Low-effort, guilt-free ways to still feel accomplished on hard days.

Let’s be real, not every day is made for productivity sprints, life admin, or a colour-coded to-do list. Some days are about pure survival, and that’s okay.

Whether you’re burnt out, overwhelmed, overstimulated or just in full “I can’t even” mode, here are a few gentle, low-effort ways to still feel a sense of accomplishment, without pushing yourself to breaking point.

1. Try a Reverse To-Do List

Instead of writing a long list of things you have to do, try jotting down the things you’ve already done, even the small stuff. Brushed your teeth? Fed the cat? Put your phone on charge? 

Write it down. Tick it off.

It’s a simple way to give yourself credit for the energy it takes just to exist some days and to remind yourself you're doing more than you think.

To get you started, you can download my Reverse To-Do list printable planner page!

2. Pick One Tiny Thing

Instead of aiming to “clean the house,” zoom all the way in. Just wipe the kitchen counter. Or load the dishwasher. Or sort out one drawer. One tiny, tangible task is still a win and might even give you momentum to do a second. But if it doesn’t? That’s fine too. One thing is plenty.

3. Use a Wipe-Clean Memo Pad

Low stakes. No pressure. Just write whatever’s on your mind: a reminder, a doodle, a mantra, or a brain dump. Tomorrow, you can wipe it away and start again.

My wipe-clean memo boards are perfect for this kind of gentle planning. Keep one on your fridge, desk or wall and scribble freely.

4. Set a Mini Reward

Give yourself something to look forward to… a bath, a walk, a favourite snack, or an episode of your comfort show.

Pair it with some small tasks using a reward chart (here’s a cute one for this!), and suddenly even replying to that one email feels worth it.

5. Use a Simple Daily Format

Instead of trying to plan your whole life, try a 3-part list:

• Must do: 1 non-negotiable task
  

• Might do: A couple of nice-to-dos
  

• Maybe later: Things to park for now
  
  

This style keeps things realistic without the guilt - because not everything needs to be done today.

6. Focus on Maintenance, Not Progress

Hard days don’t need big achievements. Instead, shift your mindset to maintenance. Ask:

• Did I eat?
  

• Did I drink water?
  

• Did I take my meds?
  

• Did I move my body, even a little?
  

These are all valid, valuable uses of your energy.

Be Kind to Yourself

You’re not lazy. You’re not falling behind. You’re just human, and sometimes life is heavy.

Planning doesn’t have to be perfect or pretty to be useful. Your tools should support you as you are and that’s exactly what I aim for with everything I create.

So on those “absolutely nothing” days, give yourself a soft place to land. The productivity can wait, your wellbeing can’t.

Want stationery that gets it?

Explore my wipe-clean memo boards, reverse to-do list printable, and reward charts - made with love for busy, brilliant, burnt-out brains like yours.