Lack of motivation

Do you ever have something you really want to do, maybe watch a new TV series or try out a new game, but you can't bring yourself to do it because you're too tired or can't find motivation? It's hard, I know. You really want to be productive but just can't bring yourself to do anything. You might feel like you're trapped in a dark tunnel or your limbs are too heavy to move. This can be a side effect of depression or just a singular issue, either way, you are not alone and even if it feels impossible there are ways to deal with your lack of motivation. 
Personally, this was and still is something I struggle with and it can be quite upsetting. For a while I used to just stare at my computer screen, watching random YouTube videos but having this urge to do something productive. Weeks would go by and I'd have only completed one or two of the tasks I'd set for myself. However, slowly I learnt to deal with this and I'd like to share my ways to escape/shorten these episodes.
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One way to prevent this from happening may sound tedious or stupid, but trust me it can show great results. Say you've dropped a pen on the floor, but you can't be bothered to pick it up and just continue doing what you were doing. Well, next time don't leave the pen on the floor: pick it up straight away. Yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds, but by doing tiny things like that you are training your brain to complete tasks and minimise procrastination.
Another way to prevent this is meditation. Your lack of motivation probably came from bothering thoughts buried deep in your mind: Maybe an existential question such as "Why do this if it's pointless in the long run?" or maybe you're stressed about something insignificant like whether or not you are liked by your friends. This is where meditation comes in. It helps you relax and teaches you how to avoid letting these thoughts take over your life. I recommend Head-space, their free trial lasts ten days and gives major results! Or, just find a short guided meditation video on YouTube.
Now, even if you do these things you will still get the occasional episode so now I'll tell you how to escape them or shorten them. One way is to create a playlist of your favourite music that you can access easily, this way when you are struggling you can just click on a playlist that will help drag you from the tunnel and lighten your mood. Or, you can have a candle with your favourite scent nearby, so you can light it and in turn it will have the same affect as the music. Basically, just have your own way to easily get to something that makes you happy and motivation should follow soon after.
I know how hard this can be and I want you to know you aren't alone. I hope this article has helped you in any way and that you'll try out one of my ideas or try to create some of your own. Trust me, the storm will pass.