You already know these days the place you know precisely what it is advisable do – go to the gymnasium, prep your meals, do the laundry, reply the emails – however your mind simply says “nope, not gonna occur”?
Not since you don’t care about these issues. Not since you’re lazy. However as a result of all of it simply feels so … heavy. Overwhelming. Boring.
And, though it’s the very first thing most of us attain for, the answer isn’t simply downing one other cup of espresso hoping for liquid self-discipline whereas whispering “no excuses” to your self.
The issue is that almost all of us are attempting to perpetually power productiveness in an atmosphere that doesn’t really feel secure, pleasurable, or regulated. So our brains insurgent. They throw up resistance roadblock after roadblock. Every part turns right into a struggle together with your toddler mind. It sucks.
The Answer: Romanticize Your Life
For the final yr or so, I’ve been enjoying with a follow I name Romanticizing Your Life—and no, it’s not nearly aesthetic lattes, getting your nails carried out weekly, touring to unique areas, or pretending your life is a Netflix Romcom.
Nah, it’s far more sensible and accessible than that.
It’s really a sensible mix of straightforward sensory engagement, nervous system regulation, and mindset work that helps you get sh*t carried out with larger pleasure, ease, and intention.
Whether or not you’re a health lover, keep at house mother, or a high-achiever making an attempt to make your targets really feel lighter and extra sustainable, this straightforward follow will change the way you present as much as sort out all of the issues in your to-do listing.
Time to hook up with your senses. 👂👁️👃👅🖐️
Right here’s the right way to do it:
SCENT: Anchor Your self With a Signature Odor
Odor is among the quickest methods to shift your emotional state. It bypasses logic and hits your limbic system—the a part of your mind tied to reminiscence, emotion, and temper.
- Mild a candle earlier than you sit right down to journal or plan your week.
- Maintain a grounding important oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood) at your desk or in your gymnasium bag.
Once you pair scent with a particular process, your mind begins to affiliate that odor with security, intention, and power. Your physique will really feel safer in its atmosphere to get the duty carried out.
SOUND: Create an Emotional Soundtrack
In the event you have been the star of your personal film (which you’re), what music can be enjoying throughout your coaching montage? Or your focus scene?
- Use binaural beats or instrumental music to ease into deep work mode.
- Attempt mild rain or forest sounds for gradual, reflective duties like stretching or journaling.
- Pump up the jams with really feel good music for exercises.
BONUS TIP: Actually create a playlist referred to as “Romanticize Your Life”. I’ve one, and it’s on repeat every day. You’ll be able to even create a unique playlist for every process/temper. I’ve obtained folks music for work hours and gangsta rap for exercises. It’s referred to as VERSATILITY, okay?!
Music shifts your state. If you wish to present up extra persistently? Give your mind a sound it desires to comply with and boosts the vibe you need to really feel.
SIGHT: Curate the Scene
When your atmosphere seems good, you really feel good — and if you really feel good, you get extra carried out. Make your area extra inviting and welcoming.
- Open the blinds. Let pure mild flood in.
- Tidy up the area the place you’ll be working or transferring your physique.
- Use your favourite mug in your espresso.
- Maintain your favourite stuffed animal/blanket/photograph close by and take a look at it intermittently and connect with the enjoyment you are feeling when taking a look at it.
Make your atmosphere really feel lovely to you. When your area displays the power you need to carry, your nervous system softens. You cease resisting and also you begin leaning in. And you’ll visually anchor to the issues that carry you pleasure in your area.
TOUCH: Regulate By means of Texture
Bodily sensations floor you within the current second. And the extra current you are feeling, the much less doubtless you’re to disassociate or procrastinate.
- Use a fuzzy blanket whereas doing an annoying admin process.
- Sit on a yoga mat as a substitute of a stiff chair whereas working in your laptop computer.
- Placed on a number of the heat, fresh-out-of-the-dryer garments when you need to fold the mountain of laundry.
Contact brings you into your physique — and a regulated physique is a centered, succesful physique. Don’t underestimate how a lot a snug hoodie or fuzzy socks can change your day.
TASTE: Add Taste to Your Focus
Style is deeply tied to dopamine and reward — so give your self one thing scrumptious and intentional whilst you work.
- Sip a “most important character beverage” whereas doing a process you’d usually dread—assume lemon water in a wine glass, a greens drink in a mason jar, or protein espresso with fancy ice cubes and a pair swirls of caramel drizzle.
- Maintain a properly-portioned bowl of wholesome snacks close by to gas whilst you work.
When your mind hyperlinks productiveness with tiny pleasures, it begins craving the method — not simply the end result.
Let’s Make Every Day a Little Extra Romantic
Your nervous system isn’t wired for punishment — it’s wired for security, pleasure, and rhythm. Once you layer in sensory rituals, you give your mind a purpose to really feel good whereas being productive. And when productiveness feels good? You’ll really do the stuff you’ve been avoiding.
Romanticizing your life is about deliberately creating moments that really feel so rattling good, your mind stops resisting and begins participating. It’s about creating the protection and self-connection that your physique desperately craves. It’s a nervous system-friendly option to carry presence, pleasure, and focus into your every day duties—particularly those that usually really feel like a chore.
What would your main-character-self put on, drink, and hearken to whereas getting shit carried out?! – Alex