How do you stay motivated and productive?
Amanda Pool
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33 months ago at 3:53 PMAugust 29, 2022 at 3:53 PM
Ever since my diagnosis I have been absolutely a wreck. I haven't wanted to go out, to talk to people, to do much of anything. I know I'm in a funk and I was wondering how you all handle the devastation of having cancer and then also go about a normal life.
13 comments
Last activity by Samantha McLain,

My MIL would always wake up and just pick 2 things. That's it. That she wanted to do and matched them with 2 things she is thankful for. She said that by the second week she was feeling brighter, happier and more motivated because she started off her morning with structure and happiness. I think the point I learned is that everybody is different on what motivates and you could get creative!
It's okay to feel that way sometimes Amanda, but try to do the things you enjoy most. For me, Painting helps a lot at hard times. You can try whatever calms you and do that more, and always know that we're always here for you.
A few people here said it best. The day you realize it is ok to not be ok, that might change. There is absolutely no reason to tip toe around anyone and enjoy the things that make you happy. All of that is such a precious thing that I wish we knew way earlier in life

It's ok to not want to do anything sometimes. If you don't feel like doing something, don't force yourself to do it. Don't try to tackle these tasks directly, I suggest taking baby steps when your trying to get back to your normal life as it may be way too overwhelming and scary to do all at once.

It was important for me to remember that it's OK to have good days and bad days. It's normal if you're feeling a little overwhelmed with everything. I agree with Elizabeth, find support in your community - including us here at OneVillage :)

You're not alone. Some days are really tough and feels like a lot of people in my life don't understand.

At first I think it's ok to feel like that but just don't let that be your mindset everyday. Find community to help give you support. Try to take baby steps of going on a walk or getting out of the house each day.

Yoga! It helps me relax and refocus. It gives me somewhere to deal with all of my emotions.

Gratitude has been a big influence for me since my diagnosis. I start every morning writing down 3 things I'm thankful for. It's become a little routine. The act of remembering why I'm lucky lifts my spirits and helps me tackle the day better.
I think there's a period of time where it's OK if you don't feel like doing anything. You're allowed to mope for a while, this is a tough situation you just found yourself in!! But take time each day to think about why you are grateful too

Ugh, I know how you feel! Talking with a support group really helped me.
My grandmother was wise in many ways, and one of the things she always used to say about depression is that the only way out of it is to pick your feet up and put one foot infront of the other. Start small by doing small tasks around the house. Vacuum a room. Water a plant. Make a pot of soup. Slowly, if you just force yourself to do one task and then the next you'll find yourself on your way to feeling better again.
So sorry to hear you're feeling this way Amanda!! I felt exactly the same when I was first diagnosed, and if it's any comfort I can tell you that things will get better. At first there is a lot of shock and overwhelm but then slowly and slowly you begin to adjust and life takes on a "new" normal. Hang in there!