If you are anything like me, you like to think that you are an organized person. However, in reality, organization and motivation succumb to grey weather that the end of winter brings. March 20 marks the first day of Spring, and Spring is the perfect transition period to a get jump start on staying organized for the rest of the semester. Important deadlines, due dates and events happen in the spring, on and off campus. Whether it is for housing deadlines or summer plans, staying organized is a key part to make your spring successful. Here are 10 tips to stay organized this Spring.
Stay on top of your planner!
If you don’t already have one, treat yourself to a planner. Whether it is daily, weekly or monthly, a planner is a key component in staying organized mentally and academically. Keeping it on you at all times in your purse or backpack can also benefit in staying organized. It is a little old-school, but if you take the time to write down a commitment, you are less likely to forget about it.
Create a daily plan.
Many coaches send DP’s to their athletes the day or hours before a practice, so they know what to expect and how to prepare for the practice. Create your own daily plan. Sip your morning coffee or right before you go to sleep, and write out what you are planning to do for the day. This can help you keep on top of going to the gym and can also help you map out everything you should get done for the day, such as beginning that research paper or calling your parents.
Have a morning routine.
Create a realistic and personal routine that you can stick to every morning. Waking up at the same time every morning can help you manage your time, and the more your body gets used to the routine, the easier it will be to wake up. Maybe drink a glass of water, or make your bed as soon as you get up. Creating a routine can remove the rush that some unorganized mornings bring.
Also, create a nightly routine.
It is the same for the evening. Spend the spring creating a relaxing and organized nightly routine. Pick out your clothes for the next day, drink a cup of tea or read a chapter of that book you’ve been meaning to read. Going to bed at the same time every night will also make waking up easier.
Schedule out personal time.
School, sports and work create stress. It’s obvious. This also creates a need to have some personal down time. Whether it is catching up on a show, going for a run or facetiming a friend, schedule it in your day. Making a note that you will spend an hour from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. getting caught up on Grey’s Anatomy for example will prevent you from slipping into that personal time when you should be doing other work. This will also give you motivation to get work done, so maybe you can watch that extra show.
Create spring goals.
Whether you stuck with your new year’s resolutions or not, give yourself a spring goal. Try to work on how fast you can run a mile, teach yourself how to knit, join a club team or create a list of books you want to read. Get excited about something new or something you want to accomplish before summer.
Do something that you don’t like.
Whether it is working out or even spending extra time working on something you struggle with like conjugating French verbs, schedule it in your day or week. Making yourself disciplined to stay in shape or working on something you struggle with will help you not only stay organized but also will help you in the “real world." Giving yourself 30 minutes every other day to go for a run or practice conjugating French verbs will keep on track of everything else. When the time comes that you need to be in shape or have a pop French quiz, you will not feel stressed or behind.
Give yourself a day to do nothing.
Life and especially college is stressful, and sometimes you need a day to do absolutely nothing. Whether that is once a week or a once a month, help yourself out and make it possible. Get caught up on work or commitments far enough, so you can spend a whole day in bed watching Netflix. Maybe you can spend a whole day with friends.
Big Picture Calendar
If you are the type that likes to write out commitments to stay organized or even if you’re not, purchase a big calendar. Write out every big commitment, small engagement for the month or something important that must be done each day. Check off each day and have it available in a space that you are in like above your desk or dresser, and look at it every day. This will help you stay on top of what’s important.
Your phone is your best friend.
If you're not a pocket planner or big picture type of person, try using your phone. The App Store is filled with apps that can help you stay on top of daily duties, from nutrition, to school and to sleep. Apps like EasilyDo, Evernote or Timeful are free apps that help you stay on top of personal and professional commitments. You also have a complete calendar and use of notes on your phone as well.
Staying organized is hard, but use the spring to get involved and motivated whether it is from a pocket planner to a phone. Finding the right combination or way for you to stay organized is important to lock down now with Spring and Summer coming!
