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Once a month or so, I like to sit down by myself and do things that Iāve been putting off. Iāll make a whole event of it that feels like a solo date. But I am sure to set a time limit of only an hour or so!
Iāve found that often my negative feelings are due to overwhelm, not stress. Reducing overwhelm is a lot easier for me in tough times because I think of what I can DO which gets me moving through the emotional muck. When I try to reduce stress, I often just return to the emotional mess a few hours later. Hence, productivity nights.
I put on comfy clothes, make some tea, put on some new music and get to work. Last night, I wrote two letters that Iāve been meaning to write for weeks and picked out a present for somebody close to me. A weight off my shoulders fixed in an hour!
Apr 6, 2025
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I plan to do āpersonal workā right after work. Usually thatās writing or another creative pursuit at a coffee shop for an hour or two. Sometimes itās a chore or errand. But only one thing with a finite stopping point. Then I need to relax and do something fun after. I make dinner and watch a show or listen to a podcast or music. Then after watch a movie, read a book, or play a video game.
Jan 17, 2025
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I put my phone in another room. I agree with aidanaguirre about using the Pomodoro technique; that was instrumental to me in developing my sense of work ethic and discipline. A major part of productivity is just removing temptations and distractions so that it's not even an option to do anything but work.
I use kanban style project management software to plan out projects. You could obviously just use calendars or a planner but for longer term projects i find this to be really helpful. in the past i would break these projects up into small chunks of progress and reward myself throughout the day with a little treat every time I completed a chunk... so I would say the carrot stick method of conditioning yourself to associate progress with a reward helps.
If your work is more task based I would recommend making to-do lists; sometimes Iāve also created schedules for the completion of to-do lists and rigidly adhered to them. Setting goals helps too!
At my most productive times I would diffuse a scent that I would only use while working and play ASMR ambience or field recordings associated with that scent (forest essential oil blend and forest sounds for example) to create kind of a relaxing sensory experience where the connection to productivity would grow stronger every time I was successful with itā¦ advanced productivity hack.
Controversial but intermittent fasting helps my mind stay clear and focused in my sedentary workā¦
Going into nature on a regular basis helps me, spending time with my pets, eating good food, and also making sure to fully decompress at the end of the day with yin yoga and a hot bath.
May 23, 2024
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1. 15 minutes of cleaning, organizing, something task oriented that feels productive and you can SEE. after that timer goes off youāre DONE! Good work.
2. next, itās outside time. Maybe you walk to get a treat, find a flower, see a nice building, smile at a stranger. This can be a quick trip if you need it to, or find a podcast or album to listen to on a longer walk.
3. Food that makes you feel good nutritionally and food that makes you feel good emotionally. Chocolate cake and an apple. carrots and hummus and twizzlers. Indiana food! Get both.
4. Guilt free SCHEDULED relaxing Of any kind- bed rot, tv time, video games, whatever. its Your job to do it.
This basic formula helps me.
Apr 10, 2024
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Because a swap is easier than a new habit. Insta is numbing and PI is inspiring. Thanks for being here yāall.
Apr 6, 2025
The vibes are the coziest. Warm, caring, soft. Reminds me to take time to slow down and feel.
Feb 28, 2025
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Mom named me Maria after Maria von Trapp because she chose adventure and decided to make her own path. Growing up Catholic and in a musical family, I couldnāt imagine having any other name.
Apr 6, 2025