this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2025
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Could be one specific task or just in general.

all 27 comments
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[–] HubertManne@moist.catsweat.com 2 points 10 hours ago

tablet and streaming but does not work with loud things like vacumming.

[–] owenfromcanada@lemmy.world 35 points 1 day ago (1 children)

For tasks that don't require much mental attention: daydream. Let your mind wander, or create stories in your head. I've been "working" on an idea for a novel for years--it's mostly something I think about to occupy myself when I'd otherwise be bored.

Related:
rotate a cow

[–] mp3@lemmy.ca 37 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Listening to music at the same time.

[–] 200ok@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

Music definitely keeps my mind from wandering (and getting distracted) during boring tasks.

[–] P00ptart@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

I listen to music, whether actual music or in my head.

[–] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 26 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 0 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Honestly this makes them worse

[–] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 17 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Have you tried a different drug?

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I’m just referring to alcohol, so no. But I will say once you hit the age where alcohol makes you feel worse it makes all tasks worse. I cannot imagine ridding yourself the joy of small tasks being enjoyable though

[–] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 12 points 1 day ago

Oh, alcohol is bad for you.

[–] NineMileTower@lemmy.world 22 points 1 day ago

Don't think about it as "I have to do this". Think of it as, "I get to do this."

Be grateful for the things you have, the things you can do, and the people around you.

When you have a toothache you yearn for a time when you didn't. This hard work you are doing is the time without a toothache.

[–] pdxfed@lemmy.world 12 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

In every job that must be done

There is an element of fun

You find the fun and snap! The job's a game

And every task you undertake

Becomes a piece of cake

A lark! A spree!

It's very clear to see

That a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

The medicine go down, the medicine go down

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

In a most delightful way

A robin feathering his nest

Has very little time to rest

While gathering his bits of twine and twig

Though quite intent in his pursuit

He has a merry tune to toot

He knows a song

Will move the job along

Oh, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

The medicine go down, the medicine go down

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

In a most delightful way

The honey bees that fetch the nectar

From the flowers to the comb

Never tired of ever buzzing to and fro

Because they take a little nip

From every flower that they sip

And hence (And hence)

They find (They find)

Their task is not a grind...


The 7 dwarves talked about "whistle while you work", many others have said music.

Personally I gamify tasks and try to make them more efficient, or if they're maxed out, enjoy the time I've saved and the efficient task and smooth running of a process. Then the focus becomes the process rather than the sometimes tedious nature of things.

[–] Tujio@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

If there's a job that must be done

You'll find it's much more fun

Don't pout, don't sob,

Just do a half-assed job!

If you cut every corner then it's really not so bad

Everybody does it, even mom and dad.

If nobody sees you, then nobody gets mad.

It's the American way!

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 12 points 1 day ago

Go slowly. Small tasks like washing the dishes can be enjoyable when done well

[–] GissaMittJobb@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I used to struggle with mundane tasks, mostly on account of the lack of mental stimulation, until I discovered podcasts. This problem is no more for me, I can do dishes and fold laundry until the end of time now

[–] cRazi_man@lemm.ee 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Podcasts have been great. Sometime I go with a TV series episode on the phone on the side. If you really want to motivate yourself for a task then set a rule that you're not allowed to play an episode except for when you're doing that task. Now if you want to hear the next podcast episode, you'll have to do the dishes or ironing.

[–] GissaMittJobb@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 day ago

I occasionally watch some YouTube videos, but I favour podcasts as they are optimized for non-visual consumption - it's bothersome to watch the screen while doing something that requires attention from your eyes.

[–] BallShapedMan@lemmy.world 9 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Delegate. It's so much fun when other people do em.

[–] metaStatic@kbin.earth 10 points 1 day ago

I love hard work, I could watch it all day.

Audiobooks. Sometimes my want to continue with a book has me purposefully doing some boring tasks.

[–] over_clox@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

In general, I try to knock out the hardest tasks first, that way everything just (hopefully/usually) gets easier from there.

[–] owenfromcanada@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago

There's a saying in this line of reasoning: "eat the frog first." The idea is that if you have to do something unpleasant (e.g., consuming a slimy amphibian), do it first thing, otherwise you'll be dreading it all day and it'll make your entire day worse. Get it done and out of the way, then you can enjoy your day (and the other tasks won't feel as bad in comparison).

When I'm doing exams I like to separate all the pencilwork with outlines for each question, but I like to do a different style every time. sometimes I tile them, sometimes I make weird patterns, and it is a bit of fun.

[–] itsathursday@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

Use a daily circular habit tracker