How to Boost Your Productivity Without Burnout

Why does it feel like im about to tell you a story? Because I am.

I want to be productive.

The dream would be to want to wake up feeling motivated, get my workout in, eat healthy, keep the house clean…mostly. Take the dogs out, play with the kids, work on my blog, school, cook, take care of my family, answer every message, and somehow, I’m also supposed to drink enough water.

Is that really too much to ask?

Apparently, yes.

Because somewhere along the way, I started thinking that being productive meant doing ALL THE THINGS.

And when I couldn’t do all the things, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. Maybe I’m just dehydrated but still!

So I’m trying something different.

I’m learning how to be productive without burning myself out in the process.

And honestly, I think this is a much better way to live. Come on follow along…

I Don’t Want to Be Busy Just to Be Busy

This reminds me of… yes, another story ok!!! This reminds me of when I was younger, and I would look in the fridge and say, “I just want something to want.” I probably wasn’t even hungry, but I just wanted something to want. What a concept when you really think about it. I know, I was wise beyond my years. My mom now comes to my house, opens my fridge, and will say ” I just want something to want,” haha. Truth be told? No truer words hit home like wanting something to want. However, there is a big difference between being productive and being busy.

I can spend an entire day running around the house, picking things up, answering texts, doing laundry, checking my email, making food, and starting seventeen different projects… or businesses that I will change the world with.

And somehow still wonder what I actually accomplished. Besides 4 beautiful babies, but come on, that’s obvious.

Anyone else?

I’ve realized that I don’t need a longer to-do list.

I need a better one.

Instead of trying to accomplish everything in one day, I’m choosing a few things that actually matter.

If I get those done?

Win.

If I also manage to clean the bathroom and fold the laundry?

Look at me being an overachiever.

Moving My Body Helps My Brain To Be This Awesome

Don’t be confused by this title; I’m allowed to know when I’m awesome. Why is that so taboo, by the way? Oh, don’t toot your own horn bullsh ** Who made up these rules? so instead we stay negative and sulk? Na girl, I’m out. Oh noooo a narcissist! haha. I know when things are great and when things are awesome. And that day is today.

by the way, I don’t exercise because I think I need to punish myself for eating something.

I exercise because I genuinely feel better when I move.

Sometimes that means a real workout.

Sometimes it’s a walk.

Sometimes it’s stretching.

Sometimes it’s putting on music and cleaning the house like I’m starring in my own little music video with the kids

It all counts.

Also, why am I writing in spaces? Nobody knows. But keep up, cowgirl!

I’ve noticed that when I’m feeling sluggish or overwhelmed, getting up and moving can completely change my mood. So I do. I get up, and I get out and walk to the gym for a workout class daily. Nothing kicks your butt quite like an instructor yelling at you to do a burpee. And they wonder why I don’t invite them to my Christmas parties. I wonder if its too late to change this blog title to burnout and burpees. Surly a connection there.

Anyways,

I don’t necessarily need another cup of coffee.

Sometimes I just need to get off the couch. And in case you were wondering, yes, it’s that simple.

I’m Eating More Veggies Instead of Trying to Eat “Perfect”

I’m not interested in eating perfectly. But I am interested in good A** food.

I am interested in eating foods that make me feel good so I can beat the person doing one extra burpee in class who has no idea I’m competing -Not today, Karen, not today. What do people say? “Did you eat your Wheaties today?” I believe they mean “veggies” but want to promote wheat for some reason. *Insert big staring eyes here*

So, eat more vegetables. There’s no magic pill here. Tale as old as time: in food is thy medicine, and health is your wealth, and food is.. It’s important ok. The sentence doesn’t have to rhyme for you to understand that, right? You know… OK, another story… You know how they say in school growing up, ” write it down and say it three times for your brain to remember it” (I actually still have my son do that for spelling tests). Do I need to do that here? Repeat after me… jk, but really, whole foods, grown in the ground, will stand the test of time as the most important nutrient-dense foods we can consume for brain power and strength. Why do you think they attack the veggies, and the news has some story about poop-filled lettuce being on the loose every other month to keep you from eating it?

However, I’m not talking about eating a sad bowl of lettuce every day.

