Remember how it felt on your best days when you were twenty-five?
The world was your oyster.
You were full of energy.
You didn’t have too many responsibilities.
You were probably turning a few heads and tripping the light fantastic.
Your mojo cup was full to the brim.
How’s that cup looking now?
Are you down to the dregs?
You don’t have to be old to feel the effects of mojo depletion.
I felt it for the first time at age 32 after the birth of my first child. I was overweight, tired, milky, and my bangs had been cut way too short.
I looked like a plump squirrel and felt that life as I had known it disappeared with my 21-inch waist. My mojo was no mo’.
The word “mojo” derives from an African language and relates to magic and spells to generate luck and power.
In today’s language, the word still refers to a source of vigor, energy, sexual potency, and power.
If you are feeling depleted, overwhelmed, stressed-out, frumpy, tired, bored or lethargic, you may have lost your mojo.
Once you lose it, it is really hard to find themotivationto reclaim it. But you can’t remain in that mojo-less place for too long, or your lost mojo might mushroom into an even worse state of mind.
Just making some small life changes can release the magic of your mojo so that you can begin to feel more energy and enthusiasm about yourself and all that this beautiful world has to offer.
10 Ways To Get Your Mojo Back
1. Address The Source Of Stress
If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, lighten the load and address the source of the stress before you do anything else.
Whether it’s work, a personal conflict, too many things on your to-do list, or too many demands on your time from family or friends, you need to pinpoint the reason and take action.
With the help of a friend, coach or counselor who can give you perspective and feedback, let some things go or find ways to delegate. Very few things in life are worth the physical and emotional toll of chronic stress.
2. Remember What Fun Is
Fun is way underrated, and it is an essential element of a strong mojo.
Right now, go grab a pen and paper. Think about the times in your life when you really had fun, and write them down.
Go over the events in your head and mentally re-live these fun and happy times. Circle some of these activities that you might want to enjoy again. Then pick a couple and go do them!
3. More PhysicalActivity
Hopefully, some of these fun activities are physical activities. Without putting the pressure on yourself to start an exercise routine (which can feel like work and create more stress), think of some ways you can get physical and really enjoy it.
I know which one you’re thinking of, and by all means, go for it. When you are done, take a bike ride. Play tennis or basketball. Go dancing with a group of crazy friends.
Drive to the mountains and take a hike. Go skinny dipping at night. Get up from your chair and skip around the room or do some jumping jacks. Just get moving and enjoy it.
4. Take An Electronic Sabbatical
It’s so easy to plop in front of the television or computer when you are feeling low on mojo. Once you are in that chair, it is so hard to get back up.
For a few days at least, turn off the tv and computer so that you are forced to do something. Have a conversation with your spouse or children.
Clear clutter or organize something. Go buy some flowers and arrange them. Read something inspirational or motivating. Do something, anything, that is positive, productive and joyful. No more sitting and zoning out.
5. Pamper Yourself To Feel Great
When you are in a crowd of people, look around you. Most people are not model-perfect. In fact, most people have manybody imperfections.
Even so-called perfect people tend to focus on their flaws. So forget about comparisons, and make the very best of what you have.
Be fabulous! Take care of yourself. Get a great haircut, put on some make-up, wear clothes that make you feel happy and attractive.
Highlight the beauty inside of you by reflectingself-confidenceon the outside.
6. Hang Out With The Best
During this time that you are getting your groove back, spend time with people whose mojo cup is full. Be with people who motivate you, uplift you, want the best for you, and who are just fun to be around.
If there are people in your life who drain you or make you uncomfortable, this is the time to put them on hold until you reclaim your mojo.
Don’t isolate yourself. Go out with fun people and have some fun.
7. Do Something Adventurous
Shake your life up a bit. Do something that is totally out of character or unexpected. Book a trip to an interesting, exciting destination. Go whitewater rafting.
Tell someone you care about how you really feel. Be spontaneous. Do something that you’ve always wanted to do.
