&
Mind
Wellbeing
How To Be More Productive
I
t’s a lazy time of year, isn’t it? No big
holidays to keep us hustling, no springy
weather to beckon us outdoors. If you’re
lacking the motivation to do anything but eat
soup and watch telly, try one of these tips to
inject some efficiency and productivity back
into your life.
1. Set a physical goal. Register for a 10K that
will be held six-to-eight weeks from now. Write
down your training plan, and start following
it immediately. Regular exercise will give you
more energy and optimism, and a goal will
keep you focused.
2. Join a weekly club or class. Have you always
wanted to learn Italian? Maybe painting,
photography, or web design? You’ll marvel at
how your schedule expands to fit in a weekly
commitment, and how the amount of time you
usually waste naturally dissipates. Meanwhile,
the newfound camaraderie and personal growth
will transform your day-to-day sense of purpose.
3. Make a schedule for yourself. With less sun
and structure, we lie in too long, snack and
sip endlessly, and stay up too late. Then, we
look back at the day and ask, ‘Where did those
hours go?’ Brainstorm what each day should
hold and write it out: What time to wake, eat,
exercise, work, be social, read, explore new
skills, and, yes, relax. This isn’t a forever sched-
ule, but when your willpower is as low as it is
right now, a bossy piece of paper can keep you
on track.
4. Look at your diet. If bad habits took hold
over the festive season, they are most certainly
bringing you down now. Too much caffeine,
alcohol, sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed
carbs are not only bad for the waistline, but lead
to fitful sleep, lethargic mornings, and aimless
afternoons. Up your water intake and focus on
eating foods that have only one ingredient.
5. Plan something you’re looking forward to.
After the back-to-back festivities of December,
this time of year can be particularly deflating.
Book a fun, invigorating getaway — and make
sure it’s at least a month or so away. Studies
show that simply looking forward to an event
can be satisfying and invigorating.
ISSUE #10 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 8