By September 12, most college students should have their rhythm down. You've read through each syllabus, figured out the best times to hit the gym, and located your favorite coffee shop for late night study sessions. This means that your life should be pretty organized by now. However, if you're like me, being in the perfect position to lead an organized life hardly ever translates into actually being organized. Instead of getting things done when it makes the most sense to do so, you probably do what I do and spend most of your time running away from this logic. So, for the sake of those who prefer procrastination as a way of life, here's a list of ways in which to procrastinate productively.
1. Netflix strategically.
Yeah, you could just binge watch any tv show or movie, but if you want to feel less wasteful about the time you spend on your laptop - watch something that will make your brain work. My go-to shows for this strategy are "Criminal Minds," "The West Wing," "Scandal," "Quantico," and "How To Get Away With Murder" (just to name a few).
2. Move your body.
I want to say that this is my most frequently used form of procrastination, but my friends (who hopefully read my posts) would call me out so quickly that I would be forced to publish a retraction. I happen to associate with quite a few fitness junkies and consistently hear that it helps make people feel more positive, productive, and healthy. Although my workout days are normally reserved for the summer, when the stress of school work doesn't push me to spend my free time in less than healthy ways, I can say that I vaguely remember these comments about feeling "positive, productive, and healthy" being true. So, if you're going to spend time avoiding your assignments, at least go out for a run.
3. Read for fun.
I know college may make this suggestion sound absolutely absurd, but as an English major and long term fan of the written word (yeah, I know how I sound), I can say with absolute certainty that reading purely for enjoyment can make time fly by in the most inspiring way. In addition to this amazing feature, it also happens to make the thought of mandatory reading less scary to approach.
4. Organize your room.
It's much easier to feel ready for productivity when your room reflects that attitude. Take this time to sift through all those loose papers in your drawers, put all the empty glasses and mugs into the dishwasher, and move your dirty clothes from the floor to the hamper (maybe even the laundry machine). Separate folders and notebooks by subject, throw out those inkless pens and get your backpack ready for whatever comes next. When that deadline you've been avoiding comes too close for comfort, it'll be easier to embrace when your room is ready for battle.
5. Shut off the computer and talk to people.
That's right, real communication. Call your parents, grab a coffee with your best friend, grab a beer with your special friend, or build a fort in your bedroom and have a slumber party with your siblings. Just talk to someone without the shield of a screen forcing your eyes to glaze over. Conversation can spark that part of you that actually wants to be productive and if you have good people in your life, this tip shouldn't need much justification.
