Loss of Motivation vs. Fatigue

I began tracking something in December that I called "loss of motivation." At first I thought it was fatigue. Fatigue is what I am used to. Hallmarks are just plain old being tired, using stimulants to keep me going (caffeine, sugar/carbs). It usually gets worse in the afternoon but often doesn't stay for the evening. Catching a second wind after 8pm and often not sleeping well. That is what I was used to.

December marked a shift. I actually went off caffeine because I realized I was not tired, and it didn't feel like I needed it anymore. It may even have been throwing me off. But what I was noting is that I didn't want to take on anything new. I felt like hibernating. Within the course of a few weeks, I wanted to lay about reading a book. Usually, I fill every minute with activity, not wanting to miss a beat. But in December, I found myself reading on the couch in middle of the afternoon on the weekend! 

As I checked in, I called it "loss of motivation" because I did not want to take on anything new and I just wanted to be. As I spoke with patients and friends about this trend I was noticing, they said, "maybe you are just taking time to rest!" That made sense, indeed December marks a winter and hibernation in many other animals in our world. 

It has continued, and I have given this REST space and have pulled in from activities and focused on sleep and rejuvenation. What I notice is then I need to eat less, which in my case is a good thing. And I eat better because I am not using food as a stimulant. Sleep is more refreshing, I listen to book tapes, read and watch movies and I am noticing a deep reset. It has taken my family some adjustment, at first thinking something was wrong with me. But now we are all falling into a more peaceful pattern as us mamas can really set the tone of the family.

Are you feeling a similar pulling in? Do you have the space to be able to do so in your life? Can you make that space, ask for it?