What I need to do to feel productive

I need to feel somewhat productive each day. To some extent. Some days I understand that simply will not happen and I know this. Some days only a minimal amount will happen and I understand this.

And I also have a very keen understanding of what I know to be Productive for Me is not Productive by societal standards. That is just the way that it is. I am disabled. I had to redefine productivity in my world.

A: But there is a minimal amount of things I need to do that make me feel productive. My Musts for the day.

• My basic cleaning of the kitchen counters- tiding up.
• Doing the dishes.
• Getting dressed.
• Sweep the floor and/or Swiffer mop if needed.
• Clean the litterbox.
• Basic hygiene- shower and whatnot.
• Feed Mister.
• Make meals- 2 at least.

B: Productive on a good day with pacing and the above things. My bonus for the day cleaning and other things. More than one can be chosen as long as they are spaced out.

• I may clean the bathroom counters and toilet.
• Dust areas.
• Tidy up more of the apartment.
• Laundry day which generally means not other things.
• Wash the tub (But this is hard so it is something where I try to do it by itself)
• Deep cleaning a very small specific area.
• Calls for appointments and getting back to people.
• Scheduling bloodwork and other appointments
• Go for a walk.
• Exercise.
• Leave to do errands.

C: Productive additional to List A, hobbies and activities.

There are things I do in addition to the first list that keep me sane. If I have the energy from that first list I will pick something from this list.

• Write my fantasy fiction current book
• Do some artwork
• Edit my current work ready for publishing
• Take picture of art to post for sale
• Market art with social media
• Market book with social media

What my brain thinks

I need to do all of A to feel productive at all minimally all the time. Minimally, even on a bad day. But to feel that sense of accomplishment in the day I need to have at least one of B and one of C done in the day as well. I often pace and nap in the day so that is also a must. But One from B and One from C and I will feel like that was a damn good day.

If only A’s list gets done that is a fine day. It happens when the fatigue and/or the pain takes over the day. And all you can do is your minimal routine. And there are days when everything doesn’t get done. Bad days like this I do not feel productive. I feel like I wasted the day resting. And I feel horrible. But I understand I need to rest on those days the most. Keep in mind, A is a simple list but it Counts and my brain says this is my routine of daily Productivity. It helps with depression to keep to this routine. It helps with my brain to keep to this routine and celebrate that I accomplished it.

And it helps to acknowledge every extra thing I do every single day. Not feel bad for what I can’t do but acknowledge what I am doing.

And then there are SUNDAYs. And these are my days of rest. Where I will do Mister’s litterbox and do the dishes. But nothing else is getting done, I assure you on that. Everyone needs a day of just rest.

Recovering self-identity with disability