A few things I’m trying for spring to improve my happiness
Spring is slowly creeping in (although I’m still wearing my big coat when I’m outside!), and so I am thinking about what I can do to ensure I’m more productive and happier. Winter (and the start of 2024 in general) has been rocky for me. My mental health has fluctuated a lot. I’ve allowed myself to settle into the new year without going full steam ahead with my goals and productivity. Winter is a time of rest and reflection before taking action again.
But springtime allows for reawakening and renewal in nature, which is what I want to bring into my own life, too, so here are three ways I’m making changes to my routine to help my productivity and happiness this spring season…
Reading more than one bookTechnically I’ve been doing this already, because I tend to have a physical book, an audiobook and sometimes also a kindle book on the go at once. But this new idea came to me today to try having a weekday book and a weekend book! This is because I was struggling with the current book I’m reading. Its premise is great and I paid full price for it and it’s an acclaimed book and so I feel the need to finish it. However, it’s a bit confusing at times and not gripping me as much as it did in the first part. Then I realised, it’s probably just a more complicated or heavy book. I read mostly at night on weekdays, so my tired brain just can’t handle it.
So duh, why not reserve lighter reads for the weekdays and heavier or harder reads for weekends? This way when I’m reading at night to wind down for bed, the book is easy to get into. I don’t need to think too much. Then, on the weekend when I’m happier and less tired and have more free time, I can tackle the harder or more complicated reads when I can dedicate more time to understanding it and engaging fully to get the most out of it.
Productive, more enjoyable and just seems to make sense for me!
As a mood reader, too, but my mood changes a lot, it feels good to have options. I was so excited for dark academia books and getting inspired for a story I was writing, but then after collecting a good pile of them, I read one and a half dark academia books then my mood changed! Annoying!
I’m not sure I can or should do more than two at once, but maybe a happy laidback book versus a more serious one could help me with my mood shifts, too. That way, I’m not getting bored. I’m less likely to not finish (DNF). I’m less likely to fixate on trying to finish quickly because I know it’s slower reading two (or more) at once. And it could make reading more enjoyable for me again.
Writing or editing on set daysMy bestie and I spoke about this on the podcast episode we recorded this week (not out yet). We started the year saying we weren’t going to put pressure on our writing by saying we need to write on certain days or every day etc. but to write when we feel called to do so. However, we’ve since realised how dangerous this can be. It makes us slip into excuses and not showing up for our work.
Instead, we need more discipline and I’d go further to say that it’s just about routine. Routines can become stifling or boring but that’s when we mix them up, not toss them out entirely. If writing is something I care about (which I do) and want to make my living one day (which I do) then I need to take it seriously.
I’m always thinking about my writing. I’m always technically working even if I don’t have an active story I’m writing. I struggle mostly when I don’t have a big idea that’s pulling all my attention. But I’ve recently been reminded and pushed to utilise the 6 completed manuscripts I have from past years. Yes, they’re not stories I feel strongly about anymore. Not ones I wanted to pursue further and so I left them there. However, this is a bit silly! They could hold gold dust! How do I know if the next great idea is hidden within that “bad” one if I don’t read through it? And my bestie suggested I just practice my editing skills anyway. It doesn’t matter that I don’t want to pursue these for publishing, I can still work on them to improve them by asking myself “what would I change if I were going to pursue this idea further?” Practice, as I always say, is important for writers, too. I just need to practice revising and editing my novels more than I have in the last 5 years.
So, my idea is to make sure I’m writing or editing at least 3 days a week. I know my husband swims on a Monday, so I could get some done while he’s there. Wednesday is a free day, so that’s a good choice. And Fridays, I finish work a little earlier so that works well too. Then, there’s the weekends. Of course, sometimes we have plans on a weekend so this can change each time, but I know I should, in theory, be able to get some work done every weekend.
I’ve also been waking up earlier so if I can get even a tiny bit done before work, great! It’s about using the time I have while I have it. My life won’t always have this free time so to waste it is just a shame. I’ll look back and regret it, wondering what if.
I enjoy working on my novels and that’s why it hurts when I don’t have an idea that’s gripping me. But this needn’t mean I do nothing. Let me practice and work on my finished manuscripts in the meantime, so I’m always getting better and honing my skills no matter what.
Working out first thing (even on weekdays!)As I said, I’ve been waking up a little earlier and yes it can sometimes be tough, but I never regret it when I do! I love waking up knowing I’m doing so for me, first, not just for work. That I’m able to do things for me that bring me joy and set my day off on the right foot.
I’ve been doing Nike workouts in my living room each morning this week and it’s crazy how much more positive I feel in the morning because of it. Then there’s no guilt when I get home tired and don’t work out, because it’s already done! I’m trying to see mornings and early afternoons as Yang energy (doing, active) and late afternoon, evening and night as Yin energy (slower, gentler). So strength and cardio first thing, then yoga after work. I have quite an active job, too, so I feel that’s sufficient movement for my day. The Nike workouts I’ve done so far have been between 5-15 minutes which to some is nothing but to me, it’s everything! My muscles are sore so that proves I’ve done something my body needed and it’s having an effect. As my favourite person ever (Adriene Mischler of yoga with Adriene) always says, “a little goes a long way”. Don’t discount what a little movement can do for you. Better that than nothing!
As time goes on and I get stronger and the habit sticks (hopefully!), I can increase the workouts if I want to. But also, it’s great just as it is and it’s making me a lot happier.
What new things are you bringing into your spring routines? How can you add some freshness this season of renewal?
Sincerely,
S. xx