You recognize these days the place you know precisely what it’s worthwhile to do – go to the fitness center, 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 the majority of us are attempting to perpetually pressure productiveness in an atmosphere that doesn’t really feel secure, pleasurable, or regulated. So our brains insurgent. They throw up resistance roadblock after roadblock. All the things 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 observe I name Romanticizing Your Life—and no, it’s not nearly aesthetic lattes, getting your nails performed weekly, touring to unique places, or pretending your life is a Netflix Romcom.
Nah, it’s far more sensible and accessible than that.
It’s truly a good mix of easy sensory engagement, nervous system regulation, and mindset work that helps you get sh*t performed 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 observe will change the way you present as much as deal with 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 Scent
Scent is without doubt one of 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 all the way down to journal or plan your week.
- Hold a grounding important oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood) at your desk or in your fitness center bag.
If you pair scent with a selected 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 performed.
SOUND: Create an Emotional Soundtrack
In the event you had been the star of your personal film (which you might be), 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 sluggish, reflective duties like stretching or journaling.
- Pump up the jams with really feel good music for exercises.
BONUS TIP: Actually create a playlist known as “Romanticize Your Life”. I’ve one, and it’s on repeat each day. You may even create a special playlist for every process/temper. I’ve bought folks music for work hours and gangsta rap for exercises. It’s known as VERSATILITY, okay?!
Music shifts your state. If you wish to present up extra persistently? Give your mind a sound it desires to observe and boosts the vibe you need to really feel.
SIGHT: Curate the Scene
When your atmosphere appears to be like good, you really feel good — and if you really feel good, you get extra performed. 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/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 house displays the power you need to convey, your nervous system softens. You cease resisting and also you begin leaning in. And you’ll 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 possible you might be to disassociate or procrastinate.
- Use a fuzzy blanket whereas doing an annoying admin process.
- Sit on a yoga mat as an alternative 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 must fold the mountain of laundry.
Contact brings you into your physique — and a regulated physique is a targeted, succesful physique. Don’t underestimate how a lot a comfortable 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 “fundamental character beverage” whereas doing a process you’d usually dread—suppose 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 gas whilst you work.
When your mind hyperlinks productiveness with tiny pleasures, it begins craving the method — not simply the 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. If you layer in sensory rituals, you give your mind a cause to really feel good whereas being productive. And when productiveness feels good? You’ll truly 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 partaking. It’s about creating the protection and self-connection that your physique desperately craves. It’s a nervous system-friendly solution to convey presence, pleasure, and focus into your each day duties—particularly those that usually really feel like a chore.
What would your main-character-self put on, drink, and take heed to whereas getting shit performed?! – Alex