Photo by Desiree Portraits Vancouver Tatiana Sarah

What are dreams? Do they even matter? What if I’m feeling unmotivated?

Our truest life and our reality are best when we live our dreams. Dreams encourage us to push for more, to do better. They give us meaning. As a matter of fact, all humans have dreams and desires. Part of our nature as humans is that we always desire something. No matter how “rich” or “gifted” a person is. Thanks to this never ending cycle of desire, humanity has evolved as a whole. This non-conformist behavior is what made us abandon our old torches for flashlights, the Stone Age for the modern age, and our old dreams for new ones. So, will you dream at night or wake up to make them a reality? The question is not if you should. Question is: How will you make it happen?

Though Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, those desires are classified in order to understand them better. Some desires are hidden, from others and from ourselves. Through studies and research, it has been argued that we are only aware of some of our own desires. According to the psychoanalytic school of psychology, this is called repression.

And it happens for two reasons:

We are embarrassed to show others our hidden desires.
We don’t accept our own desires.

Both fantasy (escapism) and repression are self defense mechanisms our brain uses to cope with reality. They provide a refuge within a situation in which a person is not currently able to cope. These processes are unconscious (meaning that the person is not aware of them), and are normal. Escapism is not a bad thing in and of itself. It can help to relieve stress, entertain, give lessons, and help others directly or indirectly. .

However, escapism can be considered harmful when the audience is caught in what is called the "vicious circle of escapism." When some people are inside a fantasy, they are unable to actually solve their own real life problems. Unsolved problems lead to bigger problems.

The key for me has been to deal with problems as they arise instead of pretending everything is okay and letting them pile up. There were times that I felt so overwhelmed, I let circumstances freeze me into inaction. This is a recipe for disaster. The best way for me to get through hard times is to just write. Journal. Vent. Then, once I’m clear and level-headed, in the right space mindset, I make a plan. When I still feel uneasy about something or going through some blues, I motivate myself.

Keep reading to find out how I keep my motivation levels high.

Just get up

Standing up is half of the battle when it comes to fighting lack of motivation.

Take a bath

Or shower, brush your teeth and hair, etc. Self-care is important when it comes to feeling your best.

Do your hair and/or make-up

Even when you have nowhere to go. Another layer of the ‘look good feel good’ motto.

Clean up your space

Organizing and cleaning the areas around you can help you feel more in control.

Cuddle an animal

Petting your dog feels good and now science is backing you up.

A recent study conducted by Washington State University scientists found that cuddling and stroking a cat or dog for just a few minutes can reduce your cortisol levels.“Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact,” Patricia Pendry, an associate professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development, said in a statement. “Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.” Read the article here.

Go for a walk

This is good for clearing your head and getting you moving.

Do something creative

Reading, writing, and art all provide a way to channel your energy instead of escaping.