One of my favorite procrastination methods has always been “waiting for a fresh start”.
Typically, that’s been New Years eve, my birthday or any other grand event that promises
a new, improved version of myself and of my life.
But it’s also been things like a new journal, because you obviously can’t continue using
the same journal you’ve been using this year into next year even though it’s only
half-filled.
And on days I’ve promised myself I, for example, won’t eat sweets – having one
small piece of chocolate has made me think “oh whale, might as well eat the whole bag
and try again tomorrow.”
I’d notoriously do this in school, too, telling myself I’d start studying at 3pm
and even a minute past 3pm and I’d be like “guess I missed it and I’ll start at 4
instead.”
It’s as if we lose all motivation as soon as we feel like we’ve failed to live up
to the expectations that we’ve set for ourselves.
I still don’t consider myself to be on the extreme end of things though.
At least, although sometimes a tempting thought, I’m not one of those people who packs up
and leaves my life in the pursuit of a new one every 5 minutes in the search of this
new start that, in my opinion, doesn’t quite exist.
Because wherever you go, there you are.
But eventually, I got tired.
Tired of swapping out notebooks and boyfriends in my pursuit of the “fresh start” feeling.
Life is like a canvas, and every moment that passes by is a paint stroke.
Some strokes are beautiful and just to our liking, while others…
not so much.
But instead of throwing out this metaphorical canvas the second a stroke isn’t fully as
I’d envisioned it, I’ll just paint over it.
I’ll try again.
I’m not stained, I’m a piece of art.
Is anyone actually following this metaphor?
Basically, I just try to embrace and co-exist with some of those less-than perfect paint
strokes, and I try to see every moment as a chance to do my best.
But sometimes, we do need a little help.
Something to give us a bit of an energy boost.
So, what do t do I do instead of waiting for tomorrow or monday or new years to give me
the illusion of a fresh start?
I’ve intentionally paid a lot of attention to what it is that gives me that “fresh
start” feeling throughout the day.
Here are some of those things:
I. Morning coffee or tea or really, any coffee or beverage of choice throughout the day
My morning coffee signals to me that the day is getting started.
In the afternoon, I like matcha or tea.
It’s just a way for me to get up, take a small break, do something different for a
few minutes, and then go back to whatever I was doing.
2.
Walks, especially in nature
When I get back home after I walk, I always feel renewed.
I’ve been walking a lot more since getting a dog, and now that I’ve gotten used to
it, I can’t even fathom how there were days where I’d stay in all day without going
outside.
No wonder I’d feel like one big much sometimes.
15.
Always let part of you live in a book.
I’m always reading something.
Even if I take a break from a book and don’t look at it for weeks, part of me is still
invested in it, perhaps subconsciously.
I almost think of my life as different eras of which I’ve read certain books, which
means that, each time I pick up or finish one, it’s like the beginning or end of a
chapter in my life, too, in a way.
So, if you take anything away from this list, let it be that.
Also, consuming books has never been easier.
Take a look at this, and I’ll tell you about my favorite book
this year.
3.
Showering
Midday showers are underrated.
I’m not a huge fan of them, but sometimes, a random shower at 2pm is exactly what I need
to get that “fresh start” feeling and it works.
Once I’m done, it almost feels like a new day.
4.
A clean space
My brain doesn’t properly function in messy spaces.
Sometimes when I feel my energy-levels dropping, I’ll get up and start cleaning.
It’s like a mini-exercise session + I get to enjoy a clean physical space, and to me
personally, it makes me feel like I’ve gained some mental space too.
5.
Brain dumping
You all know I swear by journaling, at any hour of any day.
Simply writing down a few thoughts and feelings very much gives the same feeling that having
a clean physical space does.
6.
Washing my face
Like, I know much, if not everything, on this list sounds so simple, and that’s because
it is, at leas it is to me.
After all, this is simply my experience.
But have you ever actually tried just splashing your face with some cold water, and then suddenly,
you feel this new wave of energy and motivation to take on the day?
I have.
7.
Changing my online environment
I recently unfollowed everyone on Instagram.
Even though I liked many of the accounts I was following, my brain doesn’t feel as
clogged.
There are no stories to watch, just you guys’s messages and I love that.
8.
Looking nice
I’m a big fan of random outfit changes throughout the day for no apparent reason.
I don’t know what it is, but changing into a different outfit, even though I don’t
actually need to, just gives me new energy.
9.
On that note, brushing my teeth at a random time in the day.
Gives the same feeling.
10.
Change your ringtone once in a while.
11.
Change your phone wall-paper once in a while.
12.
Change your alarm clock tune once in a while.
I recently did this and I felt like I entered a new chapter in life.
13.
Clean out your email.
It’s one of the most fresh-startee feelings there is, in my opinion.
14.
Let fresh air in as often as you can.
I keep my windows open throughout the year, even during winter time.
Not at all times, but as often as I can before I start getting too cold.
But even just leaving them open for 10 minutes is enough for me to feel refreshed.
16.
A glass of water.
I think of it like this: I’m soil, and throughout the day, I start getting dry and dull because,
well, life, energy levels, responsibilities and what not, and drinking a glass of water
is like watering myself.
It’s like a small energy boost.
17.
Cuddle breaks
We need breaks.
I take one at least every hour to cuddle Fred.
It brightens my day, fills me with happy hormones and re-energizes me.
Nothing makes me feel as refreshed as a small dose of love.