7 habits to get things done (even when you don't even want to)

First of all, it is SUPER NORMAL to have bad and lazy days...it is okay not to be okay, remember that. Especially with the whole pandemic going on, trying to stay motivated without many things to enjoy and loads of intense and negative news can be sometimes challenging.

I can be or super motivated or the laziest person in the planet, and that depends on how I wake up and how I build up my routine. Hasn't it ever happened to you, that you just wake up and cannot get things done. Welcome to the club!!

Whenever I wake up feeling unmotivated, I find it hard to get out of it, it's like a vicious cycle that can keep going for 2 or 3 days straight. I read a lot of articles online to try and tackle this problem but they all suggest to include such difficult changes t my routine that they weren't lasting and therefore, I decided to create a simple and efficient routine that I know would last and that mainly, it was going to get me out of bed. Here are my 5 easy and simple habits to get things done, when feeling unmotivated.

• Make your bed

If you're feeling lazy or having one of those bad day, make your bed. It will help you feel less guilty. Making your bed means you have accomplished one of the first tasks in your day. Plus if you make it, there are less chances you are going back in there. now more than ever, our bedroom is our working space, sometimes even our new "gym", therefore try to keep it clean and pleasant to be at. Nobody likes to work around clutter, and if you, go check that.....

• Get out of your pyjamas NOW

It is proven that being in your pyjamas all day long will make you sleepier and therefore lead you to bed. The second rule of productivity, get out of your pyjamas as soon as you start your day. You are going to do anything with your pajamas on. Buy some cute and comfy loungewear sets to feel both stylish and comfy while at home.

You can find comfy sets everywhere you go... but my favorite has to be Lamarel

• Make a realistic to do list

Even on my bests days, I usually don't even complete half of my to do list. It's not that I'm lazy, it's just simply it's not doable. Don't expect to do the 20 or 30 things you had on your list to do, it's not doable.... really. Instead, try to write, each morning, up to 4 things you need to do and actually do them. There's no point in expecting to do 20 things when you can't actually do them. You will feel better once you can say out loud "I have completed my to do list". Trust me, I've tried it, and it worrrkkkssss

• Use the 20 second rule

In the book The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Anchor, the author, presents the 20 second rule. In order to change your habits, you have to make it easier by decreasing its activation energy. The less time it take you to do it (usually 20 seconds) , the more likely you are to do it. If you want to start reading before bed time and make that habit last, have a book less than 20 second away from you, if it's much further, smaller chance to actually read it. The same goes the other way round; if you want to stop drinking too much or beer, put the bottle in another room and outside the fridge, because who wants to drink hot beer...

• Move your body (doesn't have to be a workout)

I like working out, especially when I'm feeling motivated, however on my blaah days, it is very hard for myself to pull out of the chair. And most of the time (if not always), I end up not doing anything, and I end the day feeling kind of guilty. However, I have changed that. The days when I can't simply do any workout because....no, I put on some clothes and go on a walk or simply stretch or do yoga at home. It's easy and I promise you will feel much better and productive at the end of day.

• Stay hydrated

I am the type of person that drinks water when thirsty, and I know, that's not good. I trying to change this habits by having a big water bottle by my table with cold water and lemon (sometimes I add cucumber or even mint). This type of water is fun to eat, fun to make and also having the coolest jar makes you want to drink it even more. Drinking more or less 2 liters (11 cups of water) is a healthy and easy way to stay hydrate and increases energy levels to stay motivated and productive.

• Give yourself rewards

Everyone has bad days, and that's okay. Cut yourself some slack. Once you complete a task that was hard and that took some effort, give yourself a break and take merit for what you accomplished. It's better to take little steps that a huge one. Giving yourself rewards is going to make you feel more motivated to keep on going and try to make the best out of a not-so-good day.

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On these "blaah" days, the most important thing is to look after you. Don't try and force yourself to do 120202 tasks nor go to the gym and stay there for 2 hours, it's not healthy for your mind nor your body. Rather, go little by little, step by step, implementing easier and simpler habits into your routine that will make you feel more productive and less guilty on a bad day.

Don't do everything at the same time. Take your time and comment down below if you tried any of these changes. Believe in yourself and do your bests, that what counts.

ps: the best way to achieve big goals is to take small steps

XoXo

Sofia's Choice