Last Updated on July 30, 2021
Thought I will write on this since it’s the time of the year when everyone’s busy setting New Year resolutions.
Do you often find yourself procrastinating- having so many tasks in mind to be completed but not moving your butt to do any of them? Wanting to do great things but can’t seems to take the first step? Sometimes the number of tasks you have in your head become so intimidating that you would either:
a. lie in bed all day long and hating yourself for it, and/or
b. turning to the fridge and food for comfort- normally it is either those high in sugar or carbs.
No worries- you are not alone. There are a lot of homosapiens out there who displayed similar traits. There are so many things we want to do, but when the time and opportunity comes to do it, somehow we seemed to lose the energy to do it. It is understandable that some days, we just don’t feel like waking up (especially weekends) but if that is happening all the time, you would really need to relook into your activity levels.
Pic Source: Taken from a local housing advertisement
There is a simple way that I find had helped me to overcome procrastination in daily tasks- that is to get moving- doing any form of exercise helps. Once you get yourself into motion, things will start falling in place. You may consider doing the following:
- going out for a walk- preferably to a park when you can see lots of greenery. It helps to relax your mind
- do simple household tasks like sweeping, moping or just pacing around the house/apartment
- open your favourite music and dance to it
When your body is active, happy hormones are secreted- and helps you to relax. Exercise and physical activity have been proven time and time again to help to relief stress- it is really true- else qualified researchers will not be preaching it all the time.
I have been a fairly active person. However, there was a time in my life that I was inactive and I find myself procrastinating a lot- and hating myself for not be able to get tasks done. What is wrong with my will power? Why don’t I feel powered up like I used to?
Then I realized there is one big difference- somehow, I had become inactive. And when I am inactive and still eating the same amount of carbs as I used to, coupled with the heat from the weather (it is 38 degrees on some days here), I started to feel lazy, demotivated and find myself procrastinating.
I looked at my house garden and silently scolded myself for not clearing the garden- the weeds had grown since I last cleared it months ago. That time, I was motivated. At times, I seemed to be drained of energy.
One morning, I realized enough was enough- I was going to do something about it. So after breakfast, I changed into thicker long pants, wore socks (I really dislike mosquitos) with my slippers and gardening gloves. And I start to get moving- pulling weeds, putting broken branches aside and rubbish into plastic bags. I focused on the task and soon find the activity, morning sunshine and greenery helped my system ‘recover’. I felt my energy came back and I spent the whole day moving around- during all sorts of housework- even though they seemed trivial.
And the procrastinating stopped. When previously I had ideas and inspiration to write some new posts only to have my mind go blank when I sit in front of my laptop– the simple act of doing some gardening somehow freshen up my mind and had my creativity coming. I got inspiration to write some articles in my Life Blog– I think I have already written about 4 posts already.
That is why, I always advocate that we have to stay active. And don’t procrastinate about it- you must quickly act before you can think. Else, your evil side will probably talk you out of it. For instance, if you find that you often procrastinate about going to the gym, have your gym bag well packed and placed in your car. Prepare everything before hand. Then, drive straight to the gym before you have time to think more on the next day after work. Or during the weekend. Often, you give yourself excuses like ‘I’m too tired’, ‘I’m not in the mood’, etc in order to skip gym.
But you would find that the times when you are able to drag yourself to the gym and worked out a good sweat, you always seemed to feel better- emotionally. When you feel more relaxed, then your mind will be ready to tackle other assignment that you have in hand. And what’s more, you think better too with a clear mind, enabling you to get more things done in less time.
Now ain’t that good or what? Just give my suggestion a try, please and see for yourself 🙂
HAPPY NEW YEAR and may all your wishes and aspirations come true.
