3 Effective Ways to Kickstart Productivity When You’re Stuck

You know the feeling… like a weight is tied to your ankle. Your molasses brain is so heavy that your eyelids don’t feel fully open. It’s not something a cup of coffee can cure, it’s a deeper lethargy that pulls you down. You’re suddenly very aware of Earth’s gravitational pull and you’re peeved about it. You want to be energized. Yet, everything in your body is preventing productivity from happening. Your to-do list is ever-growing and the idea of not crossing things off today only makes tomorrow all the more dreaded. Sigh. What to do!?

We’ve all been there and sometimes it can hit shockingly quickly. The day prior was full of completion, you were energized, on top of your game, and full of pep in your step! Today, you can’t even recognize that version of yourself. Where did that version of me go? More importantly, how do I get it back?! 

Why am I writing this? Because I’m in one of those slumps today myself! If you’re anything like me you are used to the “power through” approach. I’m here to say, that hurts more than it helps! Sure, you may get through a few items on your to-do list, but at what cost? Your body continues deeper into the sluggish spiral, oftentimes taking your attitude to a new low. Nope, let’s take a different approach this time and love on ourselves with a quick, yet effective approach. Try out these three quick, yet effective ways to reinvigorate that pep in your step.

#1. Write About It

First and foremost, before you can even think about getting back on track, you gotta shake off that guilt. Internally beating yourself up does not serve you, it does nothing but drag you down further. Take a moment and acknowledge where you are. Say it out loud, “I’m a productive person who is having an unproductive moment and that is ok.” This pitstop of unproductivity does not define you, don’t let it! Own the feeling, then release it. 

Now that you’ve released that which does not serve you, pull out a piece of paper and think back to a time of peak productivity. Maybe that was just yesterday or maybe you have to go a bit farther back, but focus on a time you felt at the top of your game. Write out a short list of all you accomplished in that moment and how you got there. The before, the during, and the after. How did you start out that day? What emotions were you feeling through the process? How did you feel after you completed the task?

Next, think of this day right now. Yes, the one where you’re stuck. Write three accomplishments that have happened today. This day of “unproductivity”. Don’t roll your eyes! Yes, even today you have indeed accomplished things. Did you make yourself breakfast? Did you get dressed? Did you take the trash out? Did you get your kid dressed and out the door to school on time (always a big accomplishment in my house)? Write those three things down and congratulate yourself. See, even on days when you feel like you’re completely unproductive you still took small actions to move yourself forward. Be proud of those. They count too. Now that we’ve got your mind in a better place, let’s move on to the second step.

#2. Move Your Body

Think back to that day of peak productivity from the first action item. Did you have any physical activity that day? Or maybe the day prior? There’s a good chance. Movement kickstarts endorphins and releases positive hormones throughout your body. Without movement our body and mind become sluggish. Often our mind is reflective of the state of our body. All it needs is a jumpstart. Move your body and your mind will follow.

“But movement is the last thing I feel like doing in this state!” you say. I hear ya. Me too! So don’t overthink it. I’m not saying head to the gym and have a productive weight-lifting session. I’m saying stand up and simply… move!

What movement do you need? Whatever makes you happy! Want to dance around the living room to your favorite song? Do it! Craving a run or walk? Hit the road! Rather do a yoga or stretch session? By all means! Is all of this too much? How about hitting two birds with one stone, and vacuum the house? This counts as movement and checks a chore off the to-do list. Want to try something you most likely haven’t done in years that will certainly bring a smile to your face? Reconnect with your childlike self with some skipping. Yup, good ‘ol skip-to-my-lou style. Truly it doesn’t matter what you choose, but get up and move that incredible body of yours!

#3. Breathe Fresh Air

Now that you’re up, the next step is to get outside. Nothing awakens our body like nature. This can be anything from walking in the forest, to simply stepping outside and taking three deep breaths. If you opt for the simpler option, I encourage you to look at something from nature while taking these deep breaths. Even if you live in the city you can still find nature. Look for a tree lining your street, a bird flying overhead, or a flower bed hanging from someone’s window. Mother Nature is all around us, and to connect with her nurtures our hearts and nourishes our souls.

Concentrate on those three deep breaths, don’t rush this. With each breath thank yourself for the steps you’ve accomplished. Ideally, you stay outside for 30 minutes, but at the very least, try to remain outside for 5 minutes. It takes a moment for the buzz to leave your body and the effects of nature and deep breathing to settle in. If you walk on the earth barefoot, often you can feel the buzz leave through your feet back into the Earth. This is called grounding and has an almost immediate effect on your body. 

Bring It All Together

Through these simple, yet powerful, steps you’ve re-connected with your body and mind. Self-care comes in many forms and this is one successful way to nurture ourselves when we need a little extra love. With a bit of time and grace, you’ll be back on track before you know it. Let’s stop “powering through” and start listening to our bodies’ needs instead. That’s where the real magic lies and the true productivity. 

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