this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2022
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Does anyone else get motivation swings? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 2 years ago by ster@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
19 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I'm currently preparing for exams which are very important to me. Some days I can work for 6 hours or more without stopping and I get loads done and feel great about it. Unfortunately some days I get up and I can't bear to work.

On bad days, I feel like I can't focus on anything, and no matter how much it stresses me out, my brain just refuses to put any effort in. I have no motivation and just feel like going to sleep or giving up and doing something to waste time.

Generally I find if I work a lot one day the next day is more likely to be a bad day.

Does anyone else have this? How do you prevent this or at least cope with it?

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[–] space_of_eights@lemmy.ml 11 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Speaking as a programmer who inherited a few frustrating projects: yes I do!

Here's a few tips: be outside for a bit. Go on a walk, or even better in my case, a long distance run. You'll hopefully be able to work with renewed focus.

Also, if you can, be sure to work in a well-ventilated room. I worked in several offices with bad air quality, which was detrimental to my productivity. Currently my office has actual windows that open and which has actual temperature control. I am less tired at the end of the day while having done a lot more.

Finally, try to get as few distractions when you need to focus. Switch off notifications on your phone or desktop and use noise cancelling headphones if you have any. Music may or may not help you focus. That is a personal thing.

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 years ago

I do try to get out every day, sometimes it helps but sometimes it makes me feel more worn out.

I'll try keeping my window open a bit more often.

I don't think the distractions are the problem, on good days I'm motivated enough to keep away from the distractions. On the bad days I can force myself to keep staring at the work but my brain just wanders or I just stare into space.

[–] AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Also, take breaks often and mix things up (for example, studying for one subject for a bit and then switching to the next, then back, etc). Burnout might be a big part of why this is happening.

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 years ago

I thought burnout was more of a long term thing, whereas mine tends to resolve the next day (or occasionally after a few hours). Sometimes I will have a weekend which is bad

[–] mekhos@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Keep a diary (or app) with your bed and wake time, include brief notes on food and water intake, as well as drugs or alcohol if applicable. At the end of the day write one line about how the day went. After a month or so you may notice patterns.

[–] isleofmist@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 years ago

avoiding alcohol and drugs is also good advice.

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 years ago

I'm sober at the moment due to wanting to focus on my work. I'm starting to think it could be sleep related so I might give this a shot

[–] AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 years ago

Yes! All the damn time!

[–] PeterLinuxer@lemmy.ml 6 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

The motivation change might come from a) situation like sleep, nutrition, noise, concentration b) psychichal disease/illness c) your personality

It could be depression, psychosis, ADS but also a "scanner personality" etc. For mental health only a psychiatrist is competent. For personality a psychologist (or maybe a therapeut). For general health (body) and situation you yourself are the person which is responsible.

And yes, I have that, too. My personal solution (not neccessarily the right one for you) is to carefully select a few projects and concentrate on them. How this helps? It prevents me from hopping from one thing to the other.

Try cycling the exam topics for a change/versality.

One more comment: If you aren't able to concentrate or focus on the exams then get professional help soon!

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 years ago

I think sleep could be a big part of it, I've always struggled to maintain any kind of sleep schedule. I don't think I suffer from any severe mental health problems as I'm fairly functional in day-to-day life.

[–] isleofmist@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I had motivational swings. It turned out to be vitamin D defficiency.

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

This is possible, I'm vegan so I probably don't get much from my diet, and I live in the UK so we probably only get enough sunlight in the summer. Do you take vitamin D supplements?

[–] isleofmist@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

my doctor prescribed me vitamin d. don’t take any vitamins without first getting tested.

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago

Hmm okay

[–] MerchantsOfMisery@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 years ago

Yes, it's very frustrating. I have no helpful advice to offer :( I wish I did though.

[–] GayLegend@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Have you looked into ADHD?

[–] ster@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I don't know much about it honestly. I'm not really an impulsive person though?

[–] Tryp@fuckreddit.tryp.digital 1 points 2 years ago

ADHD is a spectrum that presents differently in sexes but can also have other disorders closely related. My ADHD made me more reclusive and not very spontaneous because of a comorbid with anxiety, over thinking everything. I got treated for my anxiety and was once that faded my impulsiveness was uncontrollable. I was well into adulthood before I got treated and I regret waiting so long just because of how effective it was, Atomoxetine+Vyvanse has been awesome.

I obviously can't diagnose you over the internet and I'm missing a few degrees to be qualified but after reading your comments here it sounds like a route you should investigate further with a dr.

You could write

Working on hyper obsessions while staring into space in-between motivation cycles

on my tombstone lol

[–] angarabebesi@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago

Exercising frequently does wonders.