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Low motivation (strategies)

Find out how we can help

Small steps that build towards to motivation and success

Now and then we all experience periods when we lack motivation, whether or not we know the reasons why. But persistently low motivation can cause us to under-perform at work, as well as cause problems at home and in our relationships.

We speak to many clients, family members and professionals concerned about lack of motivation and the impact this has on a person's daily life. Our understanding, non-judgemental assessments can help identify an individual's barriers to motivation, and allow us to plan to overcome these with practical strategies in an achievable time-frame.

How OT's help

We regularly help clients overcome temporary or long-term episodes of low motivation. Some of the most common triggers for approaching us include:

  • Loss, or the threat of loss, of employment due to persistent lateness or under-performance
  • Persistently low mood or self-esteem, leading to strained relationships with family and friends
  • Anxiety and reduced appetite
  • Difficulties in maintaining concentration beyond very short periods
  • Inability to maintain a routine or structure in everyday life

Our sensitive assessment process can allow a specialist occupational therapist to identify such problems along with the reasons for them, informing our recommendations and allowing us to plan a pathway to improved mood and motivation.

Our approach

Our aim is to provide practical, non-obtrusive support to help improve motivation, so our assessment may involve looking at:

  • A client's medical history and any current diagnosis
  • Their social circumstances and support networks
  • Changes to daily routines
  • The roles and responsibilities they feel obliged to meet
  • Longer-term wishes and goals for the future

Common recommendations

Some practical solutions that we may advise to help stimulate motivation include:

  • Identifying realistic goals that can be broken down into small, achieveable steps
  • Management of anxiety or fatigue
  • Routine planning

Public sector, charities and businesses

Is your organisation looking for professional OT services?

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Common conditions we help with

Find out more about how our OT’s can help by visiting our pages dedicated to specific conditions associated with low motivation.

Why The OT Practice

We recognise the importance of knowing that you are in safe hands. That is why, when you first make contact with us, you will straightaway be able to explain your concerns to a member of our client management team who will be able to provide relevant information about our services, answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on next steps. This dedicated team will then remain in charge of your case through any subsequent assessment and treatment we provide.

Other reasons to rely on The OT Practice include:

  • We visit you in your own home and at a time convenient to you and your family, and are happy to offer evening and weekend appointments
  • We do not have waiting lists and so can offer appointments within 7 working days of referral or sooner
  • Our extensive nationwide network of registered occupational therapists allows us to find you the right local therapist
  • We can provide ongoing support for as long as you need it
  • Our clear, fixed pricing system will be provided to you in writing for you to consider in your own time
  • Your occupational therapist will be a specialist in their field, with over 5 years' clinical experience including time in social services or NHS practice
  • Our team are well connected to networks of local and national equipment providers, stair lift and building companies

Services for businesses, organisations and the public sector

Case managers

We help your client's achieve optimum independence through assessment, treatment & advice.

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Solicitors

We provide solicitors with professional reports for educational tribunals or rehabilitation needs.

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Healthcare concierge

Assessment and treatment services for clients in their own homes both in the UK and internationally.

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Next steps

Initial enquiry

During your initial call to us you can discuss your concerns with a member of our client management team, who will be able to understand what your difficulties are, provide information and advice on our services and identify the right OT from our team.

Quote

If therapist input is recommended, we will send you a detailed quote via email or in writing explaining what, after a full assessment, we would propose and how much it would cost, as well as rates for further work that might be recommended in the future.

Referral

Once you have had time to consider the options and costs, and if you would like to go ahead, the next step would be to fill in our online referral form. In the meantime, if you have further concerns or questions then our client manager will be happy to discuss them with you.

Assessment

Our therapist will then contact you within 24 hours to arrange a visit at your home. Normally this first visit will comprise a full assessment, after which you will receive a comprehensive written report.

Advice

The report will include a clear record of our findings and recommendations. These may include useful items you can buy or activities you can do independently, but they may also include more complex recommendations such as home adaptations or additional treatment by the occupational therapist. Where additional involvement is required, we will follow up the report with a detailed quotation so that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

As Private Occupational Therapists our aim is to provide choices and guidance to help you decide what the best options are for you

A few of our rehabilitation specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists who are experienced in strategies to increased motivation and engagement.

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Sharne

Hampshire, South of England

Sharne is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehab as well as Housing & Equipment. Sharne visits clients across Hampshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, South East of England, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex, Brighton, Southampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Tracy

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation, Tracy is an expert OT working across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Wakefield, Hull

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability, Mental Health, TBI

Joy

Derbyshire, East Midlands

Joy is an expert Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist rehabilitation and seating assessments to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation

Ekaete

Essex, London

Ekaeke is a Neurological Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist specialising in Brain Injury based around Chelmsford and working in Essex.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Essex

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Marta

Surrey, South East of England

Based in Surrey, Marta is a highly skilled OT who specialises in Neurological Rehabilitation and supports clients across the South-East.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Community access, Fine motor skills, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management

Claire

Moray, Scotland

Supporting clients across Aberdeenshire and Moray, Claire is an experienced OT with expertise in Mental Health.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland, Moray

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Helen

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Helen is an expert Hand Therapist, delivering specialist rehabilitation assessments and treatment across Nottinghamshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Nottingham

Specialisms

Hand Therapy, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Counselling, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation

Clare

Swindon, Wiltshire

Specialising in Housing & Equipment, Clare is an OT based in Buckinghamshire delivering assessments for clients across the South East.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, South East of England, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

BIA, Train the trainer

Jennie

Hampshire, South East of England

Hampshire and West Sussex based occupational therapist Jennie specialises in mental health, Moving & Handling and Housing.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Hampshire, West Sussex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Rosina

Bedfordshire, East Anglia

OT Rosina, from Dunstable, travels Bedfordshire working in Luton and Milton Keynes. She specialises in Functional and Vocational Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Bedfordshire

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Community access, Behaviour management, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Roisin

Southampton, Hampshire

Roisin is an OT that specialises in Paediatrics, Seating, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving & Handling throughout Hampshire, specifically Southampton.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Learning disability

Muhammed

London - East, Cambridgeshire

Qualifying in 2011, Muhammed specialises in paediatric occupational therapy, sensory integration, autism, equipment provision and neuro rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, East Midlands, East Anglia, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West, Birmingham, Leicester

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, School Based Therapy/Support, Mental Health

Jordan

Birmingham, West Midlands

Jordan, a Specialist Occupational Therapist in the West Midlands, provides expert support in housing, equipment, rehabilitation, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, West Midlands, Birmingham, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Deborah

London - North, Hertfordshire

Deborah is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in neurological and functional rehabilitation across London, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Cambridgeshire, London - North

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

CBT, Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Balance, Planning & execution, Postural management, DMO (Lycra) Splinting, Dysphagia management, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Natiq

London - East, Essex

Qualifying in 2011, Natiq specialises in housing & equipment, rehabilitation and seating & postural management for adults and children.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Essex

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Co-ordination, School Based Therapy/Support, Mental Health

Ruth

Kent, South East of England

Ruth is an OT based in Whitstable, Kent, offering comprehensive assessments and rehabilitation for clients with injury and long-term conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Kent, London - South

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Social integration

Gaynor

Northamptonshire, East Midlands

Gaynor is a highly skilled OT providing expert neurological, vocational, and functional rehabilitation to clients in the East Midlands

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Midlands, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, South Yorkshire, Warwickshire, London - North, Nottingham, Leicester

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

PIPs, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Ellie

Southampton, Hampshire

Ellie is an expert Occupational Therapist specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome covering Hampshire and the South.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Simone

Surrey, South East of England

Simone is an expert OT based in Surrey and specialises in brain injury, dementia, and neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Surrey, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management

Liz

Liverpool, Merseyside

Liz is a therapist specialising in Functional Rehabilitation & Housing and Equipment for pain conditions and more.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Merseyside

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Counselling, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Daily living skills, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Paula

Warwickshire, West Midlands

Paula is an expert Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist Functional, Neurological, and Vocational Rehabilitation to clients the Midlands.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, South East of England, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Suzanne

Bristol, Bristol

Occupational Therapist Suzanne specialises in Moving and Handling, Neurological Rehabilitation, and Housing and Equipment across the South West of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Cardiff, Newport

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care

Lynne

Middlesbrough, Durham

Lynn, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in seating and postural management and works in the North of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Durham, North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Middlesbrough

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS, CBT, Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Community access, Postural management, Learning disability, Mental Health

Karen

Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Karen is an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist specialising in sensory integration, functional rehabilitation and emotional regulation across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Cambridgeshire

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specialist skills

Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Co-ordination, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability, Mental Health

Laura

Lincolnshire, East Midlands

Laura is a BOBATH-trained Occupational Therapist, offering specialised services across the East Midlands and East Anglia for diverse needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Leicester

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Katie

London - South, London

Based in London, Katie provides expert Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural Management, and Functional Rehabilitation assessments.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London , London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Community access, Behaviour management, Balance, Co-ordination

Dawn

Cornwall, West and South West of England

Dawn is an OT based in Cornwall, providing expert assessments and therapy for both adult and paediatric clients.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Cornwall, Devon

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, The Listening Programme

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation

Barbara

Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire

Based in Hull, Occupational Therapist Barbara is a dedicated professional specializing in functional rehabilitation, moving and handling, and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Midlands, East Riding of Yorkshire, Humberside, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, PIPs, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Kyla

London - South, Surrey

Kyla is an experienced Occupational Therapist supporting children and adults with neurological, physical and developmental needs across Surrey and London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Surrey, London - Central, London - South, London - West

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Neurological rehabilitation

Melissa

Manchester, Greater Manchester

Melissa is an experienced OT in physical and complex neuro rehab, covering Manchester, Cheshire and the North West

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Liverpool, Manchester

Specialisms

Hand Therapy, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Client feedback

Further reading

Our Experts' Blog

CHARITIES: Mental health and getting back on your feet

In this edition of our Educational Series for charities, we explore how occupational therapy supports people whose mental health challenges affect everyday life and participation. We highlight how OTs work alongside individuals to understand practical barriers and identify realistic ways to promote recovery, independence and engagement in meaningful roles at home and in the community.

Read more

Our Experts' Blog

Self-Care and Mental Well-Being: Do we practice what we preach?

OT Claire specialises in enduring and complex mental health conditions. In this Expert Blog she shares her reflections, insights and advice on mental well-being, stress and resilience as a health professional.

Read more