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When Motivation Vanishes: A Week in the Fog

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Edited by Amelia-Rae Sheppard, Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 12:08

This week has been a tough one.

I sat down to study, opened my notes, and… nothing. No spark, no drive, just a heavy fog in my brain that refused to lift. It’s frustrating when you want to be productive, when you know what needs to be done but your mind simply won’t cooperate.

I’ve been here before. As someone navigating ADHD, C-PTSD, and EUPD, motivation isn’t just about willpower it’s a complex dance between mental health, energy levels, and emotional regulation. Some days I’m on fire, ticking off tasks like a machine. Other days, like this week, I feel stuck in molasses.

I’ve tried all the usual tricks: timers, playlists, changing environments, and even bribing myself with snacks. But sometimes, the most helpful thing is simply acknowledging the struggle. Saying, “This is hard right now,” and letting that be okay.

If you’re reading this and you’ve had a similar week, I see you. You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re human and sometimes, being human means slowing down, recalibrating, and showing yourself a little grace.

Here’s to the small wins: opening the laptop, reading a paragraph, making a to-do list. They count. They matter. And they’re enough.

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Winter Blues or ADHD Fog?

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Lately, I’ve been finding it really hard to stay motivated. It’s like I’m stuck in a fog not quite burnout, not quite rest, just... blah. I keep asking myself: Is this my ADHD playing tricks on me again? Or is it just the winter creeping in with its grey skies and early nights?

Honestly, it’s probably a bit of both.

As a student with ADHD, I’m used to the rollercoaster of hyperfocus and distraction. Some days I’m buzzing with ideas and energy, and other days I feel like I’m wading through molasses just trying to get started. But this season feels different. It’s not just the usual executive dysfunction — it’s a deeper kind of tired. A kind of emotional hibernation.

I’ve noticed that when the days get shorter and colder, my brain seems to slow down too. I lose track of time, forget why I opened my laptop, and stare at my to-do list like it’s written in another language. I know I’m not alone in this — lots of students feel the slump around this time of year. But when you add neurodivergence into the mix, it can feel even more isolating.

What’s helping me right now is being honest about it. Writing this blog is part of that. I’m not trying to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. I’m just trying to show up, even if it’s messy. I’m learning to give myself grace, to take breaks without guilt, and to celebrate the small wins — like getting out of bed, replying to an email, or finishing a reading.

If you’re feeling the same way, I see you. Whether it’s ADHD, seasonal blues, or just the weight of everything — you’re not lazy, and you’re not alone. Motivation isn’t always linear, and sometimes the best thing we can do is just keep going, one gentle step at a time.

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