I'll do that when I feel better.

Most of us can relate to feeling "blah", which results in our lack of activity. On days when my "blahs" are a bit much, I can usually be found on the couch instead of out running errands or participating in a social activity. I may be reading or watching a movie while I'm on the couch, but I'm definitely not energetic or enthusiastic. The down-time can be helpful for sorting through my "blahs" to identify the source, or reasons, for feeling the way I do, and for identifying specific self care or relationship improvement activities that I need to partake in to ensure my "blahs" don't stick around for too long.

But, what about when we're feeling like we cannot get enthusiastic or energetic about anything? In those moments, we might tell ourselves that we'll get up and get going after we feel better. Or, as I've heard many clients say, "I'll take care of that goal when I feel happier about my circumstances" or "I know I need to get out of the house, but I can't do that until I feel more motivated".

Well, the bottom line is this: You can't feel your way into an action, but you can act your way into a feeling.

Meaning, if you lay around on the couch waiting for a feeling of energetic motivation to wash over you, you're going to be laying there a long time. But, if you get up and get going, you may soon be surprised by how energetic and motivated you feel.

The brain will go along with whatever the body tells it. So, give your brain good messages of healthy activity so it can assign healthy emotion.