Try putting a vase of fresh flowers in your office (this is also a visual – happy flowers make me happy!)
Or try room fresheners or diffusers with mood boosting scents like citrus or peppermint!
Simple, but effective changes can make all the difference!
2. Batching helps balance your workload and increases productivity
If you find yourself avoiding work, it’s important to understand why.
Life has its ups and downs and those can influence your productivity.
If there’s not a specific reason that’s affecting your workflow, it could be you’re simply overwhelmed and spread too thin.
One of the reasons people dread working is the sense they can never complete a task entirely before the next one is looming.
Jumping from one task to another, hoping to get it all done day after day is exhausting and can lead to burn out.
A remedy for the madness of non-productivity is batching.
Batching is an idea that helps you gain control of your workload and intentionally design your work week and your workflow.
Batching helps you control your productivity
If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they dread Mondays when they know there’s a week’s worth of work waiting for them.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a clear schedule starting on Friday and lasting into the next week?
Batching makes it more likely you’ll hit Monday with fewer commitments and looming work projects.
It helps structure your work week into a manageable pattern, allowing you to group activities and projects and assign them to specific days and times of the week.
This is an awesome way to gain control of your work week, workload and improve your productivity!
Personal Tip: Batching personal commitments is just as helpful as batching your workload.
I find that it helps to assign one day per week for activities like doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or other activities.
This helps me eliminate having appointments spread throughout the week, taking up chunks of the time I need to be productive.
3. Trick your brain into being productive by setting a timer
Sometimes, half the battle is getting started.
If you feel burned out and struggle with the thought of working, the urge to avoid it altogether can be strong enough to make you procrastinate.
Putting things off can lead to missed deadlines and falling short on your commitments which only adds to the stress you’re already under.
If your tasks feel daunting or distasteful, your brain may magnify the potential discomfort causing you to avoid the tasks, but usually, once you get started, it’s easier than you thought.
So how can you trick your brain into doing the work?
Try this: Give yourself the freedom to dodge those long hours spent tackling a not-so-fun task by setting a timer for a quick 30-minute burst of focused work, and see how it magically amps up your productivity!
This is what I do.
When my timer goes off, I get up.
Whether it’s to do a household chore or grab another cup of coffee, I make myself to get up and move.
Then I sit back down and get back to getting stuff done.
You will find that once you gain momentum working, you’ll likely want to keep going as your brain becomes engaged in your work.
4. Create a reward that motivates you to get stuff done
If you’ve ever participated in a rewards program, you know how motivating they can be.
If you are seasoned coffee drinker like me, your favorite coffee shop probably has a rewards program.
Collecting points towards a free coffee to get a tenth for free is a great strategy to keep you coming back for more.
And hey, it works!
You can incentivize yourself to be more productive in a similar way.
A rewards system that motivates you to work is a great way to maximize your time.
Here are a couple of ideas:
Create a pre-work reward
Why not start the day off on a positive note with a treat that motivates and energizes you for work.
From a stop at your favorite coffee shop or a good pre-work run, engage in an activity that you love before you begin your work day.
Build a mini-rewards system throughout the day
One of the reasons people feel burned out and don’t want to work is that they are running themselves into the ground.
Everyone deserves and needs a good break.
Give yourself mini rewards throughout the day and decide on a time to step away from work to enjoy them.
From reading a chapter of a good book, grabbing a nutritious lunch, or watching a few minutes of a favorite show, give yourself something to look forward to and work towards throughout the day.
When I stop for lunch, I’ll either grab a book or turn on the TV.
Just make sure you don’t get so engrossed in that book or show that you don’t go back to work.
Not, mind you, that I’VE EVER done that. (Imagine the eyeroll here). HAHA
Develop a post-work reward
Give yourself an incentive to be productive by having something positive to look forward to at the end of the day.
If you simply move from working to chores, it can leave you feeling exhausted and resentful.
Try building in a transition between your working day and evening chores that allows you to do something enjoyable and boosts your mood and energy before switching gears.
Spark you productivity with big rewards
From a weekend getaway to a shopping spree, building a reward into your weekly, monthly, and annual schedule can help you stay focused and be more productive.
Planning a vacation can help motivate you to earn extra money or get projects done early to make time for your trip.
Having bigger ticket rewards in the future can help you stay focused when the daily grind weighs you down.
