Productivity/ energy tips

PenniesMake£s

I am feeling quite, well, lazy now that the days and nights are getting darker and colder. I just want to curl up with a blanket, a book and a hot cup of something whenever i feel like it. BUT I must not give in to my hibernation tendencies. I have loads of things to get done everyday and MUST help myself to be more energetic and productive. I have been very indulgent to myself today just doing the bare minimum (feeding the kids and getting them off to school, a bit of shopping and have a big mess in the house due to my unproductive day) . Os ways lend themselves to a productive life I think.

I resolve to get up at 6am everyday and have a glass of lemon water to kick start my day.

Get to bed at 10pm and impose a no screens ban on myself at that point.

Only go the the shops one day a week as I waste too much time wandering around supermarkets. This is also money saving.

Is anyone else feeling like this ?
Any other productivity/energy giving hacks/tips?

NewShadow

Make a list.

Make it a mix of 'big things' and 'little things' (60 mins to 5 mins)

Break some bigger tasks down into little things (on mine is gather dirty clothes together and put in machine - then a separate thing is put machine on - then a separate is put washing out - so 10 min, 5 min, 20 min)

Aim to do at least one big thing and two small things in a day.

For example, today I'm working from home - my big thing is sort the cat food delivery (takes about 45 mins/ an hour).

That means open all the boxes (I order in bulk every 6 months), check it's all there, and put the sacks and tins away.

My little things are - wash cat bowls, feed the cats, breakdown the boxes into recyc bags and put them out - Maybe hoover any spilt food or litter.

If I get all that done today - I will be happy.

If I only get the big thing done (and feed the cats or they'll eat me) - I'll be content.

MOST IMPORTANT - when you're done, cross the thing out on the list. It's the most satisfying thing I get to do all day

Slowly57

Very sweary but very good - Google ufyh it has lots of old style common sense tips to prevent burnout and overwhelm.

I have fatigue issues and manage it by 15 mins activity 15 mins rest measured with my kitchen timer. A pad/diary with a list of what you've done is very affirming and encouraging for hopeless days (see what you did yesterday!) - even the most boring task goes on my list lol.

I think getting up 20mins then 30mins then 1 hour earlier works better for many - rather than jumping in at the deep end (I'm inclined to want to do this every time - but have learned the hard way that when I can't, I feel like a total failure). Baby steps and all that - big change from my all or nothing days :rotfl:

Nomoonatall

Similar to NewShadow's post, but just make a list of the small things! If you list the big things, you'll feel bad for not doing them! x

Siebrie

Are you warm enough? I tend to hibernate if the room is too cold. I think I have reptilian blood and need outside source to heat up

cornishchick

Because I also suffer from fatigue, all my tasks are the ones I can do in the TV adverts or in 5/10 minute slots
Put a treat on your list it only needs to be a small one. And even better incorporate it with a task ,
Maybe phone a friend for a gossip , while waiting for the washing to finish. . Or
Make a cuppa , while waiting for the kettle to be boiling wipe down the sides.


This not only gives you balance but is a good motivator:)

bossymoo

Siebrie wrote: »

Are you warm enough? I tend to hibernate if the room is too cold. I think I have reptilian blood and need outside source to heat up

^^^
This! I can't seem to get moving if I'm cold - although vacuuming soon warms me up, lol. Sometimes put the heating on just for a short while to get me going, then turn it off once I'm motivated enough.

Also find setting the kitchen timer for 15min gets me moving!

NewShadow

Oh, and don't box yourself in mentally to 9-5 (i.e. there's a time and a place for doing things).

If I can't sleep, rather than lie in bed and get frustrated I'm not sleeping, I'll get up - put the kettle on, and do something for half an hour.

That could be sorting the accumulated junk mail, or pairing socks.

Nothing too strenuous, and ideally nothing involving a screen, but it gets a job done, and normally I sleep better afterwards.

monnagran

Give in. Today's best labour-saving device is tomorrow.

x

PenniesMake£s

Hauled myself out of bed at 6.15 when the alarm went off instead of hitting snooze. Had a glass of water and got dressed and ready. Off to a good start. Kids ready for school. Going to quickly put the dishes away before I leave the house to take them to school. :j

[Deleted User]

I used to work for a chap years ago who got me into the habit of a to-do list .Every morning when I worked for him I had a book where I listed things that needed doing that day.As they were achieved I crossed them off I carried on the habit via scrap paper ever since
Today's list include
hoover sitting room
bathroom quick wipe round (deep clean saturday)
iron dried trousers that i couldn't do yesterday as they wern't dry
press and put away small charity blanket I finished last night
Then put away ironing board and iron until next week :):)Best job today
post letter (on way to History club this afternoon)
dig out recipe for sultana and cherry cake for tomorrow (baking done on saturday mornings )
Not a very long list but once done it will mean I can sit a read and not think oh I must do this ,that or t'other

I am a fairly organised person (I have to be with childcare to arrange etc) plus all my other activities.
The list is sometimes shorter ,or longer but I do like to see that its cleared before I go to bed at night
I save all my washing up and do it last thing before I go to bed ,there is only me at home so usually one basin of water is enough to do all of it (plus it cuts back on water useage as I am on a meter )

Accounts and menus I do on a Sunday morning along with veg prepping for the week.

JackieO xx