#Challenges of negative thinking

[pets12pets]

Maintaining Motivation During Stress: A Comprehensive Guide

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, and it often goes hand in hand with responsibilities and challenges. While a certain level of stress can be beneficial in motivating us to achieve our goals, excessive stress can have a detrimental effect on our overall well-being. In times of stress, it can be difficult to maintain motivation and stay focused on our tasks and aspirations. However, it is crucial to find ways to maintain our motivation during stressful times in order to prevent burnout and achieve success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies and techniques for maintaining motivation during periods of stress. Whether you are a student juggling multiple assignments, an employee facing a demanding workload, or a parent trying to balance work and family responsibilities, this guide will provide you with practical tips to stay motivated and productive. By understanding the impact of stress on motivation and implementing the suggested techniques, you will be equipped to tackle stressful situations and emerge stronger and more resilient. Let us delve into this guide and discover how to maintain motivation during stress.

Set clear and achievable goals.

In order to stay motivated during times of stress, it is crucial to set clear and achievable goals. This means clearly defining what you want to achieve and breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. By setting achievable goals, you are setting yourself up for success and avoiding feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. It is important to be realistic and specific when setting goals and to regularly reassess and adjust them as needed. This will help you stay focused and motivated, even in the midst of challenging situations. Remember to also celebrate your accomplishments along the way, as this will keep you motivated and encouraged to continue moving forward towards your goals.

Prioritize self-care and relaxation.

Taking care of oneself is crucial to maintaining motivation during stressful times. This includes prioritizing self-care and relaxation activities. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks and allowing time for rest and rejuvenation can actually increase productivity and motivation. Whether it be taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, incorporating self-care into daily routines is essential for managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better cope with challenges and maintain motivation for achieving their goals.

Practice effective stress management techniques.

In addition to self-care activities, practicing effective stress management techniques is crucial to maintaining motivation during stressful times. This involves identifying and addressing sources of stress, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting realistic goals. Some effective stress management techniques include deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a trusted friend or therapist. It's also important to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to avoid becoming overwhelmed. By implementing these techniques, individuals can better manage their stress levels and stay motivated to achieve their goals, even in the face of challenges.

Seek support from loved ones.

In addition to implementing stress management techniques, seeking support from loved ones can be a helpful tool for maintaining motivation during times of stress. Whether it's talking to a close friend, family member, or significant other, having a support system can provide a sense of comfort and understanding. Sometimes just talking to someone about your stressors can help alleviate some of the pressure and provide a fresh perspective. Additionally, loved ones can offer encouragement, accountability, and practical help in managing responsibilities and tasks. Don't be afraid to reach out and lean on those who care about you during stressful times.

Break tasks into manageable steps.

Another helpful strategy for maintaining motivation during times of stress is to break tasks into manageable steps. Often, when faced with a long list of responsibilities and deadlines, it can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. By breaking tasks into smaller, more achievable steps, you can create a sense of progress and accomplishment, which can serve as motivation to continue moving forward. This approach can also help to prevent burnout by allowing you to focus on one task at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once. It may also be helpful to prioritize tasks and focus on the most important or time-sensitive ones first. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress and can help keep you motivated and on track during stressful times.

Stay organized and maintain a routine.

Consistency is key when it comes to staying organized and maintaining a routine, especially during times of stress. While it may be tempting to let things slide or take on too much at once, sticking to a schedule and keeping track of important tasks and deadlines can help reduce stress and increase productivity. This can be achieved through tools such as planners, to-do lists, and setting reminders. A structured routine not only helps with organization but also creates a sense of stability and control during uncertain times. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, motivation can be maintained and stress can be effectively managed.

Celebrate small accomplishments along the way.

In addition to staying organized, it's also important to celebrate small accomplishments along the way. This can help boost motivation and maintain a positive mindset, even during times of stress. Taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the progress you have made, whether big or small, can give you a sense of accomplishment and drive to keep moving forward. This can be as simple as checking off a task on your to-do list or treating yourself to something you enjoy after completing a difficult project. By celebrating small accomplishments, you are acknowledging your hard work and giving yourself the recognition and motivation you deserve. So, don't forget to take a moment to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, as they all contribute to your overall success and well-being.

Stay positive and practice gratitude.

In addition to staying organized and acknowledging small wins, it is crucial to stay positive and practice gratitude during times of stress. It can be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions, but by shifting our focus to the good things in our lives, we can improve our mental well-being and motivation. Take time each day to reflect on things you are grateful for, whether it's a supportive friend or a delicious meal. This will help to cultivate a positive mindset and keep you motivated to push through any challenges. Remember, positivity and gratitude are powerful tools for maintaining motivation during stressful times.

Embrace the power of delegation.

In addition to these strategies, another powerful tool for maintaining motivation during stress is delegation. Many of us have a tendency to try and take on everything ourselves, thinking that we can handle it all. However, this often leads to burnout and a decrease in motivation as we become overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities. By learning to delegate tasks to others, we can free up our time and mental space to focus on the most important tasks and goals. This allows us to work more efficiently and effectively and can also provide a sense of relief and support during stressful periods. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and delegate tasks; it can actually improve our overall productivity and motivation.

Stay focused on the bigger picture.

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and challenges, but it's important to stay focused on the bigger picture. When we keep our ultimate goals and aspirations in mind, it can help us stay motivated and determined, even during stressful times. Remember why you started this journey and what you hope to achieve in the long run. This will give you a sense of purpose and drive to keep pushing through, even when things get tough. So, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It's not just about the tasks at hand, but about the bigger picture of your goals and dreams. Keep that in mind, and it will help you maintain motivation during times of stress.

In conclusion, maintaining motivation during times of stress is crucial for personal and professional success. By implementing the strategies and techniques discussed in this guide, you can effectively manage stress and stay motivated to achieve your goals. Remember to prioritize self-care, stay organized and focused, and seek support when needed. With dedication and determination, you can overcome any obstacles and maintain your motivation even in the most challenging times. Keep pushing forward and stay motivated!

FAQ

How can individuals maintain motivation during times of high stress and pressure?

Individuals can maintain motivation during times of high stress and pressure by setting clear goals, breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrating small victories along the way. It is important to prioritize self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of friends, family, or colleagues can also provide encouragement and motivation. Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and reminding oneself of the bigger picture and the reasons behind the tasks or goals can help individuals stay motivated and focused during challenging times.

What are some effective strategies for overcoming feelings of burnout and staying motivated?

Some effective strategies for overcoming feelings of burnout and staying motivated include setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, seeking support from others, managing stress levels, and finding joy in the work you're doing. It's important to prioritize tasks, take breaks when needed, and engage in activities that help recharge your energy. Additionally, finding a support system or talking to a mentor or therapist can provide valuable guidance and perspective. Lastly, reminding yourself of the purpose and impact of your work can help reignite motivation and passion.

How does stress impact motivation, and what can be done to counteract its negative effects?

Stress can significantly impact motivation by depleting energy levels, causing feelings of overwhelm, and reducing focus and concentration. It can lead to a lack of drive and enthusiasm towards tasks and goals. To counteract the negative effects of stress on motivation, it is essential to prioritize self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help reduce stress and boost motivation.

Are there any specific techniques or exercises that can help individuals maintain motivation and focus during stressful periods?

Yes, there are several techniques and exercises that can help individuals maintain motivation and focus during stressful periods. These include setting specific goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, practicing mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, seeking social support, prioritizing self-care activities, and creating a structured and organized schedule. Additionally, utilizing positive affirmations, and visualizations, and creating a supportive and motivating environment can also contribute to maintaining motivation and focus during stressful times.

How can individuals create a supportive environment or seek external support to help maintain motivation during times of stress?

Individuals can create a supportive environment by surrounding themselves with positive and encouraging people, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-care. Seeking external support can involve reaching out to friends and family for emotional support, joining support groups or therapy sessions, and seeking guidance from mentors or coaches. Additionally, incorporating stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and practicing gratitude can help maintain motivation during stressful times.

[wigglebox]

Suptober - Day 31 | Halloween / Costumes [x]

—

Thank you all so much for the support during this years suptober! Things were a little different this year but I was still so happy to see so many posts and creative folk in the tag this year! I love this event so much and it was heartening to see many others love it as well.

See y’all next October and Happy Halloween! 🎃

[shesnake]

challengers (and, on some level iwtv) on the brain it really is so funny how so many people often will happily talk about polyamory as a solution to their little ships but when confronted with narratives that truly explore that it can't compute for them and they start picking teams of two.

[necrotic-nephilim]

ok ok but jayroytim😏

this feels especially funny if brudick happens in the background and oliver hates the fact he's now in-laws with bruce

so i have to regretfully admit i'm not really a fan of JayRoy, or at least i'm not a fan of the popular version of JayRoy. i think JayRoy could work and would be a lot of fun! but i have *zero* interest in New-52!JayRoy (or New-52!Roy in general) or rlly any version of Jason and Roy on the Outlaws together. both bc i'm a pre-Flashpoint stan at heart. usually i can stand newer content for ship fodder but for these two oh man it grinds my gears how badly Roy got fucked over-

BUT BUT. that doesn't mean i think the ship has *no* merit. because Jason and Roy *do* have some fodder in pre-Flashpoint. they meet briefly when Jason is Robin, and then again when Jason is Red Hood during that Outsiders arc where Black Lightning is in prison. so! there's definitely material to work with. especially playing into the more fucked up nature of Roy knowing Jason when he was Robin. i think it's cute if Jason had a childhood crush on Roy. and maybe Roy even thought Jason was kind of cute, a spunky kid with a lot of energy and passion. then with Jason as Red Hood, Roy openly doesn't trust him and doesn't like that they're working with him. Jason is just a run-of-the-mill villain with a nasty kill count. and sure, Roy's got a record of tangling with people more on the villain side of things, but even going near the Red Hood feels like a step too far.

adding Tim to the mix is really fun. bc honestly it gives Roy some kind of a fetish for guys who have been Robin and i find that to be delightful. like, even if Roy just sees Jason as the Red Hood, he can't *quite* let go of the image of Jason as Robin. like it just won't get out of Roy's system ever since Jason came back. i think, if i were to write these three together, i'd have Roy and Tim get together first of all people, just because Roy is trying really hard to stop thinking about Jason as Robin, especially now that Jason is older and a little meaner. he's full of guilt about it, and he can't talk to Dick because he's still not sure where Dick's feelings fall about the whole Jason thing so. he goes to Tim instead, thinking if he fucks a different Robin, maybe he'll get it out of his system. Tim's pretty and he's just old enough that it's not *too* morally questionable for Roy to seek him out. it takes a while for Roy to work up the nerves because he and Tim aren't particularly close, so how do you even approach that conversation to make it look organic. it's awkward and Tim can definitely tell something is up but hey, who's going to say no to Roy Harper offering sex? one of Dick's best friends? especially if we put this right after Kon and Bart's death where Tim is just. sort of lonely and seeking companionship. in some ways,, Roy would remind him of Kon, just a little. that sort of cocky attitude and snarky smile.

i would add Jason in by having JayTim happen alongside RoyTim. it's not like Roy and Tim are serious enough to be exclusive and Tim knows Roy is sleeping around, so Tim ends up in a weird hatefucking situation with Jason, which definitely was not supposed to happen. Jason just has a damning way of getting under Tim's skin and won't stop bothering Tim until he gets some kind of attention from Tim. and somehow Jason is interesting enough for Tim to cave. and he doesn't even think about the two relationships he's balancing until he happens to sleep with Jason after being with Roy the night before and there are still marks all over him and Jason does *not* like sharing. so when he interrogates Tim and gets nothing, he does the reasonable thing of stalking Tim to figure out who it is. and it just happens to be the guy Jason had a crush on as a kid.

i think Roy finding out he tried so hard to avoid Jason that he accidentally ended up with the same fuck buddy as Jason would be the funniest thing in the world. like it's not something he can run from anymore and he has to accept that. he tries to awkwardly ask what Tim even sees in the guy bc well, Jason's a killer and not known for being mentally stable. but he's also the guy who exonerated Black Lightning with no real motive besides just helping out. he's complicated and Roy doesn't know how to react. Tim just sort of shrugs bc how do you even explain Jason Todd and well, one thing leads to another and Tim ends up in the middle of the most emotionally charged threesome he's ever been in. love the idea of Jason and Roy using Tim as a toy while they work out their feelings for each other. to me that's the peak dynamic. Jason and Roy are pissed about liking each other and somehow, Tim got roped into things. their relationship is not healthy or normal whatsoever, but somehow, they end up balancing each other out nicely.

background BruDick is also hilarious tho. bc there is no one who hates Bruce more than Oliver and he'd be so annoyed that not only did Roy get tangled up with the Bats, but now everything is so weird their families are pretty tangled together and Oliver has to deal with Bruce a lot more than he wants to. and he's glaring daggers about it the whole time.

[tsukasalover]

i really dont get why or how people completely exclude or water down nene and emu’s importance in a lot of fics and fanart with ruikasa its like. I mean yes even in canon theres a lot of moments with just them but acting like emu and nene dont exist or making an excuse to push them away is Insane… Do you not get bored…. ?? They all work so well together and all of their dynamics make them. Them. So good

but anyways i finally found a way to make the Tsukasa Gets His Ears Pierced Because of Saki idea i had rotting really good i was worried about any chance of emunene being excluded because i Cant function if theyre not in my fics and playing important roles. It feels so wrong. but while i was walking up the stairs at school my mind hit me with the Perfect Idea and i was like Alright now we’re getting there. (Getting where exactly. I am sick AND having terrible mood swings. We are making no progress 😔)

[bibliolatress]

in light of all the great discussion of colin using sexism as a shield against homophobia, i just want to put it out there that my dream scenario for this show is for them to tie his (+ isaac’s) storyline back into nate’s.

like one of the points that gets raised against the dislike of nate’s character is that he’s not the only one who’s hurt people and it’s like yeah! that’s true! if we’re looking at everything we’ve seen so far, the way isaac and colin’s bullying of him was handled was “well you know that they’re ultimately good people so they don’t have to really confront their actions or nate’s feelings, it’s fine”. and it’s not fair to then turn around and demand that nate suffer or grovel to ted and will.

but it would be so, so satisfying if ted “accountability matters” lasso had colin realize that part of the reason he was scared to come out and isaac the reason that his friend couldn’t confide in him is because of this environment that punishes people who deviate from “the norm” that they both had an active hand in perpetuating. and having them realize this leading to an apology to Nate which in turn is the thing that leads to Nate to make atonement for his own cruelties and his own role in passing his pain on to other people

one of legitimate criticisms of this season is how isolated everyone’s storylines are and i really hope that the show reverses course on this in the last batch of episodes by resolving these arcs in a way that ties these characters back together

[beetroot-merchant]

W E ' V E B E E N T R Y I N G T O C O N T A C T Y O U A B O U T Y O U R C A R ' S E X T E N D E D W A R R A N T Y

[smile-files]

i'm currently working on a text-based python bfdi simulator using stats and probability: i don't know how it'll turn out but i'm excited to try my best!

[thedreadvampy]

btw about Neil Gaiman I periodically agree with the 'Neil Gaiman is annoying' stuff bc I feel like both he and Amanda Palmer seem like people who I would go insane stuck in a room with bc we have very different ideas about art and suchlike. and I also do think that the career trajectory he's on lately is cynically redoing his greatest hits and pretending that was the dream all along when it clearly was not. which is at best meh.

having said which

as far as I can tell by far the most common complaint about Neil Gaiman is "Snow, Glass, Apples is problematic/gross/it's got incest and rape and frames the child as the aggressor"

which strikes me as a weird complaint to pull out of a 40 year body of work tbh when that short story is pretty clearly coming from a place of 'how far can I push this'. like you don't have to like the story. I don't really like the story. but it is. a horror story.

like and this is the thing with particularly 90s alt horror right? a lot of the interest is in transgression and sitting in the worst possible perspective and seeing what happens if you pull those strings. like I really like Clive Barker for example but there's a good chunk of his short stories that I'm like I'm not picking up what you're putting down Clive this seems Kinda Off. but that willingness to write some trite or Bad Message horror fiction that doesn't land is imo a side effect of being willing to try writing uncomfortable and unpleasant fiction at all. which is what horror is for, among other things, it's for creating discomfort as a form of catharsis or engagement.

like I am not a huge fan of the type of sex-horror that pops up in a lot of Gaiman's work and other contemporary horror writers - to me I don't find it upsetting or horny it just ends up feeling kind of edgy and tryhard - but I'm also a bit like. it does seem like a lot of people's beef with Neil Gaiman is that In The 90s He Was A Horror Writer

and this approach to Problematic Horror in Snow, Glass, Apples I find kind of microcosmic of how The Discourse often approaches art in this kind of 1:1 way. if you write a story which seems to line up with rape apologia it can only be because you agree with it. if you write a story about transphobia you're a transphobe. if you write a story that makes me genuinely uncomfortable you're attacking me.

but artwork, especially art like horror that's not necessarily trying to provoke enjoyment as its main response, is necessarily hit and miss. and if what you're shooting for is discomfort then whether it works, falls flat or goes too far incredibly depends on your audience. and making good art - as in art that makes its audience think, art that opens the audience up to discomfort and catharsis and sticks with them and changes them - requires the space to experiment and tbh the space to fuck up. like they aren't all going to be winners and they certainly aren't all going to work for you as a singular audience.

personally I don't see the appeal of Snow, Glass, Apples, less cause it's nasty and more cause it's hack. ooh an edgy monstrous version of a fairy tale where there's lots of rape and cannibalism? you're soooo original Neil. but like. that's fine. I don't really vibe with like 70% of Neil Gaiman stuff I've read but I still like Neil Gaiman because the stuff that works for me really works for me.

idk I think there's a lot of folk on this website who shouldn't interact with horror cause they clearly aren't interested in being horrified. that's not everyone who dislikes Snow, Glass, Apples, but it's a real undercurrent to a lot of the criticism and tbh this kinda vibe is shit for art. making standout art What Is Good also requires being ready to make art which stands out for the wrong reasons. sometimes they'll be the same art to different people.

[catboldbot]

I think one of my more important Life Philosophies that I've been developing lately is: the goal of a lot of personal growth or relationship work should not be to prevent bad things from happening, but to manage them as gracefully as possible

you can't ever make a relationship have perfect communication and coordination that 100% never has any screw-ups, but you *can* work to make the screw-ups look less like explosions of emotion and distress and more like little bumps on your journey

you can't ever completely remove depression, anxiety, loneliness, etc from your life... but you can work on responding to them in a way that keeps from derailing everything

perfection is a thing I strive for knowing that I'll never reach it -- and knowing that is critically important. perfection is what I strive for, but a graceful failure is what I want to be

[seriousbrat]

hi!🤍 i’ve got 2 questions for you.

do you think wolfstar could’ve ever happened in canon and if yes then how do you think their relationship would be?

how do you think the prank went?

sure, I think it could have, actually! even though it's not really my thing personally, I think I'd be more into it if I didn't hate the way the characters are typically portrayed in fanon lmao. I also don't think it would be a super adorable happy idyllic relationship, at least in canon, given their personalities and respective issues it would be pretty angsty and difficult imo. But that's fine! I really, REALLY like the dynamic between Sirius and Remus because it's difficult and complex, and the way I see it they were the Marauders who were most at odds historically. But that absolutely could be the basis for a very interesting relationship, especially once they're older and are able to at least begin to heal or move past those differences. They're the only ones left, the only ones keeping James's memory alive and that is a very strong bond indeed.

