Beating Autumn Blues: Rediscovering Your Inspiration
Combating Seasonal Blues and Finding Inspiration
As the vibrant days of summer fade into the crisp air of autumn, it’s common to feel a shift in your mood and energy levels. The transition from sunny vacations to the routine of work and the need to carry an umbrella can leave you feeling less than inspired. However, understanding and harnessing productivity, inspiration, and a resourceful state of mind can help you navigate this seasonal change with ease.
Understanding Productivity
Productivity isn’t about cramming as many tasks as possible into your day. Instead, it’s about accomplishing tasks effectively and efficiently. It’s not the quantity of tasks completed that matters, but the quality. You could complete one task with significant impact, and that would be a productive day.
Productivity is often confused with good health or the ability to complete tasks quickly. While these factors contribute to productivity, they are not the same. Productivity is a broader concept that encompasses both the physical and mental state of a person.
When to Be Productive
The time of day plays a crucial role in productivity. Most people find that their concentration and alertness peak in the morning, typically before 12 PM. This is the ideal time to tackle important and complex tasks.
Between 12 PM and 4 PM, concentration levels tend to dip. This is a great time to take a lunch break, a short nap, or a walk outside. From 2 PM to 4 PM, many people experience a slump in energy, making it a less ideal time for demanding tasks.
Other factors that contribute to productivity include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and managing stress levels.
Creating Inspiration
Inspiration is often seen as a fleeting moment of brilliance, but it’s more than that. It’s a state of high productivity with an emotional uplift. It’s about finding new forms and meanings, a flow of ideas and insights.
Inspiration isn’t something you find or wait for; it’s something you create. It’s about taking responsibility for your creativity and actively working towards it. The more you engage in activities, the more likely you are to find inspiration.
Take, for example, renowned author Stephen King. He writes at least two pages a day, not waiting for inspiration to strike but creating it through his actions. Similarly, composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky believed that inspiration favors those who are diligent and hardworking.
The Importance of a Resourceful State
A resourceful state is when you feel you have the energy and strength to tackle tasks. It’s about both physical and mental well-being. It’s hard to be productive or inspired if you’re tired, hungry, or stressed.
To achieve a resourceful state, start with your physical health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits.
Next, focus on your mental health. Listen to your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself what you want, what you fear, and what’s holding you back. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you achieve harmony and understand your potential better.
Psychologist’s Tips for Beating Autumn Blues
- Find Your Space: Organize your workspace based on your preferences and comfort. Experiment with different locations and track your productivity. Eliminate distractions like your phone or television.
- Make Lists: Writing down your tasks can help you stay disciplined. It doesn’t have to be a rigid to-do list; make it a creative and engaging process.
- Take Breaks: The average adult can work continuously for about 1.5 hours. Take short breaks to recharge and maintain productivity.
- Overcome the Fear of Starting: If you’re procrastinating, ask yourself what you’re afraid of and whether that fear is rational. Find your internal motivation and understand the purpose behind your tasks.
- Think Bigger: Remember that life is short. Don’t waste time on things or people that don’t bring you joy. Realize your potential and make the most of your time.
As Tom Hopkins said, “Every evening, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. While you sleep, your subconscious will work on the best ways to achieve them, making your next day much more productive.”
