How to Feel More Productive when Depressed in 5 Steps

There are days that depression can make it very difficult to get up off the couch and do, well... ........anything.
We tend to beat ourselves up over what did not get done.  We are lazy, good for nothing, a drag on our family.  You've been there or are there now.  These negative thoughts just feed our depression, putting us in a vicious cycle.

Not long ago, I found a tool that helped to get me more productive.  At least, in small bits.  This helped my self worth and things started getting done around the house.  TIME MANAGEMENT.  I'm hearing a few groans out there.  But really, this works and in only 5 steps.

STEP ONE:  GET A SIMPLE PLANNER OR CALENDAR

This does not need nor should it be anything elaborate.  Go to your dollar store, keep the freebie calendars that come in the mail or handed out at church.  Here are some cheap ideas.

•  pocket planner, 
• calendar with large squares, 
• spiral notebook,
• composition book
•  even just a folder with loose leaf paper are all fine.

You can even make your own planner using printables found on line.  There are also tutorials on how to make them.  Here is the link to the video by Joanne Delbalso I used to make mine  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twP6jHhLztA .

The point is you do not have to spend a lot of money to get started.
Here is a basic monthly calendar sheets to download free.

STEP TWO:  MAKE A SHORT LIST OF CHORES/TASKS FOR THE WEEK

The key word here is SHORT.  Choose only 5-6 fundamental or basic tasks.  These should be tasks that can be completed in one day but require more than 10 minutes to finish.  We are starting small to avoid becoming overwhelmed and giving up.

Some examples of basic tasks are; grocery shopping, laundry, running the vac (hoover), cleaning the bathroom.  You get the idea.

STEP THREE:  CHOOSE A DAY OF THE WEEK FOR EACH TASK

Based upon your family's schedule, choose a day of the week to do each task.  One task per day.  It may be tempting to do more than one a day, but try not to do that at first.  Again, we are trying not to overwhelm ourselves.

Remember to keep to the small list of 5 or 6 items.  We are purposely leaving one or two free days.

Once the "biggies" are in place, select a handful of small items to do.  These are things that take 5 minutes or less to complete.  Add 2 to 3 of these to your day.

•  Make short phone calls - parents, friends, schedule a doctor appointment
•  Check email and maybe send a couple
•   Pay a bill
•   Walk down to the mailbox
  
  

It is okay to have days without any small tasks or to not schedule any for the week as you get started.

STEP FOUR:  CHECK OFF EACH TASK AS YOU DO THEM

Sounds pretty intuitive, but it is important to mark them off.  The purpose of the planner is to be a visual guide and "reward" tool to your progress.It is such a great feeling to put a check or line through a completed task.

I felt good about myself and you will too.  Not only is a task done, but you will start to feel a bit more productive.  Give yourself a mental high-five!!!

You may find that you were inspired to finish something NOT on your initial list.  WRITE IT DOWN in your planner and CHECK IT OFF!!!  This is more positive reinforcement of what you do for your family.

Just be careful not to over do it and become overwhelmed.   We are taking small steps at first.

STEP FIVE:  TAKE STOCK OF HOW IT WENT & CELEBRATE A BIT

At the end of the day, look over what you got FINISHED!!!  Pat yourself on the back!
The check marks are just soooo satisfying to see and a great visual to show yourself that you were productive today.  Do this again at the end of the week and even the month.

Do NOT dwell on the things that did not get done.  It is going to happen.  Simply move it to another day or week.  Evaluate how well the schedule worked by answering these questions.

1. Do tasks need to be moved?
2. Would a different time of day be better?
3. Did you try to do to much to soon?

You will start to feel better as tasks slowly start getting completed.

If you feel comfortable, in a month or so, you can start adding more basic tasks or even some Extra Nonessential tasks.  These are are large tasks that are not necessarily needed for the general day to day running of the household.

• Clean out a closet
• Wash the dog
• Reorganizing the pantry

REMEMBER TO BE KIND TO YOURSELF.  

YOU are NEEDED in your family.  YOU ARE a productive and contributing person.