Some days, life feels like a slog, and staying motivated to keep going and stay positive seems impossible.
When everything feels a bit much, finding inspiration isn’t always easy — but sometimes, just a few small changes can make a real difference. The trick isn’t to force it, but to create space for it to return naturally. If you want to feel lighter and more engaged with the world again, even though everything seems to be a complete and utter mess, here are some things you can do to help yourself out.
1. Change your scenery.
It’s hard to feel inspired when you’re staring at the same four walls every day. Sometimes, a small change, such as working from a café, taking a walk somewhere new, or even just moving things around in your space, can shake things up. A different environment can make everyday things feel fresh again, giving your brain a little nudge to think in new ways. Even tiny changes like switching up your usual routine can help break that stuck feeling. Seeing things from a different angle can do more than just refresh your surroundings — it can also reset your mindset. Inspiration tends to sneak in when you’re in an unfamiliar place, away from the usual distractions. Stepping outside of your usual patterns can help you see things differently and spark new ideas. Even something as simple as changing where you sit can make a surprising difference.
2. Cut down on doomscrolling.
It’s easy to get caught in an endless cycle of bad news, but constantly absorbing negativity drains your energy. While staying informed is important, there’s a fine line between awareness and overwhelm. Mindless scrolling often makes things feel worse, especially when it’s the first or last thing you do in a day. Cutting down on it can free up mental space for more positive and productive thoughts. Giving yourself set times to check the news or social media can help you stay in control. Instead of passively scrolling, swap some of that time for something that lifts your mood, such as listening to music, reading, or chatting with a friend. A break from digital noise can help you feel clearer and more present in your own life. The less time spent absorbing negativity, the more room there is for things that actually inspire you.
3. Do something just for the sake of it.
Not everything has to be productive. Doing something purely because you enjoy it can make life feel a bit lighter. Taking the pressure off allows creativity to flow in a way that structured tasks often don’t. Letting yourself have fun without a goal in mind can bring back the spark you’ve been missing. It’s easy to forget that enjoyment has value in itself, even if it doesn’t lead to anything “useful.” When you give yourself permission to play, you’re more likely to stumble upon new ideas naturally. Whether it’s doodling, trying a new hobby, or just messing around, doing something for fun can be a great way to reset. Inspiration often shows up when you’re relaxed and engaged in something you genuinely like.
4. Look for fresh perspectives.
When your thoughts feel stuck, hearing different ideas can be the push you need. Reading a book outside your usual taste, listening to a podcast, or even chatting with someone who sees the world differently can open up new ways of thinking. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, and looking for fresh voices can spark something in you. Sometimes, all it takes is a single sentence or idea to change your perspective. Engaging with different viewpoints keeps your mind active and helps you see things from a new angle. Even a casual conversation with a friend or a thought-provoking documentary can make a difference. When you expose yourself to new ideas, it becomes easier to think beyond your current situation. The more you step outside of your usual bubble, the more inspiration you’ll find.
5. Get moving, even just a little.
It’s hard to feel motivated when you’re physically sluggish. Movement isn’t just good for your body — it helps clear your head and shake off that heavy feeling. Even a short walk, a few stretches, or dancing to your favourite song can lift your energy. You don’t have to do a full workout for it to make a difference. Exercise releases tension and creates space for new ideas to form. Something as simple as stepping outside for fresh air can shift your mindset. The more you move, the more connected you feel to yourself and the world around you. A bit of physical activity can be the reset you need to start feeling inspired again.
6. Find some quiet time.
Constant noise can make everything feel overwhelming. Finding moments of quiet — whether through meditation, deep breathing, or just sitting with your thoughts — helps your mind reset. When you give yourself space to pause, you create room for clarity and new ideas. Silence isn’t empty; it’s where creativity often begins. Taking time away from distractions can help you reconnect with what really matters to you. Whether it’s five minutes of stillness or an hour-long walk, quiet moments allow inspiration to surface naturally. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively searching for them. Making space for calm can help you find the motivation that’s been buried under the noise.
