The early bird catches the worm, right? College students are notorious for staying up late. It just seems like a given. Especially if you have later classes. I\u2019m not telling you to wake up at 5 AM every day (I certainly don\u2019t). Start by waking up an hour before you need to and go from there. For example, if you have an 11 AM class, wake up at 8:30. You can go to bed at around 1 AM, get enough sleep, and still have enough time to do something productive in the morning before class.<\/p>\n
I am guilty of not following this tip. At the beginning of the school year, I\u2019m incredibly on top of my planner, but slowly stop using it. This affects my productivity and my sanity because I forget to do things sometimes. This shows in your grades. A planner will also help you manage your time wisely. There\u2019s a reason this tip is in every productivity book and blog post you read.<\/p>\n
I could write a whole post on the importance of getting dressed. (In fact, I probably will!) Looking good is not the goal. Sure, that\u2019s a great way to feel confident, but being well-dressed and put together will help you get more done. Personally, I don\u2019t get as much work done when I\u2019m wearing my pajamas because that gets me in a mindset where I want to lounge around and do nothing. That\u2019s why I get dressed every day. When I look like I\u2019m ready to do something productive, I do something productive.<\/p>\n
The same goes for working out. A lot of people feel motivated to exercise when they\u2019re wearing workout clothing. Getting dressed sometimes gives you the push you need to get stuff done.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t necessarily need to do all of them. If you\u2019ve been here a while, you know that I used to post my monthly goals on this site. I stopped because it stopped being productive for me. As a college student, my routine was broken up by weeks, so making weekly goals made more sense. I\u2019d set goals for studying, my blog, and everything else weekly. This process may be different for other people. For people who own businesses, it would make more sense to set quarterly goals rather than weekly goals because that\u2019s how their projects naturally line up. Choose what works for you, but make sure that you are always setting goals.<\/p>\n
At the beginning of the semester, create a long list in chronological order of all the dates your professor gave you. Throughout the semester, cross things off as you go. This way, you\u2019ll know exactly what is due the soonest and what takes priority.<\/p>\n
Here's an example:\r\n\r\nAugust 28, 2017\r\n - Algebra: Pg.5-12\r\n - Econ: Chapter 2\r\n - Spanish: Capitulo 2\r\nAugust 29, 2017\r\n - English: Book Report 1 Due \r\n - Chem: Lab Report due<\/pre>\nCreate something like that listing all your assignments for the semester. Color coding wouldn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n
\/\/Don\u2019t Listen To Music While You Work<\/h2>\n
I know. I know. You\u2019re one of those people that can multitask and \u201cwork well with music,\u201d but I\u2019m here to tell you a secret. You\u2019ll work faster without it. Music is fine when you are doing things like folding laundry or cleaning your room because you\u2019re doing it passively. Your brain doesn\u2019t need to focus that much. But when you\u2019re writing an essay or studying, the music will distract you. Even if you can study well with music on, it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re studying efficiently. I used to be one of those people who would leave music on in the background, but ever since I stopped, I get work done SO much faster. (All caps doesn\u2019t do this lesson justice). Don\u2019t listen to music when you work!<\/p>\n
However, I do need some ambient noise when I work. I live in a house (with incredibly thin walls) with six other people after all. I usually just turn on the fan in my room and put a towel over it so it doesn\u2019t get cold (it also makes it louder). You could also use a white noise machine. You\u2019ll end up finishing your work much faster and you can use that extra time to do other things you enjoy.<\/p>\n
\/\/Clean Your Room<\/h2>\n
Having a messy workspace is distracting and it certainly doesn\u2019t motivate you to get things done. There\u2019s a reason I never get anything done in my room. Many people, like me, get significantly more work done at the library or at Starbucks. This is because those places are generally tidy. Unfortunately, we can\u2019t work outside all the time. We have to make it work at home, too.<\/p>\n
Before I can get any work done on my desk, I have to make my bed. Even if all else is messy, making my bed makes me feel like I have my life together. Sometimes I fold the clothes piled up on my chair as well, so I can actually sit at my desk. This means there are less distractions for me and I can get to work.<\/p>\n
\/\/Only Check Your Email And Social Media Twice A Day<\/h2>\n
I\u2019ve gotten really good at this, recently. Another way you could do this is by only checking social media in the bathroom. I\u2019m sure you do this anyway, so you might as well make it your designated social media time. That way, you won\u2019t waste as much time on your phone when you should be studying.<\/p>\n
\/\/Work Out<\/h2>\n
During midterms and finals, the gym is significantly more empty. During this time, I heard one of the trainers say,<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many students don\u2019t come to the gym during midterms because they \u201cdon\u2019t have time.\u201d Working out makes your day more productive. Not less.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And I have to admit that I agree. During the school year, I work out 4-5 days a week. This isn\u2019t because I\u2019m a health nut (far from one actually). I just feel so much more energized \u00a0after I work out and crossing that item off my to-do list motivates me to be more productive. Moving your body is also an important part of\u00a0self-care<\/a>, so don\u2019t avoid it.<\/p>\n