5. Divide and conquer- breaking tasks up helps you stay productive
If you don’t control your work day and workflow, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by texts, phone calls, emails, and other interruptions each time they pop up.
When you think about it, it’s pretty easy to reframe your tasks and make them work for you instead of against you.
Breaking things up and consolidating your time can help.
Here are some simple ways to divide your day and conquer your tasks.
Designate time for your tasks and don’t deviate from them.
Determine what time of day you want to devote to certain tasks like email, voice mail, etc…
You can use autoresponders or a detailed voice message that shares when you review your messages and return emails or calls.
Train yourself to focus on these tasks only during the designated time.
Here’s a productivity tip I use: Turn off alerts so you aren’t interrupted during the workday. Only pay attention to your email, voice mail, and texts during your designated times. My family and friends have specific ringtones so I know if it is them calling me. And they know if I don’t respond, I am working and will get back to them.
Batch tasks into manageable chunks
Rather than doing the same thing every day for a little while, consolidate tasks into a once-per-week activity.
Where you can, batch tasks and designate a day and time to focus on them rather than taking up valuable time throughout the week.
Instead of reacting to tasks as they pop up, gain control of your day and organize it in your favor.
It will help you feel more productive and less like working in a pinball machine.
Remember, productivity is not just about crossing items off your task list; it’s about enjoying the journey.
So, embrace the fun side of getting stuff done, and let each accomplishment be a celebration of your small business victories.
If you’re looking for more…I’ve shared some other productivity tips here !
P.S. Share your craziest (but most effective) productivity hacks in the comments below! Let’s build a community of hustlers who know that getting things done can be as fun as a squirrel chasing its tail (especially if there’s coffee involved)!
If you are anything like me, you tend to get so laser-focused on growing your business that you forget that the sun sets in other colors besides “inbox blue” and that you need to take time to live your dash.
Yeah, been there.
Worn that sleep-deprived T-shirt.
Drank the gallons of coffee.
Listen, your amazing business needs you to recharge.
To remind yourself you’re not just a CEO, you’re a human with a dash to live!
Life is not a to-do list.
But I get it.
Surrounded by stacks of papers, inbox overflowing, while the sun outside is coaxing you with whispers of adventures!
You glance at your watch, then back at the never-ending list of tasks, that familiar sigh escaping your lips.
“Just one more email,” you tell yourself, “then I’ll…”
But let’s be honest, that “then” typically doesn’t come.
We let ourselves get swept up into the whirlwind of getting things done.
Bogged down by endless to-do lists.
Forgetting that life is more than just ticking boxes.
It is a vibrant, chaotic dash between two dates on a tombstone.
We all have one, this precious hyphen marking the beginning and end of our journey.
But how often do we truly live that dash?
How often do we trade the fluorescent-lit grind for the vibrant hues of sunsets?
How often do we prioritize passion over those pending emails?
Purpose over those beautiful spreadsheets?
The truth is, most of us don’t.
We’re conditioned to chase productivity, to equate busyness with worth.
Sometimes, the most important strokes are the ones left blank.
The spaces we create for spontaneous picnics.
Sunset drinks with friends.
Or maybe simply doing absolutely nothing but breathing the fresh air.
Studies back this up.
Research by the University of California, Berkeley suggests that pursuing our passions and not just achieving goals, leads to greater well-being.
And a Harvard study showed that taking regular breaks actually boosts focus and creativity.
So, putting down the to-do list and chasing that long-forgotten dream is not a self-indulgence.
It is an investment in ourselves, in our happiness, and in living a life that’s truly worth remembering.
But where do we start?
How do we trade that familiar, addicting buzz of deadlines for the thrilling uncertainty of passion?
It is not about quitting your job tomorrow (unless you truly hate it, then maybe do that).
But instead, it is about taking small steps.
Carving out moments in your day, your week, your life, for the things that make your soul happy.
Sign up for that pottery class you have been eyeing.
Dust off your guitar and serenade the moon (even if it is off-key).
Plan a weekend trip to that hidden waterfall you read about.
Take a walk in the park and let your mind wander like a carefree butterfly.
It does not matter what it is.
As long as it ignites a spark within you, as long as it whispers, “This is why I’m here. This is how I want to live my dash.”
Life is not a to-do list.
It is a canvas.
A kaleidoscope of possibilities waiting to be explored.
