occasional breaks, you can stay on track and make it through even the most challenging of days.