I have a YouTube channel, and one of my friends made a short video for me on how they draw inspiration from me – how motivational I am and how I inspire him and seemingly other ‘able people.’
Let me clarify that I have good days, bad days, manageable days, and some terrible days. On social media, we see only 5 – 10 minutes of our life; the remaining minutes and hours are filled with emotions that would range from happy to depressed and everything in between.
It isn’t easy to have a smile plastered on your face at all times, and trust me, and it doesn’t even need to be that way. It is okay to have good days and bad days.
This blog, however, is not about that. Today I want to focus on what I usually resort to if I am having a bad day.
Let’s hit the road with this one, then.
1. LISTEN TO MUSIC TO BATTLE DEPRESSION
How to Stay Motivated Despite Disabilities : LISTEN TO MUSIC TO BATTLE DEPRESSION
There is no therapy like music therapy (cliché but okay). It has been proven in many studies that music can help heal more than medicines. You could like any music genre; as long as it enables you to focus elsewhere, it is right for you. Meditation music is known to have significant effects on the mind and the body.
I like country music and pop ballads sometimes, with a sprinkle of some desi Bollywood and even rap music. The music could vary according to your mood, level of stress, and occasion, but the music sure lifts spirits.
2. PLAYING WITH PETS IS A GREAT STRESS BUSTER
I am sure that you must have heard of therapy pets. Dogs, Cats, Horses, even rabbits, turtles, and ducks are used. Goats are welcomed in Yoga. There is no better way to keep up your spirits than by playing with animals. I go horseback riding, and let me tell you that there is no better stress buster than that. I have formed bonds with the horses, and it helps me as a part of my therapy.
My older sister had once gifted me a bunny rabbit, and while I held him and played with him, I forgot how bullied I was in college because of my disability.
If you can get a pet, you should.
3. MEDITATE TO KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED
Meditation should be a part of your daily routine, even when the days are happy. It is necessary to keep you mid agile. It is one of the best ways to stay motivated despite having disabilities. It would calm your soul and give you insight into your life. You would be able to grow from within. It keeps the mind and even the body healthy and sound.
Try it with some music or chant. Several online courses teach meditation, and it could alter your psyche and state of mind altogether.
4. EXERCISE TO KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED
Sweat it out in the gym, or go for a run if you can. Play a sport or play cricket. Your disability cannot take physical activity out of your life completely. Make do with what you can. I have cerebellar ataxia, and that has affected my coordination, gait, and even my speech. But, I hit the gym twice a week, go horseback riding, swim, I even play cricket. I do strenuous Yoga (Yes, headstands too)
The trick is to remind yourself of your capabilities. It would help you not feel incomplete or useless because of your disability.
Exercise regularly to keep yourself agile; your body is a machine; if you keep it well maintained and oiled, it will smooth. It is as simple as that.
5. DO THERAPIES TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF THE DISABILITY.
When I say therapy, I am combining a host of treatments in 1 bracket. You could use Hippotherapy, Aquatherapy, Acupuncture, Acupressure, stem cell therapy, or whatever is suited for your condition. Please always check with a medical practitioner before you indulge in any of it.
I am only encouraging you to check with your medical doctors and work on what they suggest.
It may not be easy, but it is our best bet for life. We have a disability, and we can’t do much about it. But, what we can do, is try to have a positive outlook on life. Go out, make friends, open up before our family, eat well, sleep well and find a purpose in life. That is all that you need. It will help you both personally and professionally.