Our brains are such funny organs. One way I’ve found to stay productive and keep on track with tasks at work and home is by creating a list that I print out.
As I accomplish each task, I use a pen to cross it off the list. Sometimes I cross it off with a check mark and other times I draw a line through it.
Did you know that when you check something off your list, your brain releases a small amount of dopamine, which makes you feel good?
According to a post on the Workast blog, creating a checklist can help you get motivated.
“When we aren't feeling motivated, we often aren't accomplishing our goals. Motivation is crucial to getting things done. When we complete individual tasks, our brains release dopamine which causes positive feelings such as happiness, pleasure, and motivation.”
Since moving into my house in the Grand area, I’ve had a checklist of things I needed to do.
One thing I definitely wanted to do was check my gutters.
They say a rolling stone gathers no moss, but if you haven’t cleaned out your gutters recently you might be surprised to find some moss there. You might also find broken shingles, nails, leaves, a crowbar, and other stuff that could prevent water from travelling down your downspout.
When I moved into this house in mid-October, the first thing I checked was the furnace filter. You might be surprised at what you find there too.
Anyone who owns a home, no matter their age or gender, should know how to do basic maintenance, or should hire a professional who can help. It's worth teaching your children how to check these basic things or reminding them if you think they have forgotten.
And be careful if you do choose to get up on a ladder.
I also called Gutter Guyz for a difficult-to-reach eavestrough in the backyard. They gave all of the gutters a thorough inspection and cleaned out some areas I missed.
Doing this maintenance helped clear my mind. It also allowed me to check a few more items off my to-do list.
Every once in a while we receive a story that is interesting, but doesn’t really fit under the category of news. This week SooToday received the following email that I wanted to share.
Hi there! I am unsure if there are a lot of feel-good stories or anything like that going on, but I thought I'd share a good one.
My brother Zack just had a baby and he is being called the Holiday Family right now. His birthday is St. Patrick’s Day, his wife Hallee’s birthday is Christmas day, their anniversary is Valentine’s Day and they just had a beautiful baby boy who was born on Halloween. :)
They have constantly been told they will have a holiday baby and didn't believe it, he was not due on a holiday . . . But after being delayed several times, he was born on Halloween - making them a big Holiday family!
Katie Corcoran