The rule of three: Stay productive and find time to relax, too.

When I graduated from college, something I struggled with was scheduling my time. I wasn’t used to having a wide-open stretch of freedom each evening. Should I spend it exploring the neighborhood? Meeting old friends? Maybe picking up a new hobby?

I didn’t do any of those things.

I mostly came home from work and watched reruns of The Office, or went for a run if I felt like it. I let housework pile up and the laundry basket runneth over.

Finally, I got tired of lazing around every evening and wasting daylight watching Michael Scott grill his foot (entertaining as it was). I decided, for the good of my apartment and for my own productivity, that I was going to institute something I’ve come to refer to as the rule of three.

It’s pretty simple: Each evening, I pick three productive tasks that I’m going to accomplish. They can be big or small, just as long as they’re things that need to be done. And they aren’t always boring chores: Sometimes they’re fun, like baking a loaf of banana bread or going on a run with a friend. The point is that I’m doing something productive, getting off the couch and my phone, and having something to show for it at the end. If I’m feeling tired, they’re small, easily-accomplished tasks. If I’m ambitious, I don’t stop at three; I use the momentum to get more finished.

I’ve found that most evenings, it’s easy for me to pick three tasks. Even when I’m bored, I can usually drum up a few chores that need tackled or projects I can start. Running to the grocery, taking a walk to the library, calling a friend or trying a new recipe can all take up time in the evening. And when I put my nose to the grindstone and get them finished, I still typically have plenty of time to sit and relax for the rest of the evening.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekday evening? Share with me!