Coming back from a break is the worst. Whether it be summer vacation or reading week, it can be quite the challenge to get back into the swing of things. There’s been many times that I have found myself not being as on “top of things” as I should be during the school year. It took me quite some time before I truly understood how to increase my productivity in school and keep myself on track. I find especially when I come back from a break, my performance is always a little off and that’s when I know it’s time to get back into a solid routine.
Life is chaotic and full of distractions so it’s important to keep yourself motivated and focused on your goals. If you regularly come up with new ways to increase your productivity and build a healthy habits, you can easily get yourself back to where you need to be.
If you’re looking for ways to increase your productivity in school, here are 8 things that help me.
1. Go to Class
As much as it may be tempting to skip class once in awhile, it really is important to go. This may sound obvious but there’s many students in college and university who think they’ll get by without going.
Going to class keeps you in a good routine and profs notice the people who are consistently no shows. By going to class, it’ll save you a lot of stress and worry down the road. If you’re skipping regularly enough, chances are you’ll start to fall behind. Consistently attending and trying your best at school will have the teachers be more willing to help you when you need it. School is stressful enough, don’t make it harder on yourself by constantly skipping class.
I find class motivates me and excites me for the projects ahead. You’ll also be much more productive if you know what’s going on.
2. Get Your Sleep
This is important. So many students get through by pulling all nighters but I say get your 8 hours in much as you can. It makes it very difficult to increase your productivity in school when your running off of very little sleep.
Now I know everyone is different but I think by messing with your sleep schedule, you’re messing with your overall productivity. I know that sometimes it’s unavoidable and I’m not going to lie and say that I haven’t done it. Sometimes projects end up taking a lot longer than originally expected and you need to do what you need to do in order to get it done. However, what I’m saying is to avoid it as much as you can.
You will lower the potential of getting sick and being a total zombie for the next week or so following. I find when i pull an all nighter, I have a hard time getting to sleep at a regular time for weeks afterwards.
3. Eat Nutritious Foods
This one can be a challenge especially if you are living on campus. I was mind blown when I saw the types of food they serve at my school. No wonder the freshman 15 is a thing!
For me it made no sense that they would be feeding pizza and hamburgers to students who need the energy and nutrition?!?
University/ college life can already be so unhealthy. Especially if you’re drinking a lot, pulling all nighters, staying in a shoe box of a dorm room or dealing with the stress of school. The last thing you need to be doing is living off of pizza and chicken fingers everyday.
I would suggest buying your own groceries and eating from the salad bar as much as possible! You’ll need the extra energy believe me!
4. Write Down all of Your Due Dates
As soon as I get my syllabus for all of my courses I write down my due dates. It’ll make your life so MUCH easier.
I write all of my due dates in a calendar that is attached to my wall for the entire semester. That way I can see it everyday. There’s no confusion on what I need to do. Then every Friday I write on a white board what is due for the following week. That way I can prioritize what the most important things are based on the percentage that it’s worth, how much work it is or how far in the week it’s due.
Once I finish an assignment or project I’ll check it off of my list on my white board. Seeing my list get smaller and smaller really helps me feel less overwhelmed and more accomplished throughout the week!
5. Clean Your Room
I’m no where close to being a clean freak but I think keeping things organized and tidy is important. It took me awhile to get there and it’s still something I work on.
Not only is it so much easier to work in an environment that’s clean, but I find a clean room motivates me and keeps me more productive. Even if you don’t normally work in your room, just knowing where things are will help you tremendously while you’re in school.
6. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
I truly believe that you are who you surround yourself with. This is something I’ve really struggled with in my 20’s a lot. I’ve had to say goodbye to some close relationships that felt like they were keeping me from growing and reaching my potential. I’m not telling you to ditch all of your friends but if some of the closest people to you are keeping you from leveling up in life, it may be time to rethink the relationship. You should never live your life for other people and I truly think that the relationships that are meant for you will help you become your best self.
If you are just beginning university or college I would choose your friends carefully. If are hanging with strong and supportive woman it will rub off on you! Surround yourself with people who empower you.
7. Eliminate Distractions
Figure out what normally distracts you and eliminate it. Whether it’s your friend that you normally study with that won’t pipe down or that fact that every time you study in your bedroom you always end up in your bed. Find out what your weaknesses are and come up with solutions on how you can avoid these distractions.
8. Treat Yourself
I have a confession. I need to take my own advice when it comes to this one. My tenancy to make my school work become my one and only priority and neglect myself completely, is somewhat of a problem. I often feel like I don’t deserve a break or that it doesn’t make sense when I have so much to do. The best way I can think of to change this is to schedule some time for yourself at least once a week. This could be anything from spending time with your friends or treating yourself to an at home “spa night”. Figure out what you need to do for yourself that week and make it a priority. Even though it feels pointless at the time, treating yourself will increase your productivity in school in the long run.
