Hard Things

[ysabetwordsmith]

Life is full of things which are hard or tedious or otherwise unpleasant that need doing anyhow. They help make the world go 'round, they improve skills, and they boost your sense of self-respect. But doing them still kinda sucks. It's all the more difficult to do those things when nobody appreciates it. Happily, blogging allows us to share our accomplishments and pat each other on the back.

What are some of the hard things you've done recently? What are some hard things you haven't gotten to yet, but need to do? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your hard things a little easier?

Comments

[labelleizzy]

I have a list as long as my arm of the house repairs and updates that need done, and a much shorter list of the people I need to call to try and get on their work schedule.

I need to borrow a cup of executive function from somewhere...

[siliconshaman]

Well, don't look at me... I've got exactly one brain-cell and it's seriously overclocked trying to keep up with everything I'm doing!

[labelleizzy]

Hah, fair enough. No imposition intended.

I need an icon for house 🏠 related things hmmmm

Try this ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Here are some resources about executive function:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/executive-function

https://goodsensorylearning.com/pages/12-strategies-to-improve-executive-functions

Among the things that I find most helpful:

* Cognitive offloading saves valuable brainspace by using tools to keep track of things for you. I keep a kitchen timer on my desk so I don't have to track things like "Take a 10-minute break, then do more yardening." Using lists like you mentioned above makes it much easier to track what you need to do and what you have completed.

* Brain foods ensure that your body has all the raw materials it needs to make neurochemicals. They also boost mood and energy. Yogurt and fresh fruit are summer favorites for me. When I feel tired and unfocused, something cold and wet will usually help. In cold weather, I typically go for hot drinks or things with warming spices such as ginger cookies.

* Chunking breaks down large tasks into smaller tasks. It also makes a long string of things easier to remember (which is one reason why telephone numbers have breaks).

* Meditation can improve most mental skills. There are many versions to explore.

* Some folks love doing puzzles, brainteasers, etc. which improve executive functions related to memory and problem-solving.