Give me roasted vegetables.

Give me peppers and onions.

Give me avocado toast with a ridiculous amount of veggies on top.

Throw spinach into a smoothie.

Add extra vegetables to pasta, rice bowls, tacos, soups, or whatever I’m already making.

I like focusing on what I can add instead of constantly thinking about what I can’t have.

That mindset makes healthy eating feel so much easier, tastier, and man do I feel good after.

I’m Learning That Rest Isn’t Laziness

This one has taken me a while.

I used to feel guilty when I wasn’t doing something.

If I was sitting down, there was probably something else I “should” be doing. Surly with 4 kids I could think of something.

But eventually, you have to realize that you are not a machine.

You need rest.

You need quiet.

You need time where nobody is asking you for anything.

Sometimes I need to sit down with a book, scroll for a few minutes, watch something funny, take a bath or just do absolutely nothing. which by the way is not nothing. Its something. I call it manifesting. So Let me manifest mmmk.

And no, I don’t need to earn it first.

My To-Do List Doesn’t Need to Be 47 Items Long

I’ve also started making my daily list much shorter.

Instead of writing down every single thing that could possibly be done, I’m asking myself:

What actually needs to happen today?

That one question has changed things for me.

Maybe it’s brushing my teeth dang it.

Maybe it’s groceries.

Maybe it’s getting a workout in.

Maybe it’s finishing something for school.

Making the beds.

Some days are naturally more productive than others.

That’s normal.

Like me.

Fresh Air Is Seriously Underrated

There is something about getting outside that makes me feel human again. Maybe because I am, and we need fresh air. I cannot believe how many people are scared of this when I talk about walking everywhere. The fear that comes out of their mouths: “The air is toxic!” “The chemtrails are out!” “The cars pollute!” “The birds poop!” but sit inside with their unfiltered air conditioning and air filters that haven’t been changed, or mold in their house, or leave a candle burning all night or plug-ins, or sit in their car to “get away,” ya see what I mean? I know, this is why I have no friends.

So go for a walk.

Sit outside.

Take the dog out.

Water your plants.

Get some sunshine.

Stand barefoot in the grass.

You don’t need a complicated wellness routine.

or friends.

Sometimes you just need to step outside and just go.

And if you have a dog, you’ll probably also spend ten minutes waiting for them to decide which exact spot of grass deserves their attention. Much like this post.

but.

That’s part of the experience.

I’m Trying to Make My Routine Fit My Real Life

I love seeing those perfect morning routines online. I actually just tried to do one.

But you know the ones.

Wake up at 5:00 a.m.

Drink lemon water.

Journal.

Meditate.

Exercise.

Read.

Make a beautiful breakfast.

Do a full skincare routine.

Plan the day.

And somehow the house is already spotless.

Meanwhile, I’m looking for my phone while it’s literally in my hand.

So I’ve stopped trying to copy routines that don’t fit my life.

My routine doesn’t have to be perfect. Because it’s simply not ha. I do love to watch those perfect esthetic routines, though. wow. beautiful!

But not here, sis. Not today..

Maybe breakfast is something simple.

Maybe I only get ten quiet minutes.

That’s still something.

Productivity Shouldn’t Cost You Your Peace

This is probably the biggest thing I’m learning.

I don’t want to spend my entire life trying to squeeze more out of myself.

I want to have energy for the people I love. Isn’t that the point? Where they get the best of me?

I want to enjoy my meals unrushed.

I want to move my body to feel good, to run around with my kids and not blame my age one day, and I want to look good naked. Yep, I said it. You’re welcome, Josh.

I want to work on things that make me excited.

I want to be outside.

I want to laugh.

I want to have slow mornings sometimes. Ok most times.

And yes, I still want to get things done.

I just don’t want to be completely exhausted by the time I do.

The word I’m looking for is intentional.

So lately, I’m choosing even more movement, more vegetables, more water, more fresh air, more realistic expectations, and more rest.

And a little less pressure to have my entire life together by Tuesday afternoon.

Because maybe being productive isn’t about doing more.

Maybe it’s about creating a life where you actually have the energy to enjoy what you’re working so hard for.

And honestly?

Who would ever disagree with that?

So, let’s get to work.