If there are three things in the world that I hate doing, they are: laundry, exercising, and grading papers. Unfortunately for me, however, these things are pretty crucial parts of my every day life and – with the exception of exercise, which I put off way more often that I should – pretty near impossible to avoid altogether.
At my core, I am a multitasker. If you ask Jeff, it can be pretty darn annoying sometimes, but I’m always listening to one conversation, participating in another, writing a blog post, and curling my hair. (Or something like that. I, actually, rarely curl my hair.)
This summer, I’ve tried to use my multitasking abilities to my advantage and make some of my most dreaded tasks a little bit more enjoyable. And, I’ve got to tell you, so far… It’s working!
I’ve been staying (mostly) on top of laundry, exercising (pretty) regularly, and grading papers like a (semi) champ… All while staying caught up on my favorite Netflix shows, reading great books, and being an expert internet surfer…
Here’s how:
I watch Netflix series (Pretty Little Liars is my go-to show because I will never run out of episodes) while I fold and put away laundry.
I read books on my Kindle while I walk on the treadmill.
And, I reward myself for every set of papers graded with 5 (or 10) minutes of guiltless Facebook scrolling, blog reading, etc.
The key here, however, is that I pretty much ONLY allow myself to do those “fun” things, when I’m doing the other “not fun” things*. It’s like a compromise I make with myself, and – believe it or not – it really does make a difference. I find myself anxious to put Sam down for a nap so that I can hurry and get to my laundry or willing to get up early for a walk on the treadmill so that I can read the next few chapters of my book.
Have any of you tried this? What fun and un-fun tasks do you pair together to motivate yourself? What works for you?
E
*This is all a bit theoretical of course. I still have days where I’m a total lazy butt and read, blog, and watch TV with very little other productivity. BUT, that’s the exception rather than the rule these days. 🙂
I think it is in our teacher DNA to be multitaskers. I like to tidy the house and out away clothes while listening to books on tape.
I do something similar….one not fun task is equal to a reward of something fun. I grade a stack and watch one episode (my mind can’t do both). I also love my phone timer….30 minutes cleaning bedrooms and I get 30 minutes online…it helps keep me honest. Glad I’m not the only one who hates laundry.
Sarah
Kovescence of the Mind
I only watch Pretty Little Liars when I work out it is like a treat. It actually makes me want to work out because I can’t wait to see what happens next. It is also suspenseful enough to help the time fly by! I am so NOT ashamed to admit I love a teenagers show! The laundry is a total other issue though, maybe I need to find a show to watch while doing that, lol.
I read while I work out. The other day my Kindle showed I was 88% done with Girls in White Dresses when I started my workout. I figured I would get through most of my workout before finishing it, but it was one of those books that is really over at the 92% mark, or something like that. I spent 20 minutes walking on the treadmill with nothing to look at but ESPN on the TV in front of me. Lesson Learned: Always have a back up book downloaded.
I do the same thing – only I don’t limit my fun things to just when I’m doing my not-fun things. I think maybe I should try that to motivate me to NOT let the laundry build up to unmanageable levels . . .
Torrent Video Player can’t be better to use thanks
to its user-friendly interface and obvious navigational features.
On the main section from the search engine,
you can look for movie files, music files, and other types of files quickly from file sharing
sites across the World Wide Web. Safety & Security:
– A seedbox makes it possible to avoid using a Bit – Torrent
client on your computer that often raises MPAA or RIAA issues.
The crews are supplied with maritime software and GPS devices that help them to
track pirate vessels from the very long distance.
The Ordinance split the sub-section 3k into two- sub-section 3(k) and 3(ka).
Measure changes in the activity of the competitors before five years.
Mano explains, “In grade 9 I could not touch the mesh. Physical activities and exercises that you can now do to be able to stay away from hemorrhoid problems are already recommended. He likes fish and chips and the man likes Man United, And Keira Knightley gets him really excited.
Verry quickly this website will be famous among all blogging
and site-building viewers, due to it’s good articles or reviews
Net Turtle enables you to download anything through the Internet, even if there can be a
limit on the Black – Berry for file size. Bahya kumbhaka could be the state when the yogi surrenders his very
self , in the form of his breath, to the lord and merges with universal breath
it may be the noblest way of surrender, since the yogi’s identity is entirely merged
with the Lord. Soon, my pal knocked on my bedroom
door, awakening me.
This is one of the Android apps for anyone who wants to assist music in their device.
Sit using your palms from your body facing down towards the floor, your spine straight,
your feet flat around the floor. However, the brand new measures won’t terminate internet use after the ‘three strike’ deal other countries have.
I’m really impressed with your writing talent.
Anyway maintain the wonderful high quality writing, it’s rare to see an excellent blog like this nowadays.
You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I find this
matter to be really something that I feel I would by no means understand.
It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me.
I’m having a look ahead for your subsequent submit,
I’ll attempt to get the hang of it!
That is why individuals with diabetes are cautioned to use well-fitting
shoes and look after their feet; and be seen for virtually any wounds
or ulcers will not heal. The name of some healthy soy merchandise is tofu, soymilk,
tempeh, soya powder, soy bean sprout and nuggets etc.
Along with periodic checking of sugars of what you take in, it
also requires to pay attention about the quantity of carbohydrates within selecting
low fat diabetic diet.
Eliminating these three every day may help you drop twenty pounds of extra weight in a really short time.
”For starters, the way the Diet Solution Program is given to people is proof
enough. This is a great start and you’ll see results with
grapefruit to lose weight pretty quickly.