Let's be honest, you probably clicked on this article because you've been scrolling through Facebook for the last couple of hours looking at the same posts in a desperate attempt to avoid starting all of that homework you've been neglecting to do all semester that just so happens to be due tomorrow. Well, you could watch the entire series of "Friends" on Netflix for the fifth time, or you could do something that the future you will be very happy you thought to do today. Most importantly, it will still help you do something other than studying.
1. Reach out
Reconnect with old friends. Send a letter to your grandparents. Call your mom; she certainly wants to talk to you. Getting back together with people you've lost touch with is one of the most important and meaningful things you can do. You will only regret the people you don't reach out to.
2. Organize your digital life
You know how every time you download something off the internet, you have to search through all your documents for the one titled "Rr238Tg3.pdf"? Well, take this time to make some folders and organize all of those files on your computer. You can do this with your phone, too. Delete old texts, clean out your inbox and transfer your pictures to your computer (and maybe upload a few to Facebook). You'll be amazed at how much faster everything loads. Say goodbye to the "low memory" notification.
3. Respond to old messages
All of those old texts and Facebook messages you've been ignoring for the last few weeks might finally deserve a reply. You know, the ones you've been pretending you haven't seen yet. So it might be a little awkward, but that person wanted to talk to you two years ago, what makes you think they wouldn't want to talk to you now?
4. Take a nap
It's probably not the most productive option, but it's certainly more beneficial than scrolling through Facebook. At least now when you finally start your homework at 4 a.m., you'll be refreshed from your nap instead of falling asleep at your desk. Just don't sleep up until your class starts.
5. Perfect your resume
This is probably something you only think about doing when you're applying for a new job, but just think about how nice it will feel to have your resume perfectly up to date when you apply for that job with the deadline an hour away (because you procrastinated on that, too).
6. Learn something new
Whether it's an instrument, a sport, a language or how to knit a scarf, finally do that thing you always wished you could. You might just have a hidden talent you never knew about. It's never too late to take up a new hobby.
7. Clean your apartment
Unless you're a clean freak, picking up is probably something you procrastinate just as much as doing homework. But hey, it's either that or studying for your O-Chem final. Moving around while cleaning up might just give you enough motivation to start your homework, too!
8. Make travel plans
Whether it's a day trip to the next city over or an expensive overseas vacation, go ahead and plan it out. Then, get some friends or family on board and start saving. With a plan, anything is possible. Make sure you set a realistic timeline and you're on track to the time of your life! Plus, there is nothing more fun than daydreaming about warm weather and no homework. The trip might just be enough to look forward to get you through the semester.
9. Work out
Well, it certainly isn't fun for most people, but at least it's not homework? If you commit as much time to exercising as you do to binge-watching Netflix, you'll be well on your way to a toned beach bod by summer vacation.
10. Join a new club
Some professional clubs can help you in your future professional career, but even if you just want to join Pokemon League, the benefits of joining a new club are huge. New friends, new connections, new hobbies and new world views are important to your social and professional well-being. Go ahead and give it a shot. It's sure to help you avoid homework for at least a little longer.
11. Apply for internships
Without proper planning, you might accidentally let internship deadlines slip by, which means while all your friends have some cool internship out in California, you'll be stuck in town this summer, helping customers return their socks at Target.
12. Make a game plan
As much as you might hate to admit it, you'll have to do that homework eventually. Make a list of everything you have to get done and start checking things off. Dedicate yourself to not doing anything that's not on the list. You're still procrastinating by making the list, but at least it will help you put everything you need to do in perspective.
