Grace Made

We’ve all been there.

It’s soon to be noon and you are still in bed with little to no energy to take on the rest of the day ahead of you. A feeling of guilt is starting to set in due to not completing that list of tasks you planned to finish throughout the morning. You start pondering: “what if I could start this day over correctly?”.

While I cannot give you the blueprints for building a time machine, I can certainly tell you I have been there multiple times (more than I’d like to admit) and I have learned a thing or two on how to finish a “half wasted” day strong – notice the quotations on “half wasted”. This is because sometimes we DO need time to rest, unwind, and not think. Time to let the body and mind regenerate from being “on” all the time.

Another way of putting it is this: as an Apple user, I never really “turn off” my devices, but rather “lock” them, which puts them to sleep and preserves battery. We never really “turn off” what is going on in our heads and we cannot just “turn off” the endless list of tasks ahead. What we can do, is “lock” those spaces and times for us to be mindful of caring for our body and mind. Sometimes we do need a “half wasted” day to recharge and take on the full days ahead.

Whether or not you felt like you needed a half day, there are ways to make the rest of the day productive. Here are a few tips on how to end your day strong:

1. Rise and shine no matter the time

Open your blinds or curtains (let the light in!), drink water, and prepare yourself a good breakfast. While the clock may be telling you it is noon or later, treat your body the same way you would in a normal morning. Giving your body the fuel it needs through water and nutritious food will give you energy for the rest of the day. I also recommend changing into another set of clothes whether it is lounge clothes if you are staying in or another outfit you love if you plan to go out. This also helps turn a key in your mind that you are getting ready to be productive.

2. Don’t overwhelm your mind

Do not pay much attention to the time on the clock if it makes you anxious, this is just a number. Create a list from smaller tasks to larger tasks you NEED to complete that day. Smaller tasks can be making the bed, washing dishes, etc. Larger tasks can be grocery shopping, finishing an assignment, etc. Sprinkle small tasks between larger ones so you can check off quicker tasks and reduce the list. These will also help as breaks between bigger tasks that may require more effort and brain power while also being productive.

3. Go on a walk

This applies more if you are completing tasks at home. I highly recommend going out for a walk at least for 30 to 40 minutes. Put on your headphones and play your favorite songs. Let yourself be exposed to sunlight and get your body moving – this is especially helpful if you spend most of the day sitting. Walking also helps clear and ease the mind before you continue your to-do list.

4. Get plenty of rest

Make sure to go to bed early and get lots of rest! Tomorrow is a new day; it’s okay if not everything gets done on your to-do list. Tackle any immediate tasks during your half day and leave any that can be done later for the next day.

“Half wasted” days happen and it is okay to give your body the time it needs to rest and recharge! It does not make you lazy or unproductive – we all need a break every once in a while! I hope this helps if you decide to get a few things done after a long morning (and you can also decide to rest the whole day, which if you do, have a wonderful, relaxing time!).