You would become more productive from this TikTok trend
Are you also struggling with a productivity crash now that the days are getting shorter? Personally, nothing gets done after the sun goes down. I really cut myself short because it’s not pleasant to wake up after lazy evening number 47 only to realize that you still haven’t bought breakfast for the next day.
Desperately searching for solutions, I came across the viral ‘5 to 9 routine’ on TikTok, where users share what they manage to accomplish in the hours from 5 to 9 before or after their workday (in other words: their ‘9 to 5’). By making the most of those hours, I hoped to get the productivity boost that I (and my household) so crave. The viral videos are filled with self-care routines, household tips, and fitness motivation; basically everything you need for a more productive life.
Now, I’m not a morning person at all and only get out of bed at 5:00 AM if I’m on a plane to a tropical destination three hours later, so I decided to try the ‘5 to 9 routine’ last week after my workday with the goal of checking off more items from my to-do list, getting my household in order, and spending more time at the gym. Curious if this is something for you too? I’ll list the most important tips.
Stop scrolling
This is where it went wrong on day 1. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that scrolling on your phone for hours doesn’t contribute to your productivity. So when I, while researching ‘5 to 9 routines’ from others (out of pure journalistic necessity), accidentally fell into a TikTok rabbit hole of city trip tips, beauty hacks, and conspiracy theories about the Kardashians, I was already down 1-0. It seems like an open door, but I want to say it anyway: airplane mode is your best friend if you want to get something done in the evening.
Declutter your home
This TikTok binge did lead to an interesting discovery: ‘5 to 9’ videos are especially fun to watch because of the aesthetically pleasing homes the creators live in. I don’t know what’s more satisfying for these people: checking off their to-do list or checking off their to-do list in a house that looks like the set of Selling Sunset. Having to maneuver through a mountain of laundry (dirty and clean often mixed up in this chaotic household) to find that one pair of workout leggings only to then lose your pans in a pile of dishes, preventing you from making that nutritious meal, is definitely less motivating than you’d think. My tip: kickstart your ‘5 to 9’ experiment with a tidy house (and if possible, a million-dollar penthouse, everything seems to go a lot easier there).
Start small
Okay, it’s now clear that this experiment has been far from a success so far, and I think I know why. I was under the impression that this routine would magically make the things I don’t like more enjoyable. But a routine doesn’t change the fact that you’re not a household wizard, find exercising really boring, and often toss your to-do lists in the trash without filling them out. Do you recognize this? Then you might benefit more from small changes that make you happy, like ensuring you have enough groceries at home to make a nice meal or organizing your closet so you can put together fun outfits without frustration.
And as a final tip from one chaotic person to another: don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t immediately succeed in adopting a new routine. Believe me: that laundry basket will still be waiting.
@maddiemomentss Post 9-5 night routine 🌙 #afterworkroutine #nightroutinevibes #nightroutineaesthetic #healthyroutines #healthyaesthetic #thatgirltok #thatgirlroutine #chicago #chicagovlogger #post9to5 ♬ First Class – Jack Harlow
@kirra.mov trying the 12x3x30 workout 💕 #afterworkroutine #eveningroutine #dailyroutine #thatgirl #aesthetic #preppyroutine #preppy #gymroutine ♬ Cool For The Summer – Tik Toker