8.爱你的身体
When we lose our mojo, we can mistreat our bodies with too much alcohol, fatty/sugary foods, or medications. It’s impossible to get your groove back when your body is sedated with yucky stuff.
Treat your body with loving kindness. Eat mojo-supporting foods like lots of veggies, fruits and lean meats and less processed, high fat bad-for-you foods.
Here’s a list of the top tenmood-boosting foodsand a list of theworst foods for your mood.
9. Train Your Brain
当你在你的运气,你的头脑喜欢take over with negative thoughts, worry, and over-thinking. You have to treat your unruly mind the way you would a puppy or small child.
Every time it spirals off into negative thinking, redirect your memories topositive thinkingor thoughts, reasons to be grateful or anything pleasant.
You will have to do this many times until your mind knows you mean business. Before long, it will be natural for you to redirect negative thinking patterns.
10. If Your Mojo Is Late, Don’t Wait
If you have taken action to get your groove back, but you are still feeling lethargic, tired or in the dumps after a few weeks, absolutely go to your doctor.
There are a variety of physical and emotional reasons for feeling this way, and it might be something as simple as low iron or poor sleeping habits.
When you have little energy, you may not feel like making an appointment. But don’t give up your precious, beautiful days to a mojo thief. Take action and reclaim your magic.
Hi Barrie, I know which one you’re thinking of, too *nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more, say no more*.
Seriously, this is a super-duper, educational post to get your mojo on. I could even feel your mojo coming through strong and clear in your post. To be sure, a few personal examples from your life would have added some mojo to your list.
It’s a wonderful thing to have your mojo, and not so wonderful when it takes a nose dive because of this, that, or the other thing. Incidentally, I’m amazed at how well an occasional nap can bring back your mojo. All in all, a great summary!
Christopher
.-= Christopher Lovejoy´s last blog ..The Seven Deadly Sins=-.
Hi Christopher, my loyal first commenter! As always, thank you for your kind comments. I can tell you always have a full mojo cup too. Life is too short to be depleted. You want some personal examples — well I took off for a week in Spain with a friend a few weeks back. I’m always dancing around the house (much to my kid’s chagrin). I started a blog when I didn’t know the first thing about it. Right now, my mojo cup is fuller than it was twenty years ago!
I was reading and I have experienced the full blown depression multiple times and I promise its hard to get out of it so I’m in a full blown depression now changed my life for the better now I’m in financial prison this is a pretty accurate analogy thanks
Barrie,
You described post pregnancy to a T. And I was laughin’ at the bangs being too short. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled on an old post of a bloggin’ buddies. It was 525 things for your bucket list. I immediately got out my list and added and subtracted. Today I sent hubs a link to a cruise on sale. He looked and now we only have to decide.
是的乐趣是如此如此的被低估,甚至忘记了在the age of the Internet.
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..The Art & Craft of Saying ‘No’ =-.
Hi Tess,
It is so fun to know another bold life adventurer! Yep, I’d say you have your mojo. Where are you going to cruise? That sounds like great fun — and spontaneous. The best kind of fun!
One of my favorite things to get my “mojo” back is to go to a yoga class. I don’t take my phone and I take off my watch. With a little unplugged time and some great physical moves, I feel like I can take on almost anything! A peaceful warrior, I become
.-= Marci´s last blog ..Embrace the Body You Have =-.
That sounds lovely Marci. I haven’t taken a yoga class in a long time. In fact I was pregnant with that first child the last time I took a class, and it wasn’t a pretty sight! “Mojo Yoga” would be a great name for a studio, wouldn’t it?!
Barrie,
These are all wonderful ideas. I find my mojo level to be highest when I can engage in things I’m passionate about, or essentially that I find fun and enjoy doing. I really like the idea of doing something adventurous to get reinvigortated. In general, a change of environment and routine can be just what the doctor ordered.
.-= Joe Wilner´s last blog ..Design your Future- How to Develop a Big Picture Vision=-.
