We all feel lazy sometimes- when faced with a difficult task that you are not sure how to tackle, when you feel very tired either physically or emotionally to deal with work, or when you just feel like doing nothing but stay in bed for a good, long time. There are also times when you know that you need to do important things, but fall into a spiral of defeat and inaction. So how do you summon enough energy and courage to overcome procrastination? Here are 3 tips to combat laziness:
- Break the Lazy Cycle
The first thing you need to do is to be aware of the self-defeating cycle you are in. Take a mental stock of what happens in your everyday life- upon waking up, do you spend an extra 30 minutes lying down and thinking that there is nothing interesting going on? Do you head on over to the couch, reach for the remote and spend an entire day being unproductive by cycling through Netflix or by surfing the web? Identify the triggers and disrupt the routine by unplugging the TV and the computer, and find new things to do instead.
- Eat Healthy Food
The lack of energy you may be feeling might actually come from nutrition itself. Do you often snack on unhealthy junk food that provides little to no nourishment? If so, then now is the time to change your eating habits. Buy proven foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals such as leafy green vegetables and fruits- they keep you healthy and also boost your energy all throughout the day. Foods that energize the mind, such as nuts, whole grains, salmon, dark chocolate and broccoli are also highly recommended.
- Exercise
Replace your sedentary lifestyle with a much more active one, and pretty soon you will be bursting with vigor and motivation. Instead of watching TV or sitting in front of your computer all day, you can start off with simple, everyday exercises such as brisk walking in the morning, or cycling around the neighborhood. Physical activities do your body a whole lot of good- it flexes your muscles, gets your blood flowing, and sheds off unwanted fat. Your body will also boost production of endorphins, which are your feel-good hormones that can alleviate depression. When you finally get in the groove, you can sign up for more specialized courses, such as enrolling in a martial arts class or sports that will give you a reason to get out of the house.