It’s funny (and not necessarily in a ha ha way), how prescient feature films can turn out to be. As far back as 1995, there was Outbreak, about the race to contain a deadly virus. 2011 brought us Contagion, which told the story of an airborne virus that spread like wildfire around the world, killing people by the thousands. Sound familiar?

But the film that has particularly struck a chord with me during this third lockdown in the UK, is Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray as the cynical weatherman destined to relive the same day over and over, until he figures out what really matters (and wins the woman in the process).

For sure there are times when these seemingly endlessly repetitive days give a whole new level of resigned recognition to this meme that did the rounds during the first lockdown

But it’s very far from all doom, and Bill Murray gloom. Because whilst finding how to stay motivated and positive during this groundhog lockdown has unquestionably tested our resolve and determination, I actually know very few people who haven’t managed find ways to not just to keep themselves going, but to be genuinely upbeat and energised, at least some of the time.

My motivators

What fires and maintains your motivation will, of course, be different for everyone. For me it has turned out to be a mixture of broader structure and smaller goal setting.

In an effort to combat that whole what-on-earth-day-is-it? repetitiveness, especially since I work freelance and from home, I’ve allocated certain tasks to specific days.

A task a day

For example, I always write this blog and the weekly Heydays newsletter (whaddyoumean you don’t subscribe? Scroll down to the bottom of this page and fill in your details to put that right) on a Thursday. And on Fridays I do both a Facebook and Instagram live #feelgoodfriday chat (do feel free to join us. We have a good, end-of-the-week laugh).

I’m somewhat bemused to have apparently turned into a 1950s housewife, with designated days for doing the washing and cleaning the house.

And whilst I wake to my radio alarm clock every weekday morning at 7, on Saturdays and Sundays I give myself a more leisurely, weekend alarm-free start to the day.

Exercising and eating

On a more micro level, exercise is an important contributor to my sense of motivation, so I try to make sure I do some every day. The way I prompt myself to do that is to dress in my exercise gear when I get up. I admit, there are days when that’s actually the extent of my exercise, but not many. Honest guv.

And when the weather plays ball, if I can do that exercise in the form of a walk, even better.

I also try to cook myself one meal a day from scratch. Even if it’s as simple as frying off some veg and mixing it with eggs for a frittata.

What about other people?

That combination of daily and weekly motivators is what I find keeps me galvanised, but intrigued about what other people do to motivate themselves, I asked a number of my fellow bloggers, friends and Heydayers for their top motivation tip. Their answers - below - perfectly demonstrate that whilst what gets, and keeps, you going can be different for everyone, there are also similarities that are common to more of us than you might think.

I hope they serve as an encouraging selection of suggestions that will help you find your motivation mojo on the days when it’s gone astray.

Motivation mojo tip from Suzi at Alternative Ageing

Suzi is a positive ageing guru, trained nutritionist and all round fabulous fashionista. You’ll find her on Instagram and at her wide-ranging website

The very definitely visible Suzi Grant of Alternative Ageing

“My top motivator is walking outside for a minimum of 5 kms a day with my dog Jack, even if I have to do walks at both ends of the day to make up the steps. Thanks to the lockdown I can actually get out with Jack whenever there’s a break in the weather or the sun comes out. (although as Billy Connolly said - “theres no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!”) I exercise at home, but an hour or two of being outside, breathing in the sea air or walking in nature really cheers me up and motivates me”

Motivation mojo tip from Heydays CEO, Jan

Jan is the galvanising, cheering, lynchpin CEO of the Heydays Facebook group (you’ll have to join the group to see what CEO stands for - its not what you think - and why she’s such a shoe-in for the role)

“I’m very much a glass half full person. Yes, I have my down days, but I always try to find the good in every day and remind myself that every day is one day nearer to being able to see my family. I’m also so grateful for the technology that enables me to stay in touch with the people I care about”

Motivation mojo tip from Caroline’s at Carolinescircuits

Super-fit Caroline created the #feelbettertogether exercises that I’ve been sharing on Facebook and Instagram for the past few weeks. Her website and Instagram are packed with advice and inspiration. Unsurprisingly her motivation tip involves exercise.

