Do you find that you are simply not getting as much done as you used to? The dirty dishes stay around longer. The laundry can be found in piles scattered around the house. Not all of the math problems are getting done — and forget the science experiments! It usually sneaks up on us, perhaps as a result of a temporary illness or change in routine. Before we know it we have assumed lazy habits. Here are 10 ideas for overcoming lazy habits:
1. Be patient.
Realize that developing lazy habits doesn’t happen overnight — and it will take time and effort to correct. Be patient, stay with it one step and one day at a time!
2. Make a plan.
Make a list of things that you really want to correct, big or small, whether those things include staying on top of the laundry, or reading aloud with the children every day. Put the list in order of priority.
3. Create a schedule.
The best-laid plans will avail us nothing until they are put into operation! Make a time for those things you really want to accomplish. Start small — scheduling only the first one or two items from your list. As those priorities seem to be moving along, you can add others (also one at a time) until you’ve reached your goals.
Besides putting our plans into action, there are other advantages to creating a schedule: During times of fatigue a schedule keeps us moving in the right direction — without having to give our daily agenda too much thought. Also, if we have scheduled those empty times with something that we need to get done, we’ll be less tempted to engage in those lazy habits!
4. Get enough sleep.
Sometimes we are “lazy” because we are genuinely fatigued! If the fatigue is due to our late hours, it is easily remedied. Go to bed earlier. Get up at the same time each day. Be sure to limit caffeine before bed.
5. Eat right.
Other times our fatigue is due to a poor diet — particularly a diet full of sugar! Go light on sugar. Try to eat a healthy-for-you mix of proteins, complex carbs, and fats.
6. Exercise.
Exercise is a great energy booster. Even if you are only able to spend 15 minutes a day walking, running, lifting free weights, or engaging in a few pushups, situps, or squats, you’ll feel more energized.
7. Turn off the TV.
Limit any other “vegging” activities. For some this includes social Internet sites, for others “candy” entertainment-type reading. Anything that you use to “escape” can be limited. Clearing these passive and draining activities out of your schedule frees up more room for those things you really want to accomplish than you might imagine!
8. Get outside.
Fresh air isn’t just for kids!
9. Invest in an interest.
Find something that really interests you — perhaps a project you have been postponing, an interest that you simply haven’t found time for — that you can pick up and enjoy. Add it to your schedule, even if you can allot only 15 minutes each day or 1/2 hour every other day. Draw on the motivation within!
10. Think eternally.
We are only given so much time. Make it count!
Additional Resources
2-Step Daily Schedule
One way to plan to get it all done.
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