You already know these days the place you know precisely what you have to do – go to the health club, 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, despite the fact that 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 the majority of us try to perpetually power productiveness in an surroundings that doesn’t really feel protected, pleasurable, or regulated. So our brains insurgent. They throw up resistance roadblock after roadblock. Every little thing turns right into a battle together with your toddler mind. It sucks.
The Answer: Romanticize Your Life
For the final yr or so, I’ve been enjoying with a apply I name Romanticizing Your Life—and no, it’s not nearly aesthetic lattes, getting your nails accomplished 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 accomplished with larger pleasure, ease, and intention.
Whether or not you’re a health lover, keep at dwelling mother, or a high-achiever attempting to make your targets really feel lighter and extra sustainable, this straightforward apply 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 easy methods 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.
- Gentle a candle earlier than you sit right down to journal or plan your week.
- Hold a grounding important oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood) at your desk or in your health club bag.
While you pair scent with a particular activity, your mind begins to affiliate that scent with security, intention, and vitality. Your physique will really feel safer in its surroundings to get the duty accomplished.
SOUND: Create an Emotional Soundtrack
For those who had been the star of your individual film (which you’re), what music could be enjoying throughout your coaching montage? Or your focus scene?
- Use binaural beats or instrumental music to ease into deep work mode.
- Attempt light 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 possibly can even create a unique playlist for every activity/temper. I’ve bought 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 constantly? Give your mind a sound it desires to observe and boosts the vibe you need to really feel.
SIGHT: Curate the Scene
When your surroundings seems to be good, you really feel good — and once you really feel good, you get extra accomplished. Make your house extra inviting and welcoming.
- Open the blinds. Let pure mild flood in.
- Tidy up the house the place you’ll be working or transferring your physique.
- Use your favourite mug in your espresso.
- Hold your favourite stuffed animal/blanket/picture close by and take a look at it intermittently and hook up with the enjoyment you are feeling when it.
Make your surroundings really feel lovely to you. When your house displays the vitality you wish to convey, your nervous system softens. You cease resisting and also you begin leaning in. And you may visually anchor to the issues that convey you pleasure in your house.
TOUCH: Regulate Via Texture
Bodily sensations floor you within the current second. And the extra current you are feeling, the much less seemingly you’re to disassociate or procrastinate.
- Use a fuzzy blanket whereas doing an annoying admin activity.
- Sit on a yoga mat as an alternative of a stiff chair whereas working in your laptop computer.
- Placed on a few 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 when you work.
- Sip a “predominant character beverage” whereas doing a activity 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.
- Hold a properly-portioned bowl of wholesome snacks close by to gasoline when 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. While 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 method to convey 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 accomplished?! – Alex
