We all have days when we do not feel like doing anything. We just want to lay on the bed, and surf through our phones, blocking out the noise of our parents and relatives. Most of us enjoy this period while it lasts, but at the end of the day, feel extremely guilty about not accomplishing anything.
It is very difficult to break out of this cycle of procrastination. Sometimes, even when half our days goes waste, we give up and continue the same routine throughout. Self-motivation should definitely be something everyone should follow, but here are a few tips on how to be more efficient and prevent procrastination.
The first way is to have an early start to the day. Waking up early in the morning can make your body feel energized and refreshed. Hence, you can tackle most of your work during this timeframe, since your mind possesses the maximum level of concentration in the mornings. Hence, you will have a positive mindset throughout your routine.
Another way is to eat light. Many people end up having a heavy lunch, which makes them feel drowsy and sluggish. It is very important to have food in limit and stop eating when you are 80% full. This is called the 80% rule. Along with eating light, one should also eat healthy. Good protein and carbohydrate intake helps you in the long run and shows long-term effects.
One of the key factors which also impacted me is to plan your day. In the morning, you should plan your day according to the work or study load. This keeps everything organized and systematic, and prevents you from forgetting any important deadlines or assignments. This also helps you to understand your method of working and the amount of work you can do in a day.
Many people depend on external factors, but the truth is you have the power to transform yourself. Always think positive. Even if you couldn’t get the work done till 2p.m, don’t feel disappointed. Sacrifice your leisure hours for a day to get the work done, and if it is not very urgent, shift it to the next day but make sure this does not become a cycle. Your self-control plays a very crucial role here. If you are engrossed in a very interesting movie or TV show, one should practice restraint, and stop watching after a certain period of time.
Yes, you can binge-watch during your free times or holidays, but don’t let it come in the way of your work. Keep your boundaries clear-cut, and prioritize all your tasks of the day. Apart from the previous things, try to avoid overthinking. Sometimes, a certain memory or thought can really trigger you, and you end up thinking a lot about it. Hence, ask yourself this question whenever you start overthinking or worrying about something that is not under your control. “Is this thought worth my time?” If the answer is no, try to block out that thought. This sounds very simple, but yes it is very hard to implement.
In the end, think about the bigger picture. Think about what you want to achieve in life, your goals for the next month or next year or even after a few years. This will definitely motivate you to keep going.