Sometimes unpleasantness is part of having good thing. (Having a beautiful deciduous tree means having to rake leaves.) I wrote last year that you can deal with the unpleasantness by flipping your response. Other times unpleasantness is simply not nice and there’s nothing to flip to. What do you do then?
Try turning it into a game.
Two years ago when energy prices went stratospheric I realised I would have to live in a colder house. I decided that while Christine was at work I would keep the thermostat at 16°C (61°F). 16° is a wonderful temperature outside on a sunny day. It’s pretty chilly when you work at a desk.
I decided that as an intelligent, warm-blooded creature I would turn staying warm into a challenge. Whenever I got cold, I did stretches, push-ups, mountain climbers, star jumps or burpees. I converted my desk into a standing desk. This was mainly to help my back and keep me from dying five years early. It had the added benefit of making movement while working easier. I flowed into spring healthier and in credit with my energy company. I’m doing the same challenge again for a third year.
—Jeff
I have little games I play sometimes. Especially when I have to drive long distances. Beating the GPS time of arrival being the main one, but not anything too crazy. 🫣
Grow slowly
Skyler
Washing dishes is a game I play daily, often, a lot! I like to cook my meals so dishes will pile up while cooking. The game? Kitchen clean by bedtime. The joy comes in the morning!🤩