8 Productivity Tips for College
My weekend was amazing. Why was it amazing? Well, I did nothing. I woke up sick on Friday, so I relaxed and took about 10 packs of Emergen-C (this stuff is great), so by Saturday, I was still congested, but not feeling sick at all. I went to the Georgia State v. Texas State game, which was fun! After the game, I got some dinner with my mom and younger brother, Brent. I slept in on Sunday and went grocery shopping, but that was really all I did (I did watch Rob and Chyna.. they're an interesting couple..).
Now that I gave you an update on my (un) eventful weekend, let's get to what this post is really about it. I am sharing some productivity tips for you! I know that it is hard to get motivated sometimes, but staying motivated and keeping up in school is extremely important. Here are the tips I have for you!
1. Get in a Routine - I feel in control of my life if I stick to a routine. I try and wake up at the same time each morning and just have a schedule and routine for each day. Plan time for your schoolwork, working out, meals, and really anything that takes up time. It will help you accomplish your tasks and you will feel in control. I even do this for my schoolwork. I do all my assignments, studying, etc. Monday through Thursday, which allows me to look forward to Friday through Sunday being schoolwork-free! Also, planner is your friend!
2. Write It Down - Make a to-do list, use a planner, or get a whiteboard calendar. Use whatever works for you and write down what you need to get accomplished and when you finish, mark it off! It is satisfying to cross off items from your to-do list.
3. Get on Pinterest - You might think I'm crazy, but jump on Pinterest and search "study inspiration." You will find tips and hacks, motivational quotes, and other studying-related pins. Save the pins you like to a board and next time you can't get in the studying mood, take a few minutes and look over the pins. You can even print motivational quotes and hang them on the wall near your desk.
4. Flashcards are Your Friend - I'm a senior in college, but I still use flashcards. While not all my classes are classes that I use flashcards for, I still use them when I can. I have Communication Regulation and Law class and there are SO MANY court cases, so of course, flashcards are a must. Each day we're assigned reading, instead of (or sometimes while) taking notes, I start making flashcards. This helps me because I'm not scrambling to make a hundred (or more) flash cards two days before a test.
5. Wake Up Earlier - It seems smart to wake up thirty minutes before your first class and throw clothes on, put your hair up, put on Nike's, and run out the door, but this really isn't the best thing to do. I wake up around 8:30 AM every morning and that gives me time to eat a good breakfast, workout, and sometimes even knock out an assignment or two before I go to class. Obviously, my schedule changes with each new semester, but I still get up at the same time each day. I also call it a night at 11:30 PM every night. There are obviously exceptions, but I do my best to stick to a sleep routine most of the time. The Sleep Cycle app is great to keep you on track and help you stay well-rested. You might find that you really like it, and if you don't, then do you!
6. Hydrate Before You Caffeinate - I love a good cup of coffee as much as the other college student, but start your day with a glass of water. A glass of water will wake you up and help you feel refreshed. Don't forget to stay hydrated throughout the day!
7. Treat Your Body With Respect - If you follow me on social media or just keep up with this blog, you might know that I've been on a health-kick recently. I've lost 15 pounds over the past three months and have just been eating well. When you eat healthy and fill your body with good food, you feel good. Being healthy will make you feel better and feel good about yourself. You only get one body, so treat it well. Don't deprive yourself though!
8. Take A Minute To Breathe - I struggle with anxiety and even something small can trigger an anxiety attack. I also stress and worry about EVERYTHING. Seriously. Over the past few days, I've been worrying about how I'm going to pay for an apartment (I go to school in Atlanta, so rent is RIDICULOUS) for next fall or if I should just stay in the sorority house for my final semester (if you have any tips for getting an apartment in college, let me know). Anyway, I have to remember to take a breath. This is so important, especially when I'm crazy busy, which is most of the time. I have to remember that it is okay to take a few minutes to watch a YouTube video, plan out a blog post, or check Instagram. I also have to remember that I can't control everything and I don't know the future. Take time for you. It is so important.
I hope that you try some (or all) of these little tips and that they change the way you get stuff done. College is such a fun time, but it is also so stressful. If you have any tips or comments, leave it below! I consider you my friend, so let's talk and help each other out. Thank you for stopping by and I'll see you in my next post.
xo,
Amanda
