mojo

Mojo: Finding It Again

I originally wrote this during lockdown. Back then, it started like this:

"I'll be controversially honest with you. I'm fed up with tiers, bubbles, no more than six people rules, okay here but not there, masks, partial/full lockdowns, etc. It all makes less sense than it ever did. However, it is what it is. So, how do we approach yet another lockdown?"

Back then, many of us were drained and had lost our mojo. Not surprisingly so.

Now, I think most people who lose their mojo are, quite simply, tired.

Tired from work. (I’m right there with you, exhausted post-pandemic, navigating the (peri) menopause.

Tired from doing too much, whether it’s trying to hit a certain fitness goal (pace, distance, or both), pushing through when your body’s begging for rest, or overcommitting socially.

Tired from people pleasing. From keeping up appearances on social media, obsessing over likes, chasing popularity, and focusing too much on what we’re wearing, eating, reading, watching, or doing.

Honestly, no wonder so many of us have lost our mojo

When You’ve Lost Your Mojo (Because You’re Tired):

Here are some ideas to help you recharge:

Work on your strength.

I’ll admit it: I don’t do enough of this myself. But as a middle-aged woman, I know that I should do more as strength training has incredible benefits for overall health and energy, especially as we age.

Get creative.

Draw, sketch, paint, or just color in. Creativity is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Who knows? You might even discover a hidden talent and turn it into a small business.

Write that book!

Whether it’s a novel, memoir, poetry, or non-fiction, writing can be cathartic. And you never know, it could be something you decide to publish!

Read that book (or books!).

Reading can help you relax and even improve your sleep. So pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish, or start a new one.

Cook something new.

Try experimenting with recipes from scratch. It’s satisfying, fun, and healthy. Batch cooking and freezing meals is also a great way to kickstart a healthy habit.

Explore your local area.

Run or hike your local footpaths. If you’re bored of your usual routes, try these tips:

Use it as an opportunity to practice navigation.

Explore new routes or set small goals.

Even better, get a map of your favorite place, pick a new area, and explore!

Step away from social media.

This one’s tricky. For some, social media is their only connection to the outside world. But it can also be a source of low mood or depression when you start comparing your life to others’ highlight reels. Take a step back if you need to and focus on your own journey.

Try yoga or Pilates.

Feeling stiff or inflexible? Yoga and Pilates can help with strength, flexibility, and relaxation. It’s worth giving it a shot.

Sleep and relax.

Good sleep is a must for your overall wellness. Find ways to improve your rest, whether that’s through better sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, or just letting yourself unwind.

Catch up with loved ones.

Take the time to text, message, write, or call friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. A simple “how are you?” can make a big difference, especially for someone who might be struggling.