Make Your Bed And 11 Other Ways To Be Productive During The Day

When we started talking about languishing and the feeling of not accomplishing anything, we got lots of comments back on how to turn that around.

How do we feel productive during the day?

Everyone needs something different to feel productive, but much it boils down to connection and order – the need for everything to be in its place.

We're not talking about obsessively cleaning, although we do have a good tip for that.

So, let's take a look at ways you can feel productive and get more out of your day.

1. Get Dressed

The act of changing out of your night clothes and into something for the day helps put you in the mindset to get things done. You become ready for the day.

Many people figured out working from home that they really did need to get changed for the day to begin working. Staying around in their pajamas was comfortable, there's no doubt about that, but it doesn't let your mind get out of bed.

2. Go For A Daily Walk

Don't be stuck in the house. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine helps stimulate vitamin D production, which can help reduce depression and anxiety. Walking is excellent exercise, too.

3. Journal

Keep track of your thoughts by writing them down. Journaling is a great way to get your worries on paper and be able to deal with them. Plus, you can go back and review any reoccurring issue that might be popping up.

4. Clean For 15 Minutes

If you take 15 minutes every day to pick up odds and ends, dust, sweep, and put away the dishes, you don't have to worry about it on the weekend. For most people, 15 minutes a day is enough to keep your house orderly and neat, so when you do have to do a deep clean, it's much faster. (If you have kids or a spouse, do 15 minutes per person)

5. Schedule 30 Minutes To Learn A New Skill

This could be learning a language, music, art, or any hobby that might interest you. It's a great way to keep your mind focused, and learning a new skill is one of the primary ways to help prevent dementia.

6. Garden

Growing flowers and vegetables is therapeutic. Even if you don't have open space, a few succulents in your window or a few pots on the porch help bring peace and calm to your mind. Plus, the act of removing weeds is therapeutic for most people, as it creates an orderly landscape at the end.

7. Write A Letter Or Card To A Friend

Connecting to your friends and loved ones is essential for keeping your mental health and a sense of purpose. Sending a quick note to your friends and family shows that you still care about them.

We recommend handwriting at least some of the notes. The act of physically writing something carries more significance in today's society of electronic media dominance. Many people feel a greater sense of connection with a handwritten note.

8. Turn Off Your Phone

Phone calls, texts, emails, notifications… most people receive over a hundred different things on their phone every day. Turning off your phone for a set period can give you peace and quiet to get your tasks done.

9. Drink 1 Gallon Of Water

Most people are dehydrated, and it's a contributing factor to many illnesses. Drinking more water improves your health. You can know that you're taking at least one step to taking care of yourself with getting enough water.

10. Say No To At Least One Thing

And if you're like us, it's tough to say no to anything, and that's why we're chronically overbooked and stressed. Saying no to one thing every day gets you in the practice of saying no when it really matters. It can be something as simple as saying no to an extra helping at dinner or no to procrastinating. This little act gives you more self-confidence and freedom.

11. Make One Complex Meal

Maybe not a complex one, but something more than just reheating leftovers or a microwave meal. Take the time to cut up some vegetables and cook. It improves your skills and helps improve your health. Plus, it tastes good and saves you money!

12. Make Your Bed

When you wake up, make your bed right away. Because at least that is one thing you accomplished for the day. Even if nothing else happens, you at least made your bed.

On top of that, making your bed provides a sense of order to your bedroom, and that can help you go to sleep faster the next night.

We hope you take these tips and apply them to your life so you can feel a better sense of accomplishment about your day. Once you start building good habits, you can build on those habits, become more productive, and get done what you need to.