Often when I lose my mojo, I feel too bored to pursue my hobbies. I also feel guilty over some of the foolish deeds I have done and resent people who have been unkind to me. Do those experiences sound familiar to you?
If they do, and I am sure they do, I have got tips I'd like to share with you on how to get your mojo back when you lose it. The tips, which work for me, are:
- Going for a jog and a walk: These two exercises improve mood and outlook. They also provide social opportunities. Try them for at least forty minutes next time you lose your mojo.
- Reading an entertaining book or short story: This is another effective way of regaining mojo which has worked for me. One evening in 2016 for instance, I felt energized after reading the first chapter of Immaculee Ilibagiza's wonderful memoir, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Genocide. It truly was energizing.
- Writing a story and sharing it on social media: I have found this to be one of the most rewarding exercises, especially when people like and comment on my stories. Try it next time you feel low; I guarantee you that it will make your day. And don't be worried by the first draft of your story; rewrite it several times and most likely, the story will look better by the time you are rewriting it like for the fourth time.
- Talking to a friend or family member: This has helped to elevate my spirits on several occasions when I felt down. I particularly recall an evening in 2011 when I was terribly burdened with guilt. When I met my brother Paddy, he gave me a pep talk about the Nobel prize winning economist John Nash and the mental illness he wrestled with. And wow! His talk inspired me so much that I literally bounced all the way to the hostel I was staying. Next time you are in the doldrums, try talking to a trusted friend or family member.
- Reflecting on past successes: I came across this advice in a document that my friend Michael Njeru sent me a couple of years ago. But I have to confess I have never tried it when feeling low in mood. Next time I lose my mojo, I'll give the advice a shot. I beseech you to also try reflecting on your past successes when you lose your mojo; it could improve your mood.
- Practising gratitude: This is an advice we have all heard many times. But have you noticed how gratitude seems to be on everybody's lips but in a few people's practice? Let's be different by practising gratitude each passing day as the Kenya national anthem exhorts us in its third verse.
- Praying: If you believe in God like I do, I recommend trying prayer power next time you lose your mojo. Pray for a solution to whatever problem that has caused you to lose your mojo. And who knows? Sooner rather than later, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding could descend on you.
- Listening to music: Well, I usually stay away from music when I lose my mojo. But once I begin to feel it getting back, listening to music helps speed up the process of regaining full mojo. Next time you feel low, I recommend you go for a jog and a walk, read a great book and write a story. And if those exercises improve your mood, turn to your favourite music and bingo! You will be happy again.
- Remembering that everyone loses mojo at times: Keeping this in mind when you feel low in spirits helps put things in perspective. Yes, we all experience moments when we feel bored, guilty or resentful.
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RECOMMENDATION: If you've enjoyed the above story on how to get your mojo back, you might also enjoy another one on "How to Build Self-esteem" which I wrote last year. Just click on that link in blue to dive straight into the story.