I've written about the prank here!

[vogelmeister]

thinking about how my friend told me today that i picked a “safe” special interest in the netherlands.

[fish-bowl-2]

All the Eds have issues in their home lives, but there is something about Edd’s family situation that I just find endlessly fascinating. Just really delving into the complicated baggage surrounding it, and how uniquely fucked up it is.

The fact that there is so much distance and lack of communication between Edd and his parents really brings up a lot of questions about WHAT their actual interactions are even like. I mean, while they are largely absent (even for a show whose whole premise does not include parents being visible), it is implied that they, or at least one of them comes home. Do they even talk to their son when they are there?

I think the thing that really gets me is that, while yes they do supply for their son’s physical needs: a comfortable home, food, etc. the emotional needs are completely neglected. Which speaks to a super specific, entitled suburban kind of disinterest that I find uniquely cruel.

[mariocki]

Betty (1992)

"You know, I wanted to ask Thérèse when I saw her in the cellar. I wanted to say: 'Show me your wound.' I wanted to have a wound, too. I've always been chasing that wound. I must be looking for pity. I'm not a victim. I'm not to be pitied. No one ever hurt me. I'm the one who did the hurting. I'm a fool. Say it! I blew it all. I've soiled everything, myself included."

[snek-panini]

NaClYoHo day 9 is finished. It was a day for little tasks, mostly. Little annoying tasks that I tend to ignore until they pile up because they're not that important but once I do them they significantly improve my quality of life and I wonder why I didn't do them sooner.

Today (Nov. 9) I:

-Hung 2 things on the walls. Technically 3, since one existing piece had to be moved to make room for the new ones. One of the new things is large and the other is really heavy and a weird shape, and I'm very glad to no longer have to store them.

-Swept the floor in the main room. I'm trying to make this a weekly thing and so far, so good. The clearing of floor clutter since the month began has given me access to new dust bunny spawn points and those all got dealt with today. I didn't mop this week because I genuinely don't think it was necessary. Next week we will see.

-Put away all the out of season shoes. It is no longer sandal weather here; those don't need to be cluttering up the floor. And now they aren't!

-Did some rearranging in the back of my closet. Large art pieces that haven't been hung up yet live there, behind the clothes, and I've hung up enough of them that they were beginning to lean at unwieldy angles. Several of them are too big for the wall space we have right now, but I don't want to get rid of them, and those have been tucked back behind the clothes and storage racks where they won't get in the way or fall and damage each other. A big folding table that we use for special projects is also in there now (it previously lived in the living room, blocking other shelves), and another similar but smaller and flimsier table is earmarked for Goodwill. And there's room to store some other stuff too, if I plan it right.

-Swept the bedroom floor. I wasn't actually planning to do this one today, because the stuff that lives in the bedroom floor needs its own dedicated effort, but there was so much dust while I was doing the closet that I got fed up and did this too. Holy shit, my friends, that was a truly ludicrous amount of dust. Good lord.

-Ordered a new organizer for jewelry. I have a lot of it, and I tend to let it accumulate instead of putting it away. If I have a more efficient organizer I think it will be easier to put it away. I already have one but it's secondhand from a relative and not terribly well suited to my needs.

-Put away the clean socks from last week's laundry.

And that's that. I'm still planning to do the dishes in a little bit, but that's the bulk of the cleaning for today.

[zukos-tiny-burnt-ear]

There we go, nine characters i haven't reallu drawn before. Was definitely a bit of a challenge but it was fun! Also decided to go with no linework and use my sketch layer as lines instead, which is fun, specially cause i like to change colors whenever i draw a different character lol