I feel the need to write about this since getting stuff done has so much to do with our health, both mentally and physically. How do you feel when you put things off that you just know you need to get to, and you constantly overlook those things simply because even the thought of it brings on overwhelming stress? Pretty crappy, right? Been there, done that… and still a thing that can happen if I let it.

On the other hand, tell me how you feel when you decide to just dig in and do it, and you actually get stuff done? SO satisfied and accomplished, I bet.

Both of these reactions, good and bad, directly affect our mental and emotional outlook, which in turn affects our physical body. If we’re happy and feeling productive, our stress hormones are low and our adrenal glands aren’t working in overdrive. We tend to choose healthier foods and treat our bodies better, simply because we feel better.

So, I want to share with you some of the things that help me to get through my to-do’s, no matter what they involve, and feel so much better while I’m doing it.

1. Imagine that feeling you get when you finish the task you were working on (maybe it’s the laundry, some paperwork, perhaps making tomorrow’s lunch). You probably feel pretty freakin’ fantastic, am I right? I, personally, feel productive, proud of myself, and SO happy that I now get to relax, or do whatever I want to do, armed with the knowledge that my tasks are done. Greatest feeling ever! The trick is to keep this feeling in mind while you’re deep in the nitty-gritty task completion mode. Remember that you’re working toward that feeling, and even if it may not seem like it, it will come! Focusing on that will make your tasks easier to get through.

2. Turn on some music, or the TV. I am all about this. Now, of course this won’t work if it’s going to distract you from the job at hand (ex: I cannot study or write, or do anything that requires mega brain work, with the TV in the background; no way, no how. But, I sure can prepare food, organize a room, and put away my clothes while half-watching House Hunters International.) THAT, I can do! And, it makes it so much more enjoyable. Tasks shouldn’t be seen as these awful things that we dread, and therefore keep putting off. Let’s make them as FUN as we can, since we have to do them, anyway!

3. If you’re a list person, make one! This is something that helps people like me who constantly have thoughts and new ideas and things we need to do and people we need to call and emails we need to write and text messages we need to send and things we would love to read and shows we have to tape… ahem, running through our mind at most times of the day. If I just write them down, including both the tasks for today as well as things I have to do later on, it helps to keep me organized. Plus, HELLO! Being able to check things off as I complete them? Super duper satisfying.

4. Be clear as to when you will be working through your tasks. I love blocking the time out in my calendar, because, well, now it’s written down so I guess I HAVE to do it. But also, it ensures that I won’t book anything else during that time because I’ve made it a priority. This, at least I’ve found with myself, is key.

5. Reward yourself. Once you’ve finished what you had set out to do (or at least that good chunk of it that you had planned to start with), do something that you love. I call this “me time”. It could include watching your fave TV show, reading a book, or simply laying on the couch. Whatever floats your boat is what you should be doing, because you got stuff done! You deserve it!

What are YOUR tips and tricks for getting things done? Leave your thoughts below in the comments section. I’d love to hear from you.