So, grab your paintbrush, pick your colors, and start creating.
What adventures will you paint on your dash?
What passions will you splash across the sky?
Remember, every blank space is an invitation.
Every moment is a chance to make your life a masterpiece, not a checklist.
So, what will you do today to live your dash?
To paint your life with the vibrant colors of purpose and passion?
Share your dreams, your adventures, your anything-but-ordinary moments in the comments below!
Or send me a message, I’ll help encourage you to live our dashes to the fullest!
It’s a go-to for lots of folks in their self-care routines.
Try something new—no need to break the bank!
A small act of pampering can be just as refreshing as a lavish treat.
Maybe it’s scheduling a manicure or having a relaxing bubble bath with candles.
And if your budget allows, a spa day with a friend can be an awesome recharge for your body and soul!
Celebrate Today
Look, treating yourself isn’t a regular thing for many of us.
But guess what?
You can start changing that today!
Think of something you’ve been eyeing within your budget—maybe those awesome shoes or that phone upgrade.
Give yourself the green light to make that purchase.
Even a small treat can give you a real lift!
Enjoy the Little Things
Self-care doesn’t always have to be a big deal.
It’s often the little moments that count the most.
Treating yourself to those tiny luxuries can brighten your days more frequently.
What’s on your list of little things you’ve never tried for yourself?
How about buying yourself flowers? Trust me, having that beautiful bouquet around is a mood lifter!
And let’s talk about your favorite treat—why not make it a weekly thing? Try something new like exploring different truffles each week at your favorite chocolate shop!
It’s all about getting creative and having fun with it.
Adding new experiences to your self-care routine keeps things interesting and can also help make them more meaningful.
Plus, it’s just fun!
Make A List Of 5 Simple Self-Care Routines You Can Fall Back On When Needed
When things get tough, self-care often takes a back seat.
Stressful times can make it hard to focus on anything beyond the basics. But guess what?
That’s when self-care becomes even more important.
Having a self-care toolkit ready to go can be a lifesaver during those rough patches.
Imagine having a go-to list of self-care practices ready to lift your spirits when you need it most!
Here are a few more tips and tricks to help you navigate those challenging moments.
Make a List
Let’s dive into your self-care backup plan!
It’s like your go-to self-care toolkit, a list of five easy-peasy activities tailored for those whirlwind moments.
Having these reminders close at hand lets you reap the rewards of self-care without overthinking it.
Think simple yet essential, like hitting the sack a bit earlier for some quality Zzzs, munching on nourishing meals for that energy boost, or giving yourself a nudge to ask for help when things pile up.
These tiny self-care nuggets shine the brightest when life goes into overdrive!
Make a Self-Care Package
Here’s a cool way to keep self-care front and center when things get tough: create your own care package in advance!
Load it up with things that make your heart smile—a great read, herbal teas, a soothing face mask, comfy slippers, and maybe a playlist of your favorite tunes.
Whatever brings you joy!
Having this package within reach when stress hits can be a total game-changer and instantly lift your spirits.
Involve Your Crew
When the going gets tough, it helps to have a support crew!
Reach out to your trusted friends and family and let them in on your self-care game plan.
Share how much it means to you and ask them to give you a nudge if they notice you slipping on self-care.
They often see things we might miss.
Having your squad looking out for your well-being can be a total game-changer during stressful times!
Planning ahead is key to keeping your self-care routine strong even when life gets tough.
Remember, those rough patches are when self-nurturing matters most!
Self-Care Doesn’t Have To Cost Anything
Self-care often gets misunderstood.
People sometimes feel like they need to earn it or that it’s an indulgence.
But let’s flip that script today!
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a must for everyone.
When we prioritize our well-being, it’s a win-win for us and those around us.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Here are some wallet-friendly ways to show yourself some love.
Put Yourself in Time-Out
How about a timeout for some ‘me time’?
Treat yourself to a cozy nook, a warm cuppa, and some soothing tunes.
Take a moment to pause, relax, and gather your thoughts.
It’s a simple luxury that works wonders!
Waste Some Time
Sometimes, we’re so focused on staying busy that we forget the joy of simply chilling out.
Taking time to unwind with your favorite Netflix series, a pet cuddle session, or a sweet nap isn’t just okay—it’s essential for recharging!