7. Set small, achievable goals.
Big tasks can feel impossible when you’re already drained. Breaking things down into smaller, doable steps makes everything feel more manageable. Progress, even in tiny amounts, builds momentum and helps you feel like you’re moving forward. The key is to focus on what you can do right now instead of getting lost in the bigger picture. Checking off even one small task can shift your mindset and make things feel less overwhelming. Instead of waiting for a surge of motivation, start with something simple. Once you complete one thing, it becomes easier to tackle the next. The more you focus on small wins, the more inspired you’ll feel to keep going.
8. Get outside when you can.
Spending time in nature has a way of clearing your head. Whether it’s walking in the park, sitting by the water, or just standing in the sun for a moment, being outdoors can help reset your mood. There’s something about fresh air and open space that makes everything feel a little lighter. Even a few minutes outside can make a big difference. Nature reminds you that things keep moving, even when life feels stuck. Watching the waves, hearing the wind, or simply noticing the way the light changes can be grounding. The more you step away from screens and into real-world moments, the more connected you’ll feel. A little time outside can do wonders for your mindset.
9. Flip your focus to what’s good.
When life feels tough, it’s easy to fixate on everything that’s going wrong. But even on bad days, there are usually small moments of light somewhere in there. Noticing these little things doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff, but it helps bring some balance to your perspective. The more you pay attention to what’s working, the easier it is to feel inspired again. Practising gratitude can make a real difference in how you see the world. Writing down three good things each day, even if they’re tiny, can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive. Over time, it makes it easier to find inspiration in everyday life. When you start looking for what’s good, you realise there’s always something worth appreciating.
10. Step away when you need to.
Trying to force yourself to feel inspired rarely works. When everything feels stuck, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away for a bit. Taking a break can give your brain the reset it needs. The pressure to be productive all the time can kill creativity before it even has a chance to show up. Inspiration often sneaks in when you’re not looking for it. The best ideas tend to arrive when you’re doing something unrelated, like showering, daydreaming, or just letting your mind wander. Giving yourself permission to pause can help you come back with fresh energy. Sometimes, doing nothing for a while is exactly what you need to move forward.
11. Spend time with people who make you feel good.
The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on how you feel. Spending time with those who inspire, encourage, or simply make you laugh can shift your whole mindset. Whether it’s friends, family, or even an online community, connecting with the right people can make everything feel a little easier. Good energy is contagious, and being around people who are passionate about life can help reignite your own spark. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to remind you of what excites you. Talking to someone who sees things differently can open up new ideas and break you out of a rut. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to someone whose energy lifts you. Even a quick chat can remind you that inspiration doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
12. Let yourself feel how you feel.
Some days, you’re just not going to feel inspired, and that’s okay. Pushing yourself to be positive all the time can be exhausting, and sometimes, what you really need is to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Letting yourself sit with your emotions instead of trying to push through them can actually help you move forward. When you stop fighting how you feel, you give yourself the space to process things properly. Inspiration isn’t about always feeling upbeat; it’s about making space for whatever’s real. Writing things down, talking to a friend, or just letting yourself have a slow day can help you reset. Once you stop forcing motivation, it often returns on its own. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be kind to yourself and trust that the spark will come back in its own time.
13. Try something new, even if it’s small.
Falling into the same daily routine can make life feel repetitive, which isn’t great for inspiration. Doing something new can shake things up. New experiences wake up your brain and help you see things from a fresh perspective. Even the smallest changes can stop things from feeling stale. Novelty sparks curiosity, and curiosity is often what leads to inspiration. You don’t have to make huge changes — just a little switch-up can make a difference. Trying a new activity, visiting a different place, or learning about something unfamiliar can break the cycle of sameness. When life feels a bit more interesting, it’s easier to feel inspired again.
14. Remind yourself why you started.
When everything feels difficult, reconnecting with your original motivation can bring back some clarity. Think back to what made you excited in the first place, whether it’s a passion project, a creative pursuit, or a personal goal. That initial spark is still there, even if it’s buried under stress and routine. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and remember what got you started. Looking at old notes, revisiting past work, or reminding yourself of what once excited you can help reignite that feeling. It’s easy to lose sight of why something mattered when life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone. Taking a moment to reflect can help you tap back into that energy and move forward with a fresh perspective.
