Time flies. And there are so many tasks to be finished, so many plans and goals to be achieved, so many responsibilities, reminders, meetings, blah blah blah.

The speed of life puts so much pressure on people these days. I am, as well as lots of other people, used to feeling overwhelmed, always writing to-do lists that never help, always having a lot on my plate. But wait a minute

Isn't it just an illusion? Who said you have to wake up at 5 a.m. to be productive? Who said you have to be productive every single day? Who defined success and made you chase it?

I've been thinking about my routine and lifestyle, and I've always overloaded myself with courses, hobbies, and work, because doing nothing productive meant a waste of time for me. Did I feel happy and successful? Well, no. I felt exhausted. The most difficult thing for me was to distinguish between rest and procrastination and learn how to restore my energy. There are a few things that helped me.

First of all, only one to-do app, minimalistic and understandable. I just make a to-do list for a week and for a day, and that's enough. I was always torn between apps and notebooks, and just ended up writing everywhere, dozens of times, and it only strengthened this vicious circle.

Another thing is an activity that helps me truly recharge. Since I learn and teach languages, any activity that is connected to languages is considered work, like reading or watching, since I analyse vocabulary and grammar, try to memorise them, and it drains my energy, although I genuinely like it. Playing with my dog is also tiring, since I need to constantly control him and stay alert. Drawing, cooking, cleaning – some people enjoy those activities, but not me. I prefer a simple walk, just around the city, alone, with no music or purpose, no talks, just a walk. It's so different for each person; the thing is to find this activity and make time for it.

One more thing that I figured out not long ago is background music, but not any music. Nothing energetic or with lyrics, no. Just some chill tune that makes the atmosphere a bit more relaxing. I prefer some lo-fi music with rain sounds, not overwhelming or annoying; it gives me some peace of mind.

Well, and last but not least – social media and all the advice given there. I truly believe that there is no guidebook for life, and that what helps one person can hurt another, and vice versa. People are so different, and each case is individual, and there is no point in telling others how to live, although I like it when people share their experience. I mean real experience, with ups and downs, not just a show-off with photoshopped pictures and videos demonstrating an ideal lifestyle. It's interesting to learn about other people's stories and lives, and each story is like a novel, and I'm happy you are reading mine🍀