Do Some Writing
Not a wordsmith? No problem!
Keeping a journal is like a soothing balm for the mind.
Scribbling down what makes you grateful is a happiness booster.
And trust me, pouring out all those swirling thoughts in your head? It’s like a refreshing brain detox!
Plus, jotting down future dreams might just light that spark inside you!
Phone a Friend
Staying connected is a mega boost for self-care—even for us introverts!
We thrive on those heart-to-heart chats.
So why not ring up that old buddy?
Or hop on a video call with your online bestie?
Even better, meet up for a cozy coffee date or a stroll!
It’s those connections that can light up your day in ways you didn’t know you needed!
Get Out
Sometimes, a tiny change can be a big deal!
Even a walk around the block can zap away that cabin fever feeling.
If you’re up for it, a low-key staycation nearby could be a mini adventure!
New scenery, new vibes, all without breaking the bank.
A little shift in perspective can work wonders!
These are just a handful of ideas to treat yourself without breaking the bank!
They’re a fun way to dip your toes into self-care.
Remember, you absolutely deserve to invest time and energy into your well-being! You’re worth it!
Don’t Feel Guilty For Practicing Self-Care
It’s totally normal to feel guilty about self-care, but guess what? You deserve it!
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s like recharging your batteries, and that makes you even better for those you care about.
So, let’s ditch that guilt and dive into why self-care is super important and totally okay!
It’s Not Selfish
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a must!
It’s easy to feel like others’ needs come first, but here’s the deal: taking care of you doesn’t mean neglecting others.
It’s like they say on a plane—put your oxygen mask on first, then help others.
You’ve got to take care of yourself to be the best for everyone else!
Self-care is Necessary
It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.
Taking care of yourself is essential to being your best for everyone else!
Have you heard this one:
If you can’t change the people around you, change the people around you.
What?
Sometimes you need to reevaluate your circle of friends.
I’ve been through this—I had to distance myself from certain people to stay true to my own path.
They supported me in tough times, but charting my own course became crucial.
It Sets a Good Example
Taking time for self-care isn’t just beneficial for you—it sets an awesome example for your kids!
And even if you’re not a parent, showing yourself some love can inspire those around you.
Normalizing self-care is key to breaking down the stigma.
When we openly talk about why it’s important, we help others rethink its significance too.
Let’s spread the self-care love!
Self-care Demands Respect
When you show you value yourself and invest time in your well-being, it sets the tone for how others treat you.
Saying no and setting boundaries isn’t just good for you—it strengthens your relationships.
It shows people how you want to be treated and that you prioritize yourself, guilt-free.
It might take a while to shake off all those messages society has ingrained in you, but with practice, you’ll see the beauty of self-care without the guilt.
It’s a journey, but totally worth it!
Tips To Continue Taking Care Of Yourself
Self-care is like a new habit you’re trying to pick up.
It takes practice and patience, so don’t stress if it feels a bit challenging at first.
Soon enough, you might even find yourself looking forward to those self-care moments!
I know that life gets busy, and sometimes it’s tough to keep up.
Here are some tips to help you keep the self-care train rolling even during those hectic times!
Follow Your Gut
During those crazy busy times, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode.
But let’s not ignore those gut feelings!
When you start feeling frazzled or extra tired, it’s not a sign to power through.
Nope, that’s your body waving a little flag saying, “Hey, I need a breather!”
Also, watch out for other signals, like being extra cranky, eating all the wrong things, or skipping sleep—those are signs too!
Listen up, they’re saying, “Hey, it’s time to take care of yourself!”
Schedule It In
Here’s a little tip that might help you sneak self-care into your bustling schedule: write it down!
Yup, treat it like a legit appointment.
Set a specific time to start and finish, jot down what you’ll do.
This way, you’re more likely to make it happen.
When life goes bonkers, it’s tempting to push self-care aside, but hey, that’s when it’s even more important!
Create a Plan
Creating your self-care plan is key to looking after your well-being.
Remember those ideas I shared earlier?
Having your emergency self-care list and care package in one spot can be a lifesaver during crazy times.
And don’t forget your list of trusted peeps to call for a self-care boost!
Having that support can make all the difference when you need a little nudge to look after yourself.
Your tribe’s got your back!
Checking in with yourself is key to self-care.
Self-care requires checking in with yourself and asking yourself how you’re doing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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