Hi Joe,
One of the things I am passionate about is blogging, and I have to be careful that I’m not sitting at my computer for 12 hours straight! I love traveling and going out to dinner with my funniest friends. Laughter is a great mojo rejuvenator!
Hi Barrie – This is such a common feeling, so I’m glad you’re writing about this today. I think your idea to “go on an adventure” is so renewing, but often overlooked. When we’ve lost our mojo, we lose that sparkle to go out and try new things. Even visiting an ethnic restaurant can bring back a lust for life.
Have a peaceful day!
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Oh you remind me how much I am craving Thai food! A dish of massaman curry would definitely be mojo-worthy. Doing new things and hanging out with different people makes life so interesting.
Barrie – this is a great and comprehensive list! I love all of them, but the last one really stands out for me – don’t wait for your Mojo to return!
So often when we’re down we think all life is a cycle and this too shall return when it’s supposed to, but there’s nothing wrong with giving your natural rhythm a little nudge!
Sometimes I think when our mojo is missing, our natural rhythm is out of balance. Perhaps nudging your mojo is a way of recalibrating your natural rhythm. I really believe that happiness, balance and peace is more natural to who we are. Thank you Angela for your thoughtful comments.
Loved your phrase “MOJO was NO MO.” lol.
I enjoyed your article and its subsequent comments.
我刚发现了过去三年E mojo, after dedicating twenty plus years to raising the next generation. WiLD!
I find that I have “landmarks” in my memory of events that have defined me… and in turn refined my mojo. <3 Peace.
Hi Loretta,
I’m so glad you like the post. Yes, those landmark events can force you to forge your mojo. It’s either claim your mojo or give up. I’d pick mojo any day!
Hi,
I own a marketing firm that’s producing a new magazine for women called the New You. The magazine will be distributed in the St. Louis and southeast Missouri communities. We would love to use the MOJO article and certainly give you and others credit, byline, whatever works for you. Would you please let me know if we have your approval or if there’s a charge of any kind? It’s a neat article. Kudos!
Best regards,
Susan Carrington
President, JCarrington Group 314-918-9119
Thanks for the article, to me its a get you mojo back for dummies.
I have been seening a psych, but I dont seem to get tangible thoughts as I walk out the door so I can REALLY fix issues that make my mojo go walkabout. Your article has given me REAL things to do, that may curb the blues and return the mojo.
Next week (after many years) I will go for a twighlight scuba dive.
Also to others reading, send examples, as they are really helping – I may also hit an authentic vietnamese restaurant for something completely different.
Its a new dawn it’s a new day It’s a new life for me
Thank you for your tips
I am going to find my Get up and go
That had got up and gone for a while.
So glad I found this site!
I love the part on remembering what fun is. Why when we get older, we start taking life way to seriously?!
Thanks you soooooo much for this…..sometimes you just need something like this to read when youre down to bring your spirit up @ least 1 notch & it worked….thanks again
i really like your words,soooo inspiring and lifting.thank you so much.u are indeed a blessing to many.
You are so very welcome!
Thank you so much for your wonderful article. It really helps to get refocused on what is important which is yourself. This will be printed and kept close by just in case I fall off track.
Thanks Barrie,
First time reader and commenter. I have fallen into a place in my life where finding a lasting job and income stream has really controlled my thoughts for the last year and a half and it’s very stressful. Your article helped me to come to this conclusion (that because thats my whole focus, I’m not enjoying life). I need to get back to going to the gym and going to concerts, etc… occasionally instead of just saying “Well, that costs money”. These things can be an investment in yourself and the results could potentially be worth far beyond the monetary cost if they inspire you to do better in all aspects of life, including my career.
I’m so glad Travis. Yes, making an investment in your personal happiness will create more balance in all areas of your life!
Wondering if mojo & chronic fatigue are connected . Dr says I have chronic fatigue syndrome & that alI can do is adjust my lifestyle accordingly . Any tips or ideas would be gratefully appreciated ; as I feel I amk only half living my life .
