I'm not in the mood to work today...

[manuel]

As many of you might know, I'm a freelance translator. So basically I can do my work whenever I like.
Which is nice, but today I can't seem to find any motivation to do anything. I guess I'll have to spend my Saturday (tomorrow) to make up for what I don't do today.
Yesterday I finally finished my biggest translation assignment so far (Japanese to German philosophical/religious book, 115 pages, about 50.000 Japanese characters) and now I'm kind of exhausted and want to rest... But the next work is already due on Monday.  

What do you guys to to motivate yourselves at times like that?

(You can also comfort me by saying that it's okay to slack off one day from time to time...  )

[son_ov_hades]

You're asking the wrong person. I generally don't do anything when I don't feel up to it, then I sacrifice sleep to get it done before the deadline. 

[manuel]

That's just how I do it sometimes. 

[jpx72]

My motivation is the deadline. Nothing else can make me work harder than knowing it. And I cannot rest well untill I know my work is done. Try to imagine how well you will rest when you have your assignment finished and still have time before the deadline.
Can't help you more, I'm sorry, this thing is strictly subjective. Buy a bag of peanuts or something small but in high quantity and get to it.

[Jedi Master Baiter]

I go to the gym. Then again, I go to the gym no matter what. It's a necessary routine for me, like sleeping.

[manuel]

The gym here is a bit too far away and the monthly fees are too expensive for me. :/
But I agree that activity is a good idea.

[fredJ]

I only work when I feel like it.
Needing money is a good reason for feeling like it.

But hey no-one wants to work when they've just finished something big.
What motivates me the most is to take a day off to relax and not do anything other than watch TV, play chess, or whatever.

Maybe you could read the philosophical book to see if you get some wisdom from it.

[manuel]

I got me some running shoes, but still didn't run in them. I need to get off my *** fast!

Now that you say it fredJ, a lot of stuff from that book is quite thought out and I can relate to it. But right now I have enough of it. I need to read something else. As trivial as possible. 

I hope I can get some work done tomorrow. (My son will be at my mother-in-law's place for the whole day, so I should be able to concentrate.)

[Xious]

As many of you might know, I'm a freelance translator. So basically I can do my work whenever I like.
Which is nice, but today I can't seem to find any motivation to do anything. I guess I'll have to spend my Saturday (tomorrow) to make up for what I don't do today.
Yesterday I finally finished my biggest translation assignment so far (Japanese to German philosophical/religious book, 115 pages, about 50.000 Japanese characters) and now I'm kind of exhausted and want to rest... But the next work is already due on Monday.  

What do you guys to to motivate yourselves at times like that?

(You can also comfort me by saying that it's okay to slack off one day from time to time...  )

I go through these periods. I tend to work double to triple-weeks, and then burn out for a while, or run into issues as I have now that essentially turn of my drive and motivation to do more than sit and listen to old radio programmes and smoke.

I'd say, if you are a social person, go out for the night. That way you stimulate all of your senses enough to re-set your balance. I am not a very social person anymore, so this has become less and less of an option, on top of simply not enjoying to go anywhere because my social habits are now out of fashion.

If you are in that sinking ship with me, then my next best suggestion is to get a good massage, or do a steam bath, or something like that. This will help relax some of the stress and help you to focus, but would likely cost money, unless you have an in to somewhere that offers relaxation techniques.

My other important one used to be to go to a cigar lounge... Not too many of those left these days, but I don't think that is your cuppa. To me, there's little better than a pipe or cigar, some scotch and a neck massage.

If you are used to drinking a deal of tea or coffee while you work,I also advise you to ensure you keep the same dosage while you are relaxing, as dropping off the caffeine and tannin levels will reduce your serotonin levels, and cause a depressed state, as well as an inability to concentrate (or care).

I do very much understand what it feels like to be a one-man pony-trick, in a business where everyone wants everything a week ago. I used to write software manuals... Not tiny ones, but those gigantic, monstrous 500-page manuals that come with technical software. On occasion, a company would ask me the absurd question:' Can you do this in two weeks (without ever having used the programme)?', and my answer was always along the lines of, 'Yes, if you can fit me for the straitjacket that I will require and furnish me a room in the appropriate shade of soft white.'...

In the end, my best advice is this: Do the needful. Do what you must to have an equilibrium between productivity and relaxation so that you stay reasonably sane. Else, you could end up like me: Bonkers.

[JC]

I motivate myself by doing the work shortly before the deadline when I have no choice but to do it.

[ericj]

I usually just force myself to get started and then it's okay from then on out.

I use the gym for stress relief, not so much to get in the mood to do stuff.

[manuel]

I do very much understand what it feels like to be a one-man pony-trick, in a business where everyone wants everything a week ago. I used to write software manuals... Not tiny ones, but those gigantic, monstrous 500-page manuals that come with technical software. On occasion, a company would ask me the absurd question:' Can you do this in two weeks (without ever having used the programme)?', and my answer was always along the lines of, 'Yes, if you can fit me for the straitjacket that I will require and furnish me a room in the appropriate shade of soft white.'...

Oh yeah, I know situations like that!   

Thanks for the suggestions. Except for the cigar lounge they all seem great.