Sometimes it’s hard to sustain motivation, even under the best of circumstances, especially when your to-read list runs to four pages, your next assignment is due tomorrow, and you’re struggling to find enough hours in the day to yourself.

The good news is that motivation comes from anywhere... Yes, including your morning Insta-scroll, but only if you follow the right people and take the right advice! That’s why we’ve found the most motivational Netflix series, podcast, Instagram account, TED talk, and YouTube channel to help you get through lazy days.

1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

This series on Netflix is a food documentary that gives you a closer look at the incredible passion that goes into people’s true callings. Jiro Ono is an 85-year-old revered chef who strives for perfection, which, in his mind, can never be achieved despite his restaurant being regarded as one of the best of its kind. If seeing the dedication and passion Jiro devotes to his craft isn’t enough to keep you motivated, the series is focused around sushi… what more could you want, eh?

2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin

If you haven’t read any of Gretchen Rubin’s books on the pursuit of happiness, do yourself a favour: go and read one! While you’re at it, make sure you check out Gretchen’s podcasts too, which are equally as motivating as her books – providing new perspectives on what it means to be happy using her practical advice about happiness. If that’s not enough to motivate you, Gretchen also shares adorable daily habits that you can easily implement into your daily life to help you live every day to the fullest.

3. @breakyostigma

BreakYoStigma is an outlet that supports and builds a community for those who are suffering from mental illness, as well as their loved ones. BreakYoStigma’s Instagram persona is all about shutting down the shameful stigma surrounding mental illness, but with a little twist of light-hearted humour. We think you should follow @breaktostigma on Instagram not only because their memes are pretty funny (they are), but you’ll also be helping them build a community of compassion for mental health!

4. “How to Succeed? Get More Sleep”

Your classmates probably get bragging rights for staying up till the wee hours, slaving over assignments and revisions… but in reality, you could be much more productive if you got an adequate amount of sleep. Yes, you heard that right – in this TED talk, Arianna Huffington gives some quick advice for being more successful at what you do and happier with your life through ‘resting your eyes’ a little bit longer.

5. Mateusz M

Mateusz M is a film producer who’s created many short motivational videos that have inspired millions of people around the world. With nearly a million subscribers, Mateusz M’s YouTube channel is one of the most motivational on the platform. If you like motivational videos, then you’re definitely going to love him and his channel.

Mateusz’s videos ignite emotions using words from inspirational figures like Steve Jobs, Will Smith, and Les Brown, as well as from famous flicks. The powerful words, synchronised with emotive visuals, will remind you that you have greatness within you and will make you realise that you have every ingredient it takes to succeed.

How Do You Stay Motivated?

Everyone has the occasional slump. It’s important that you recognise the cause of your lack of motivation but make sure you take action to quickly pick yourself back up because it will help minimise your downtime and maximise your success. We want to know what you watch and listen to, to stay motivated, so if you have a good, enjoyable source of motivation, feel free to give us a shoutout on Facebook or fire over a tweet to @comelivewithus!