Maria, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My hubby has chronic fatigue syndrome, and the best advice — besides rest when you need to (and don’t let anyone else tell you when that is) — is to find something bigger than you that you can make a contribution to in an untiring way. For example, my husband, Peter, works as many hours per day as he can (given his fatigue) on climate change education and activism.
Mind you, depending on your age (he was able to retire from his job a few years early without too big of a dent in his pension), you might be just trying to survive working and running a household. If that’s your case, choose one delightful thing and do it/experience it as/when you can. At first, Peter couldn’t even walk up our short-but-not-flat driveway without help. But he could “water walk,” so we visited different pools where he could get that form of exercise. And nature connecting — always balm for the soul!
All the best with it. I hope your doctor (or some other doctor who has an interest in CFS) explores with you a regimen (if you don’t mind going there) of medications that will give you back some energy.
Had a really bad night and came
Across this article, it totally fixed my mood and I now have something to go by which will hopefully restore my happiness. Thank you
Hi Matt,
Ah — I’m so happy this came to you at just the right time!
I wonder how, as in #6, one goes about putting the people in your life who drain you or make you uncomfortable on hold until you reclaim your mojo. In my case, it’s family and very difficult to turn off and get away from the daily stressors (I’m talking very depressing situations, not just minor annoyances).
tea.
My mojo seems to be best when I have a connection with like minded people. However I am a unique person so that doesn’t happen often. I am thinking my next life challenge should be to find a group of like minded people. Any suggestions ?
I was checking online how to regain your mojo because mine is depleted right now and lo and behold I saw yours. I’m feeling better already. First thing tomorrow I’m going for a haircut because at the moment whenever I pass a mirror I jump back in fear that it’s Saskwatch watching back! Thank you so much Barrie. God bless you.
This is so Cool! plus it makes complete sense… thank u for giving such a leg-up!
Me already feels great!!!
yo mojo!
I so needed to read this today. Thank you for the reminder x
Hey Barrie,
Your awesome!!!!
I have really lost my mojo over the last 12 months, with very little ideas on how to fill my cup back up.
读完你的文章你启发了我up and engage again. New things, new adventures equals new life!!!!!
Shannon
I googled ” where has my Mojo gone” as I was feeling particularly unmotivated, and your article came up.. Great ideas which are quite common sense but when that mojo has gone so do good ideas…thanks so much. time I went and found that Mojo now.
Mojo..
Can you just listen ….I am this guy in india taking coaching to get into IIT (indian institute of technology) every year there are like 1.6 million sitting for exams
Now see uptil now I had been very positive , got 10 cgpa in high school but i ve lost it ever since the first day 2014 …..i am just giving up all the time cant do hardwork or focus..
Everybody cant digest these failures of mine and my mum just ladhes outonn me everytime over phone calls….
What do i do i ve lost my mojo of backing my talent up and working harder than anyone
Tell me is this the end I feel like quitting my life I have become a disgrace to my family
That is called ‘burnout’ when you are hitting the technical academics too hard and lose your groove. You need to change up your activity or try taking something for the other side of the brain like art or music for balance. Try something different along with your study like dance or instrument lessons or even just going to museum or music venue to tap your creative side. Shut off the negative thoughts and replace with the fact you are a unique individual and you will be blessed with success in your own time. We all take a different path and all this means is that there is something different from your technical studies you need to learn about yourself right now. Tell your mother about the wonderful art/music/culture you just experienced. Peace.
I love this article. I work for a company who’s goal is to help people “get their Mojo back” with nutritional supplementation and a healthier lifestyle. This is an awesome video about a guy named Norm and how he got his Mojo back. Enjoy!
Hi Barrie,
I can’ thank you enough for writing this up for people like me who are desperate to get their mojo back. Just one line changed my thought process – “Remember how it felt on your best days when you were twenty-five?” I am only 24 and the stress from my work, the student loan, supportng my family took me off the track. But reading this blog just took me back when I was a student and will treat this blog as my bible. God bless you Barrie. It’s time for me to address those top 9 steps.
Regards,
Akash