Laura Henshaw: 'Is the mid-year slump actually a thing, or is it just me?'

Here's how to move from 'meh' to 'motivated' 

Feeling more 'meh' than you'd like going into the middle of the year? Same. CEO & co-founder of Kic, Laura Henshaw, shares her top tips for taking yourself from 'meh' to motivated.

Is the mid-year slump really a thing? 

It’s a question I’m asking myself more and more as we dive deeper into winter.

The struggle feels real: The mornings are darker, I’m constantly cold, and after a busy start to the year, the fatigue and lack of motivation are really settling in. 

I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling a bit ‘bleh’ I gravitate towards my phone more often, subconsciously craving those dopamine hits as I scroll social media. I’d hate to think what my average daily phone pick up number is at right now!!

But the thing is, while we’re seeking escapism, we’re often hit with the comparison trap, leaving us feeling even more ‘meh’ than before. 

Social media can often glorify ‘hustle culture’, making the lives of those working incredibly hard look so damn glamourous.

We start comparing ourselves, wondering how people have the time, energy and money to be achieving everything they’re sharing online. How is that possible when we’re struggling to find motivation to get through our everyday grind? 

But, it’s not just us, it’s a really common phenomenon. 

At Kic, we recently did a vibe check with over 7000 community members and found that 85 per cent of us are feeling ‘mid’ right now. 

So if it’s not just me, then why are we all feeling this way? I asked psychologist and friend of Kic, Bec McWilliam, to weigh in on this ‘meh’ epidemic. 

She calls the ‘mid-year slump’ an experience of "noticeable decrease in motivation, energy, and productivity around the middle of the year. This slump can impact various aspects of life, including work, academic performance, and general wellbeing.” 

85 per cent of us are feeling ‘mid’ right now. Image: Supplied

A number of different factors can contribute to us feeling this ‘slump’ - none of which are related to you not doing or being enough, I promise. 

Our motivation can generally follow a cycle throughout the year, where those new year goals and intentions provide us with a boost, which may dip as we approach the middle of the year. 

If you’re also approaching the mid-year period and haven’t taken a break for you and you’re feeling especially unproductive, this can also impact these ‘meh’ feelings. 

Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup, so take some time for you. 

How to go from 'meh' to motivated

To help shift myself from ‘mid’ to ‘motivated’, here are a few things that I’m working on this winter, which might help you to get out of this mindset too. 

#1. Setting short-term goals

here is so much I want to achieve this year, both professionally and personally, which is so exciting, but also overwhelming when I focus on the big picture. But when I break it down into smaller, short-term goals the big dreams seem more accessible, achievable and attainable. Instead of thinking ‘how will I do this by the end of the year?’ I'm more focused on the month ahead and where my energy needs to be right now.

#2. Self-care and mindfulness

I’m the first to admit that making time to meditate is often easier said than done, but I’ve been making a really conscious effort to weave this into my routine.

Even after a five-minute Kic meditation I feel an instant sense of calm. Whether it’s before a big meeting, or I’ve had a hectic day at work and I’m ready to unwind, taking five minutes to be kind to my mind does wonders for my state of mind. If you find meditation a bit ‘woo woo’, I recommend starting with guided breathwork. Trust me, from feeling less stressed to a better night’s sleep, the benefits are vividly noticeable. 

#3. Finding a new way to do something

Often, our motivation can be lacking because we feel uninspired or bored of how we’ve been doing something. Of course, there are some things that we can't change, but we can make it a little more fun.

Putting off a big clean-out at home? I’ll put on some music or a podcast to get me pumped. If I’m feeling unmotivated to cook, I’ll try a new Kic recipe or get my husband, Dalt, to cook with me to make it more enjoyable. 

#4. Just start

Starting is ALWAYS the hardest part. Whether it’s exercise or completing that life admin task I’ve been putting off, I’ll often find that my motivation kicks in once I get started.

Perhaps your five-minute walk turns into a jog, or that one task helps you smash through your chores - you might surprise yourself once you begin. 

#5. Move your way from meh to motivated 

Finding the motivation to move your body during winter can be tough, but even the smallest movements can have a positive effect on your mood and mental health. But now’s not the time to put pressure on yourself to go hard or completely overhaul your routine. Kic’s mid-year challenge is all about easing your way back to feeling good by taking small sustainable steps. With just 5 to 15 minute workouts, twice a week, let’s move from meh to motivated, together. 

The mid-year slump will pass. Image: Supplied

The mid-year slump is a common place that we all find ourselves in at some point. Know that you’re not alone, and be kind to yourself. 

It will pass and your motivation will appear again - we just need to remind ourselves that we can do anything we set our minds to. 

Love Laura x 

Sign up to Kic’s mid-year challenge with up to 40% off on www.kicapp.com. Sale ends June 30th 2024.

Originally published as Laura Henshaw: 'Is the mid-year slump actually a thing, or is it just me?'