Caroline practices the exercise motivation she preaches

“Put exercise in your diary and make it a routine. It’s all about forming a habit. Do it with a friend online, book into a class, schedule a walk. If it’s in your diary you’re more likely to stick to it. I find exercising early, before the day takes over is the best way to make sure I do it.”

Motivation mojo tip from Greg at manwithahammer

I’m a sucker for home accounts on Instagram and especially ones that feature home restoration. Greg’s is one of the best - informative, engaging, and inspiring. He’s almost single-handedly restoring a HUGE ex-naval Georgian pile in Plymouth and making the most magnificent job of it.

Greg (aka manwithahammer) with a rewarding bottle of ale after a hard day of renovating

Aside from “rewarding yourself with ale” (you’ll see ale features quite….regularly on his page. Just saying), his motivation tips are “not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t get done what you’d hoped. Celebrate the small wins, when you’ve ticked off a job, any job. And don’t be too rigid with yourself. I bounce around a bit depending on my mood and sometimes I tackle a job just because that’s what I fancy doing, as a bit of a treat ,rather than just rolling though the list in a fixed order”

Motivation mojo tip from Dr Louise at drlouisewrites

Former GP Louise, is a health writer and NetDoctor and author of ‘Your Best Life - a Doctor’s Secret Guide to Radiant Health Over 40’ (which might just, er, feature yours truly). You can follow her on her terrifically informative Instagram page

Dr Louise Wiseman kept moving whilst she wrote her book — Dr Louise Wiseman celebrating the publication of her book

“Make sure you move regularly. We know biological changes happen even after sitting still for 30 mins. Movement benefits our bones, muscles and minds. It can just be a walk, squats whilst the kettle boils or press ups agains the wall before the microwave dings. Stairs are a great free exercise tool - they work our large muscle groups and keep our metabolism and motivation stimulated long after we’ve climbed them. I found movement a really important motivator whilst I was sitting for 16 hours a day writing my book.”

Motivation mojo tip from Sally at gettingstuffdoneinheels

If you know of a more inspiringly life-force interiors and lifestyle blogger than the fabulous Sal, then I’d like to know who that is. She’s digital creator, jewellery designer and stylist and a dedicated Ambassador for @DKMS_UK, the stem cell register. Find her on Instagram and at her lovely website

Sally of gettingstuffdoneinheels with Molly, the only other female member of her family — Sally of gettingstuffdoneinheels with Molly, the only other female member of her household

“It does feel as if Covid has stolen a lot of the fun from life right now, doesn’t it. Setting daily tasks has been my motivating saviour. For lockdown 3, I’ve gone into list mode. The tasks might only be small, but it feels good to write them down and tick them off. I always write the day at the top of the list - it helps me keep track of what day it actually is! Sometimes I only manage to tick off the thing at the top of the list. But at least that’s something, and tomorrow is always another day.”

Motivation mojo. tip from Louise at Women of the Year

Wonderful Louise is the new Chair of Women of the Year, which I’ve been involved with for many years, and one of my dearest friends in the organisation. A whirlwind of a woman who not only runs her own property business but has four children she’s currently having to home school.

“I have to get outside, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Yesterday, for example, I spent 10 minutes just catching a ball with my ten year old son and we both felt so much better and more motivated afterwards. Maybe it was focusing on the catching or just the fresh air, or both. I’ve also stopped reading and listening to the news. It’s just too demotivating and draining emotionally.”

Motivation mojo tip from Helen at thetittygritty

Mother of three and one of the editors on the Lorraine Show, brilliantly dynamic Helen turned her experience of breast cancer into an arse-kicking (her words) campaign that is saving the lives of women all over the world. Find out more on her website and Instagram account

Helen with her tittygritty Save Your Life campaign, and one of her greatest supporters - Lorraine Kelly

“My motivation during lockdown is exercise, exercise and exercise. I do it first thing and it keeps my head in check. I also make the weekends feel different by treating ourselves to different foods (lots of takeaways!) and finding new walks. It doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But I love it!”

What’s your top mojo motivation tip? Do share it in the comments.