You’re tired. You’ve done a lot — too much, in fact. You are busy making your way through list after list, wading through piles of ‘to-do’s,’ working yourself to the ground in the process — stop.
Seriously, it’s time to stop. I know, because I’ve been there — too many times.
It can feel almost addictive, running on the Productivity Treadmill. But the rush of energy isn’t endorphins — it’s adrenaline, and it’s likely to be pushing you over the edge.
Does this sound like you, or something you’ve dealt with in the past?
Here are 3 reasons why you need to get off the Productivity Treadmill, and allow yourself a ‘Get Nothing Done’ day.
But first, what is a ‘Get Nothing Done’ day?
As the name suggests, it’s about taking a day off — from life. It’s about removing any existing pressure by recognising it exists, and giving yourself permission to deal with it later. Or tomorrow.
But what if you have so much to get done, you simply can’t afford to take a day off? If this sounds like you, you actually need it the most.
You see, there’s nothing wrong with pausing. And if you’ve lived too long without it, there’s everything right with it.
Here’s why:
If you’re tired, rest
Remember that old saying: listen to your body? Well, somewhere along the way, the signal may have gotten lost in between the piles of laundry waiting for your attention. But you can uncover it, and you should.
So if you’re tired, just rest. Take a break, or a nap, or both. I’m a big advocate for afternoon naps. Have you tried them?
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Multitasking is overrated
It makes me curious why so many companies use the term ‘multitasking’ in their job descriptions. In reality, doing more than one thing at a time actually slows everything down, which achieves the opposite goal.
I like to think that doing one task at a time is far more productive. It means you can see that task through to the end, from start to finish, and complete it properly before moving on to the next.
So, yes — in my books? Multitasking is completely overrated. Focus instead on the precise moment.
Fresh air helps, but so does staying home in your pj’s
On ‘Get Nothing Done’ days, I like to take off any outside pressure. And if it means I stay home for most of the day drinking tea in my comfiest pj’s — so be it.
The important thing? Do what makes you feel wholesome and alive again. It’s ok to hibernate, but if a brisk walk is more your thing — go for it. Or do a bit of both, if that’s what your gut is telling you.
A post on Instagram that was being shared around summed it up well:
“Some days are Sad Girl Days (extra time in bed, hot showers, burning candles, warm tea). Other days are Bad Bitch Days (loud music, favourite outfits, lots of productivity. Both are important. Both are necessary. Don’t be afraid to listen to what you need.”
Instagram, you managed to hit the nail on the head with this one!
