THREE WAYS TO BREAK THE CYCLE, AND GET SH*T DONE
Yep, sure - I’m on it. I just need to quickly clean the oven, balance my accounts, walk the dog, shave my beard, plan my next birthday party and spend three hours in an insta hole. Sound familiar?
Start with why
According to life coach, Marty Nemko - figuring out the cause of your task-dodging behaviours is the first step. Maybe you avoid things that are too difficult, or too boring? Are you potentially freaked out by success, or by failing?
Once you have an idea of why you’re procrastinating, you can think about ways to address the cause - rather than the symptom. For example, if you’re bored by a task, like cleaning your flat - get a cleaner. Even if you’re not a high-roller, the freed up time and headspace is well worth the investment. Or, if your issue is that the task is too hard - can you outsource it, or learn a new skill to make it less daunting?
At some point though, cause or not - we all procrastinate on things that need to get done. Here’s a handful of hacks to help you get on with it.
Three mental hacks to stop procrastinating
Think of future you.
If the you in a couple of hours’ time would thank current you for doing something - do yourself a favour and do it. A good point to remind yourself to do this is when you realise you’ve veered (or are deciding to veer) off course.
Make it a ritual.
For truly grisly tasks (I’m looking at you, expenses), schedule a manageable chunk of time to do it, like an hour every week. That way, you’re chipping away at it and it won’t feel like a behemoth to be avoided at all costs.
The tomato technique
This is technically called the pomodoro method - but I find that distracting and it makes me hungry. Anyway. Basically, you set a timer for 20 minutes and work on your task until the alarm goes off. Then, you get five minutes of play time to do whatever you want. Then start again and repeat until your task is done. You can obvs adjust the timings to suit you, but it works on the basis that you get rewarded for uninterrupted work time.
FOR THE NERDY: Procrastination causes and cures [Source: Psychology Today]
Want More of This? Get Some Brain Food Every Week.
BRAIN FOOD - BLUEBERRY ICE LOLLIES
This week, we asked founder of allplants, Jonathan 'JP' Petrides, to share one of his favourite brain-healthy recipes. He told us about these ice-lollies… and well. It’s started a minor addiction. JP is all about keeping things as earth-friendly as possible, so he chose blueberries - which are in season right now, so you should be able to get them without a major carbon footprint - and hopefully, less packaging. So, pick up a load at your local farmers’ market and chuck ‘em in the freezer - so you can continue your ice-lolly habit year-round.
“Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense berries. The antioxidants from them benefit and help maintain brain function and improve your memory. During those mid-afternoon slumps at your desk, they're great to nibble on and the perfect brain-boosting ingredient for a healthy treat!"
-JP
Why is it good for my brain?
You’ve got to get on the blueb train for your brain. They boost memory and cognitive function, they’re great brain-fuel for kids and are packed with vitamin C to help boost your immune system too. The natural yoghurt used to blend up your lollies is also great for your gut bacteria (make sure it’s probiotic), which can help lessen symptoms of depression.
What you’ll need: 250g blueberries, 1/2 lemon, juiced, 250g plant based natural yoghurt (like soy or coconut), 3 tbsp maple syrup, ice lolly moulds.
Cooking time: 10 mins prep, 4 hours freezing
Method:
Blend your blueberries and lemon juice until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve placed over a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix your yoghurt and maple syrup.
Grab your ice lolly moulds, and pour in a little of your blueberry mixture, then a little bit of your yoghurt mixture, and so on until the moulds are full.
Use the back of a spoon to create swirls inside the moulds.
Transfer to your freezer and let sit for 30 minutes before inserting the wooden holders.
Freeze until solid (3-4 hours).
Try not to eat them all at once.
FOR THE NERDY: Read more with our handy A-Z of brain food [source: trydawn.co]. Also original recipe from JP.
WHAT WE LOVE THIS WEEK
Watch: Sometimes, just when you think you’re at rock bottom - your whole world can change. Comedian Steve Harvey shares his personal story of how he went from homeless to Showtime at the Apollo in the space of four days.
Read: Is it better to be a specialist or a generalist? Turns out that laser-focus thinking may not actually be doing us any favours, and it’s really all about range. [guardian]
Listen: You can’t be something you’re not. An interesting listen on how our subconscious beliefs about ourselves impact our reality, and what we can do to change them. [spotify]
Follow: All Plants - Creators of delicious chef-made, plant-based frozen meals that are ready in as little as 6 mins, they also share great plant-based recipes.
So what are you going to procrastinate less about this week? I've focused on getting ahead on our email content. I'm off to Burning Man next Sunday which means I've already prepped the next 2 weeks of brain food for you, as there's no phone reception which means it's a rather intense way to be forced to "switch off" but it's a guaranteed way to get a full digital detox. See you on the other side ✌
Dan
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