It’s been a long couple of years. COVID-19 (and the consequent lockdowns and other restrictions) have continued to upend our lives in so many ways that it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost all sense of motivation. Maybe you’re struggling to find a job, or you’re stuck in a job you hate. Maybe you’re just feeling burnt out from Zoom fatigue.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel this way – but there is hope! Whether you need some basic advice or you feel that you’d benefit from a consultation with TeleHealth psychologists, there are options available to help.
Here are some tips for how to regain your motivation post-COVID
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Create a routine
One of the best ways to regain your motivation is to create a routine. This can help provide some structure in your life and make you feel more in control. Routines can help with everything from becoming more productive to improving your mental health. Try to set aside time each day for things like exercise, meditation, journalling, or reading. And don’t forget to schedule in some time for fun! Watching your favourite show or going for a walk outside can do wonders for your mood and motivation levels.
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Find your purpose
It can be helpful to ask yourself what you want to achieve in life. What are your goals? What makes you happy? When you have a sense of purpose, it’s easier to find the motivation to keep going, even when things get tough. If you’re not sure what your purpose is, that’s okay! There are plenty of resources out there to help you figure it out. Sometimes, it’s helpful to talk to a therapist or counsellor about these things.
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Surround yourself with positive people
The people we surround ourselves with have a big impact on our mood and motivation levels. If you’re constantly around people who are negative or who drain your energy, it’s no wonder you’re struggling to find motivation! Instead, try to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself. This could be friends, family members, co-workers, or even social media connections. When you’re around positive people, it’s easier to stay positive yourself!
Don’t give up – try these tips and see if they help
If you’re struggling with motivation post-COVID, know that you’re not alone! These tips can help you get back on track and regain your drive. Creating a routine, finding your purpose, and surrounding yourself with positive people are all great ways to boost your motivation levels. So don’t give up – you can do this!
Using a variety of methods, Carlton J. Fong, a scholar-practitioner, and cognitive research scientist at Texas State University, has examined the factors that influence student motivation in higher education. He has analyzed over 150 studies and identified five factors that are the most important for student success.
The study found that student motivation increased when they felt a sense of ownership over their work and were given positive extrinsic feedback. The study also found that students’ sense of belonging was a strong predictor of their motivation to complete academic work. But students’ motivation was also affected by their sense of agency and the future meaning of learning in the context of their goals.
National Scientific Council
A study by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child found that students are motivated by two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. While intrinsic motivation is innate and develops early in life, extrinsic motivation develops later. Extrinsic motivation can be derived from a variety of sources, such as a sense of accomplishment and achievement, positive social feedback, and reward for effort.
Professor Fong’s research suggests that a healthy motivation system is built on positive extrinsic feedback, positive social interaction, and a sense of agency. Motivation can be encouraged by teachers by creating an environment where students feel safe to explore their interests. In addition, fostering a sense of curiosity is a powerful motivator.
Researchers have also found that students who experienced positive interactions with others online were more likely to be motivated to learn. However, students who experienced negative interactions with others offline were less likely to be motivated to learn. This may be because students have less reliable access to their peers online. Students also had less reliable access to their instructors online.
Motivation is a complex concept, but Professor Fong believes that understanding it can help students succeed during a time of uncertainty. He has developed a framework to help students stay motivated during times of uncertainty. Using this framework, students can work to improve their motivation and academic performance during times of uncertainty. The framework can also be applied to improving student motivation during times of pandemic.
Self-Determination Theory
Fong studied five motivational theories, including the Self-Determination Theory, which explores the factors that influence student feelings of competence and relatedness. The theory also explores how students’ environments affect their feelings of relatedness and competence.
Professor Fong also found that students’ sense of belonging increased when they felt a sense of ownership of their work and were given positive extrinsic and intrinsic feedback. The study also found that students’ perceptions of the future shifted when they experienced a bad economic outlook. These findings are important because they provide a clear explanation of how students can use motivation to their advantage.
Finally, Professor Fong found that students’ sense of happiness was a strong predictor of their academic achievement. Students reported higher levels of happiness and motivation. When they were given the ability to choose their own path, such as deciding not to attend class.