Days keep getting shorter and especially with the recent switch to daylight savings, it’s all too easy to go into hibernation mode. Unfortunately, doing so can affect individuals in many ways – from not getting enough exposure to sunlight to suffering from seasonal affective disorder to simply wasting the day away or even depression. Simply put: You’re feeling stuck. But what do to when you’re not feeling motivated?
Get out of bed
The only thing worse than feeling unmotivated in the morning are feelings of remorse and regret at the end of the day for not having gotten anything accomplished. That feeling of being stuck can be a powerful one, so rise and shine, it’s time to get on with the day!
CLUTTERFLY TIP
If you’re truly struggling to get out of bed, when you eventually have to get up to go to the bathroom, make it impossible to crawl back into bed by stripping all your bed sheets off. You can’t snuggle back into bed while your bedding is in the washing machine. The bonus? Come nighttime, that blissful feeling of freshly laundered sheets is truly one of the simplest pleasures in life.
Clear off your bed
Consider this. The average bedroom is approximately 11” x 12” or 132 ft.² and the square footage of a queen bed is approximately 35 ft². This means that by just clearing off your bed you have essentially tidied up about 25% of your bedroom!
Make your bed
No matter how tired you feel or how rushed you are, make this quick step a part of your morning routine, including on weekends. If you’ve got a partner, have them help – it’s amazing how fast and easy it is to make a bed when one person’s straightening and flattening sheets from each side of the bed. Once your bed is made, you visibly had a substantial area that now looks neat and tidy. Of course, you may also have some clothes to fold and other things to put away. It will only take a few minutes, so do it now.
If making your bed has become challenging because of your health i.e. it you have arthritis, a broken arm or a stiff back, it may be time to reconsider your bedding. For example, you may have a traditional swoon-worthy bed that looks like it’s from the pages of a home décor magazine, but if you don’t have the room at night to put all the extra decorative pillows any where or it’s too much work even lifting the heavy overstuffed pillows, it may be time to eliminate all but the pillows you actually use to read and sleep in bed with.
You may also want to consider how many layers of bedding you have, swapping a traditional flat sheet and a blanket for a single cosy duvet makes for a much easier bed to make. Having just a duvet instead of layers of bedding is also a smart strategy for your kids’ rooms, especially if you want them making their own beds before school.
Make a list
Whether on a piece of paper or your cell phone, list the tasks you’d like to get done before the end of the day. Prioritize tasks that are both important and urgent and assign an amount of time to each. Also, use a timer to stay on track!. Be realistic about both how much time you have and your own physical limitations. The last thing you want is to over-do it and end up sore and aching for the next few days. And always remember to include a reward for yourself once you cross everything off the list, even if it ends up taking you longer that you anticipated. For example, a long bubble bath can make for an enticing incentive to get chores done and things organized. Plus, while prepping for tub time you may end up finally getting around to tidying up your bathroom.
Make A Phone Call
If you’re struggling to even get out of bed, much get anything done around your home – especially if you live alone – pick up the phone. Even if you’re not crossing things off your To Do list, it’s important to maintain your connections with friends and family. Even if you don’t go out and see them, just hearing their voice can provide some comfort to help you get through the day. And while you’ve got your phone in your hand, give me a call too…I can help you get started!