Tuesday off to a bad start? Rescue it with a genius 10-minute hack and conquer your to-do list

Tuesday blues are real. There’s something especially annoying about them., because on Mondays, many of us are still soaking in the remnants of weekend bliss. But, Tuesday, is where reality hits. There are still four full days to go.

Thankfully, a little TikTok inspiration and some insights from psychologists might help flip the script. Tuesday could be the perfect day to reclaim the week, especially if Monday went off the rails and left you questioning everything.

So, here’s what you can do. For starters, try the 10-minute rule.

What’s the 10-minute rule?

It’s quite simple:

Don’t doubt the trick: It’s grounded in science.

Why it works well

The 10-minute rule taps into a well-documented psychological phenomenon: Task initiation is the biggest hurdle to productivity. Once you start, continuing is much easier.

A 2012 study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine  found that starting a task significantly reduces perceived effort and mental resistance, even more than thinking or planning about doing it.

In another study from The British Journal of Health Psychology, researchers found that action planning , significantly increases follow-through on tasks—especially when motivation is low. Moreover, as the studies explain, that we often overestimate how difficult or unpleasant a task will be. But once we begin, our emotions shift from dread to focus, which keeps us going.

So, if you’re feeling sluggish, tired and just can’t start anything, pick something, could be as simple as clearing out your inbox and set a 10-minute timer.

Worst case? You made a dent.

Best case? You finished the whole thing and still have time for coffee.

If the 10-minute rule is too much, you can start with the 2-minute rule

Popularised by productivity expert David Allen, the rule goes like this: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now. Replying to that email, filing a document, drinking water, booking that appointment, all done and dusted.

Here’s why it works: Tasks pile up and clutter your brain. Your to-do list feels overwhelming. By finishing those tasks quickly, you free up mental space and build momentum for the more pressing tasks. Breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks can lead to more frequent dopamine releases. Each small victory provides a motivational boost, making it easier to tackle subsequent tasks. This approach aligns with the concept of "micro-goals," which are short-term objectives that contribute to a larger goal.

This strategy leverages the dopamine-driven reward system by encouraging quick wins, which can build momentum and reduce procrastination.

So before you spiral into a scroll session or rearrange your desk again, scan your list. What can be done in two minutes or less? Do it. Clear the clutter. Reset the vibe.

In short: