How to stay motivated when you just want to chill

Let’s be real; comfort is the ultimate paradox. We all love it. That feeling of wrapping up in a cosy blanket, binge-watching our favourite shows, and postponing responsibilities for ‘just five more minutes’ is unbeatable. But then, reality hits: deadlines pile up, laundry turns into a mountain, and suddenly, your ‘five minutes’ of relaxation has transformed into five hours of unproductive scrolling.

Welcome to the Comfort Paradox:

The delicate balance between enjoying relaxation and making sure your responsibilities don’t snowball into an overwhelming mess. At university, especially in ResLife, it’s easy to fall into this trap. Your bed is five steps away from your desk, the common room is calling your name, and somehow, the motivation to be productive has disappeared into the abyss. So, how do you stay motivated and organised when you’re feeling lazy?

1. Romanticise Productivity

One of the easiest ways to trick your brain into getting things done is by making it enjoyable. Tidy your desk, light a candle (if your accommodation allows it, no fire hazards please!), or put on a playlist that makes you feel like the main character in a study montage. Your to-do list suddenly feels less daunting when it’s accompanied by lo-fi beats and a hot drink in your favourite mug.

2. The 5-Minute Rule

If something feels overwhelming, tell yourself you’ll do it for just five minutes. Whether it’s writing an essay, cleaning your room, or reading for class, getting started is the hardest part. More often than not, once you begin, you’ll end up finishing way more than you planned. And if after five minutes, do you still want to stop? No guilt, at least you made progress!

3. Make Comfort Work for You

Since we love comfort so much, why not use it as a reward? Set up a simple ‘work-then-reward’ system. Finish a task, then allow yourself an episode of your favourite show. Complete a reading, then go hang out with friends in the common room. Instead of comfort being a distraction, make it a well-earned treat.

4. Break It Down

Large tasks can feel impossible, which is why breaking them into smaller chunks helps. Instead of thinking, ‘I have to write a 2,000-word essay,’ shift to, ‘I’ll just write an introduction today.’ Instead of ‘I have so much laundry to do,’ tell yourself, ‘I’ll just sort the clothes first.’ Small steps make everything feel more manageable.

5. Find an Accountability Buddy

Let’s be honest, peer pressure can be a great motivator. Team up with a friend or flatmate who also wants to be productive. Whether it’s a study session in the library or setting weekly goals together, knowing that someone else is in the same boat makes things easier. Plus, you can celebrate your victories together after a successful work session!

6. Create a Routine (That Includes Lazy Time!)

Trying to stay productive doesn’t mean eliminating relaxation, it just means being intentional about it. Set specific times for work, socialising, and rest. This way, you don’t feel guilty about chilling because you know you’ve already accomplished what you needed to. A little structure goes a long way in making sure you stay on top of things while still enjoying downtime.

7. Remember Your ‘Why’

At the end of the day, staying motivated is about reminding yourself why you’re here. Whether it’s your degree, your future goals, or just proving to yourself that you can, keeping your ‘why’ in mind makes it easier to push through the lazy days. And trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

To wrap things up…

Comfort isn’t the enemy, it’s all about balance. You don’t have to be productive 24/7, but staying organised and motivated (even when you feel lazy) helps keep stress levels low and makes life in ResLife way more enjoyable.

So, the next time you find yourself sinking too deep into the Comfort Paradox, try one of these tips. Your to-do list, and future you, will be grateful!