My solution to this has mostly been setting aside specific time to work on specific things. Because essay due in a week is kinda like this vague thing I don't want to start and won't start. But Wednesday at 4pm can be my essay writing time and then I am forced to start then. I usually keep these blocks an hour long, but once I get rolling I do more or less based on how it goes. This also helps me not be worried or dread tasks because I don't have to worry about things until it's time to worry about that thing.
I also sometimes block in time for the fun stuff I want to do that I know will distract me from doing the things I need to do. Like ok I know you want watch TV and phone time but after this one hour thing you can do snacks and TV for the rest of the evening yayy. And usually just knowing I have down time planned soon makes me feel better about working until times up.
I'm not going to lie and say that this works all the time and I'm a perfect machine that follows my schedule or anything. But I've found that as long as I am realistic about how many tasks I'll do in a day it tends to work okay. I move things around when I miss windows or things come up and sometimes I have to move things to a different day. But the main thing I've found is that if my tasks are spaced out I do usually get them done.
(Shout out Google Calendar)
Mar 23, 2025
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i need structure to survive and it helps to add things to my calendar, because in my brain it's like i've "signed up" to do something for a certain amount of time. whether its a hobby, workout, researching a project, an errand etc it goes in my calendar or to-do list.
even if i already did x thing that day, i put it on the list just to cross it off which feels nice :-)
it helps me not gaslight myself into thinking i didn't do anything because i can look at the list!
Jun 4, 2024
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i’ve always felt soooo bogged down by any kind of scheduled events in my life, even if it’s something fun that i should theoretically look forward to. call it ADHD, PDA autism, idk- but to mitigate this dread i find it helpful to write everything down in an online planner (use whatever system works for you). some tips:
1. writing down every little thing enables me to see it all in one place and not worry that there’s something else i’ve forgotten about. knowing i have even just one or two things coming up can feel overwhelming but as soon as i can actually see each item in front of me, it feels a lot less daunting.
2. looking at my schedule every morning helps me mentally prepare for the day
3. i used to spend so much energy thinking about an upcoming activity for the entire day leading up to it because i didn’t want to accidentally forget about it. now, i set alarms for when i need to start preparing for an activity- that way i can put it out of my mind until i actually need to start thinking about it.
i know some people feel really burdened by planners/calendars (i refused for the longest time because i like spontaneity and not feeling tied down) but just give it a try and seeee
Aug 1, 2024
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also pomodoro technique. Work for 25 min, break for 5, do this 4 times and take a 15-30 min break. Do something that isn’t scrolling during the breaks ideally
I’m a freak with calendar blocking from working corporate America for this long so color coding and categorizing the time is somewhat exciting
May 23, 2024
Top Recs from @moonbeams
There's nothing like seeing the city from a plane windows. Sparkling like stars down there. The little people in their little cars and twinkling homes. Feels so bittersweet and human somehow.
Feb 22, 2025
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like damn who curated this, these songs are so good, I really know my tastes well
Feb 28, 2025
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More specifically, watching your favorite rom com and then your crush's favorite rom com (is there an adult word for crush), back to back at the same time as they are watching them. But instead of the social exhaustion of video calling you just text while you watch them. Even better you guys like each other mutually, so it should be exhilerating, but they cannot and will not be with you so instead it's just a lesson in your terrible self restraint. Exhilerating anyway. Good movies, good conversation. Unbeatable.
Mar 2, 2025