No one likes to study. At least no one I know at least. Many college students will understand me when I say that when studying is supposed to become a priority, suddenly everything else becomes a much better, higher-priority activity. I'm no stranger to this, and I've found that a few things can really keep you busy when reality is pounding at your door, asking if you've done your homework yet.
And so I share with you all the top five things I've liked doing while procrastinating to study for my classes.
1. Sleeping
This is a classic option for any college student. Finished your homework earlier than it's due? Reward yourself with a nap. Having some problems? Sleep on them. Just ate and having a minor food coma? Succumb to the sleep. Most of us aren't getting enough sleep anyways, so we might as well get some Zzz's in before we completely forget how great this activity can be.
2. Cooking
I mean you can't really do much of anything on an empty stomach, right? This option is so good that when I don't want to study AND I don't want to sleep, I'll cook. The other night I made stir-fry, this past weekend I made some glazed potatoes and eggs at 2am, and as I'm writing this article right now I'm making truffles. They'll probably be my reward for writing this article. <3
3. Becoming an Ordained Minister (Online!!)
This is a classic option I found online myself after hearing about it so much as a joke. One early morning during finals week a couple years ago, I ended up finding one website that was actually featured on Conan O'Brien's show when he himself got ordained. The best part about the website is that getting ordained and into the system's database is FREE, with the only cost being the certificate you can buy that's an official document, along with some other documents that allow you to register in your county as an ordained minister if it's required. The best part about this option is that you can possibly make some money off of this one officiating weddings/funerals/other church events as long as you're in a state that recognizes the website (which is most states, luckily).
4. Studying for OTHER Classes
I like to think of this option as a sort of act of defiance. Much like how everything else seems more interesting when I have my own work to do, I suddenly find other work to busy myself with that seems enormously more interesting. For example, I'll offer friends help with their homework. More recently I've taken up online classes on Coursera. It's a website with classes both free and paid to just learn about different subjects taught by different colleges. I'm currently on a track to earn a certificate in Graphic Design from CalArts. You know. Since I don't have much else to be thinking about as midterms continue to attack me...
5. Doing Literally Anything Else
This is by far the best option because this is where you get to make your procrastination your own. Just think: what's something that I really don't have to do at all right now that will get my mind off of all my responsibilities? Brainstorm until you find something you like and do it!! The world is your playground, and you have the freedom to explore it...as much as your responsibilities let you...wait, what responsibilities again???
