If you’ve abandoned healthy habits and all goals seem unattainable, it’s time to take a break.
What it is?
Things pile up, you don’t have time for anything, stress increases. In that case, you need to take a day break, advises The Art of Manliness. If you have a lot of writing to do, turn on an online paper editor to help you get it done. Or take time off in the middle of the week to get things in order. Of course, you could do it on Saturday or Sunday, but that’s not as efficient. On the weekend you’ll probably have other things to do, you’ll want to be with friends and loved ones. In addition, some of the things on the list can only be done on weekdays.
This is a milestone that separates the past from the future and energizes you with motivation.
How to Organize
Allocate eight hours for everything. You don’t have to do each one for exactly 60 minutes. If you manage faster, move on to the next item. But if you can’t do it in one hour, temporarily postpone it and move on. It’s important to go through all the stages of resetting. Unfinished little things can be finished in the seventh hour.
1. Clean your house.
Getting your house in order is the first step toward order in your life. When you get rid of unnecessary things and put everything in its place, it will be easier to organize your thoughts. Just don’t get carried away, don’t spend the whole day cleaning.
- Wash the dishes. Remove any excess from the kitchen work surfaces and wipe them down.
- Put away the laundry.
- Make the bed.
- Empty the trash out of the trash can.
- Vacuum where dust and debris are visible.
- Sort through accumulated mail.
2. Get your thoughts out on paper.
Sometimes we stop moving toward our goals because we have too many unfinished business and unanswered questions. They swirl around in our heads day after day. This tires us out and distracts us from important tasks.
Think about different areas of life and write down what needs to be done in each. Write down all the issues that have been bothering you lately. For example:
- How to do squats properly?
- What can I eat on a keto diet?
- When is the best time to go on vacation and how much will it cost?
- What’s the best haircut?
- What book should I start reading?
Take notes like this on paper or in any note-taker on your smartphone.
3. Do as many of the things on your task list as you can.
Mark with an asterisk each task or issue that you can accomplish in less than ten minutes. For example:
- Make a doctor’s appointment.
- Watch a video on how to do squats.
- Call a plumber.
- Pay the bills.
- Backup your system.
- Pack up unsuitable items that need to be returned to the store.
- Text a friend (partner) about an appointment.
Try to accomplish as many items as you can, but move on to the next step in an hour.
4. Think about long-term goals.
Once you’re free of the small tasks, it’s time to move on to the bigger goals. Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I made progress?
- Do I still want to reach this goal?
- What action can I take right now to get closer to it?
- What habit can I start working on today to get there faster?
If you don’t have big goals, spend this hour defining them.
5. Develop (or rework) a daily routine
Without a daily routine, the day goes hectic and unproductive. In the evening, it feels like there is so much more that could have been done.
You can schedule things by the hour, but such a plan only frustrates you. After all, during the working day there are often unforeseen tasks. It is more convenient to make a schedule for the morning and evening. Decide what time you will go to bed and get up, what you will do for two hours before going to bed and after waking up. Make a specific plan of action.
You may already have a similar plan, but you can’t follow it. Chances are, it no longer fits with your lifestyle. Rework it to fit your new schedule. For example, if you do not have time to do some items, leave only the most important ones. It’s better to do less than to worry that you’re not getting anything done at all.
6. Think about how to stay on track again
Don’t count on just a day of resetting. Think about what threw you off: the clutter in the house, the internet addiction, the lack of a clear schedule, or something else. Make a plan of action to deal with the problem. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to take time off often, so resort to resetting only as a last resort.
7. Clean up any loose ends.
If you haven’t had time to do anything important from the previous steps, now is the time to do it.
8. Relax
After a productive day, treat yourself to something to help your brain and body relax. Take a nap, get a massage, take a bath, or go for a walk.
Do something you enjoy, like watching your favorite soap opera. Don’t see it as indulging your weaknesses. Every now and then it’s necessary to relax and recharge. After such a pause, you will take up your goals with renewed vigor.
