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It’s hard to get things done when you don’t feel like moving a muscle. The call of the bed is too strong, and the temperature outside your bedroom is too uncomfortable. Some days you have the flexibility or the freedom to not get to work immediately, but most days, you really don’t.
For those times when you really need to get things done even when you don’t want to, here’s how you take on the day ahead:
Know your main priority and get it done
Some days, you have the willpower and brainpower to get several things done. You feel productive at the end of these days knowing you have accomplishments to show for your hard work. When motivation is low, it’s important to focus on just what needs to be done that day. Maybe it’s a paper that’s due, or an errand that you need to do this particular day. Write that down as your biggest priority, then work on it first.
Set the bare minimum accomplishments for the day
You won’t always feel like ticking so many boxes off your checklist, but it is still motivating to check a few. This is why it’s important to set the bare minimum tasks--those you need to accomplish even when you don’t feel like it. This can include basic hygiene tasks such as brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, cleansing your face, applying your toner for combination skin, or folding the laundry. Especially when you’re feeling low, these are the tasks you default to before you call it a day. You’ll know that when you get these done, you’re still taking care of yourself even when you feel down.
Allocate break times
There might be certain times of the day that you just don’t feel like working or you feel like your energy is at its lowest. Those times might be the perfect time for breaks. If you’re not feeling productive during those times anyway, continuing to work might just result in haphazardly done tasks that you’ll have to redo or polish later. This takes up more time when you could have recharged and come back more productive and energized instead. Sneak in a nap too if you must, as long as you know you can wake up in time to get the rest of your tasks done.
Group similar tasks together
Task batching is a tried-and-tested method of working with your productivity levels in mind. If you already know you’ll be expending a lot of energy doing one task, see if you can group it with another task that will also require the same level of energy. For example, if you’re doing the dishes, you can also work on cutting the vegetables for your meal prep. You’re already in the kitchen, and you already have the basic tools nearby. It’s all just a matter of getting like tasks done.
How much of your time is spent idly? If you know when you’re most productive, you can do the most important tasks during that time, then spend the rest of the day coursing through the easier tasks.
