Suppose you’ve just returned from a long trip, and spent 14 hours travelling. Or perhaps you were up all night studying — or partying, even. Your eyes are heavy, and your legs are stiff. And your head hurts. A lot.
Whatever your situation, you have two choices:
- Apply no structure to the coming 48 hours, allowing yourself to do whatever your body pleases. Whatever is easiest.
- Apply a reset day. A day when you execute the same routine and timetable as any other week day, but complete easier, more robotic tasks (i.e. tidying, organising, cooking, cleaning, planning).
With strategy 1
- you will not sleep well.
- lethargy will carry on into the rest of your week
- you will get nothing done
- you will not feel good about yourself
- you will warp your schedule, making productivity more difficult
With strategy 2
- you will accomplish meaningful tasks that will make your week easier
- you will set yourself up for success in the following week
- you will create a positive mindset and attitude for the coming days
- you will maintain your schedule as usual, ensuring the quickest recovery from the lack of sleep.
How to do a reset day
Wake Up Early
Rise at your usual time; set an alarm if needed. No excuses — just get up. The less you think about this, the easier it is. Additionally, take a moment to stretch or do a quick workout to jumpstart your body.
Make Your Bed Immediately
Tackle the first task of the day right away by making your bed. It’s a simple accomplishment that sets a positive tone. Consider this as your first small victory, setting the stage for a day of achievements.
Refresh Yourself with a Morning Wash
Wash yourself immediately for a fresh start. A morning shower or face wash will invigorate your senses. If you’re feeling brave, make it cold. This small act can be a powerful catalyst for alertness.
Avoid TV and Social Media
Steer clear of the TV and resist the temptation to indulge in social media scrolling. Because of your lack of energy, time will pass quickly, and before you know it you will have implemented strategy 1, derailing your week. Instead, consider reading a chapter of a book or listening to a podcast to stimulate your mind.
Eat Well
Nourish yourself. Avoid fast food or anything too indulgent. Be aware of your cravings and try to keep your diet clean today. Consider preparing a balanced breakfast to provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Hydrate with Extra Water
You may as well, since you aren’t going anywhere. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water for a refreshing twist. Proper hydration enhances cognitive function and keeps you feeling more alert.
Tackle the Simple Tasks
Complete uncomplicated tasks that require minimal thought. This includes chores like washing clothes, buying groceries, and handling emails. Break down larger tasks into smaller steps for a sense of accomplishment.
Plan the Coming Week
Strategise the week. Plan how you will attack your workload, how you’ll stay on top, and things you can do to maximise your enjoyment. Use a planner or digital tool to organise your tasks and deadlines.
Get Outdoors
Step outside for some fresh air. Physical activity, even if minimal, helps shake off lethargy. Side note: It’s brilliant to push yourself physically when you’re at your most fatigued, since it boosts your threshold for hard work. Consider a short walk or light stretching.
Minimize Screen Time
I’ll say it again. Keep screen time to a minimum to avoid distractions and maintain focus on your reset day activities. Consider setting specific time blocks for work and leisure to manage your digital exposure.
Connect with a Friend
Take some time to talk to a friend. Social interactions contribute to a positive mindset. Instead of messaging, consider meeting up, or having a phone call or video chat for a more personal connection.
Engage in Relaxing Activities
As the day draws to a close, find a book or indulge in a slow-paced recreational activity to unwind. Consider meditation, gentle yoga, or a calming hobby to transition into a restful evening.
Wind Down Early in the Evening
As the evening approaches, acknowledge your fatigue. Allow yourself to go to bed an hour or two earlier than usual, facilitated by your early start. Tomorrow, you’ll wake up feeling as fresh as a daisy. Prepare your sleep environment for optimal rest — dim the lights and avoid stimulating activities before bedtime.
And that’s all. A recipe to take it easy while still maintaining discipline and momentum.
The rule derived from all this:
Apply the same routines every day with the same discipline no matter how good or bad you feel.
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Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Consider following me for more concise guides to productivity and fulfilment.
Until next time.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
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Photo credit: Cassidy Dickens on Unsplash
