The semester is almost done, and you know what that means--time to grind. All of those papers and projects that were assigned two months ago? Yeah, they’re due next week. You’re a professional procrastinator, it’s what you do best, but unfortunately your professors aren’t going to care too much about your title. So instead of obsessively checking Facebook, here’s how you can actually be productive as the year draws to a close.
1. Use your planner
Dig it out of the bottom of your book bag, fish around for it under your bed, or better yet, go buy a cheap one from Walmart. Seriously. Use it. Even if it’s just for a few weeks. Take a few seconds every day to make sure you’re remembering to do all of your assignments and to consistently write down everything you need to do that day. You’ll thank yourself when you aren’t sweating bullets because your professor is passing out scantrons and you had no idea you had a test today.
2. Find your study spot
Don’t kid yourself, are you really about to do your homework on your bed? Oh, you’re only going to rest your eyes for a minute or two? Guess what, you’ve fallen asleep and now it's 2am and you still haven’t written that paper due tomorrow. Your study space is key. The library or an empty classroom is perfect because of your associations with it; in other words, you know you’re there to get work done because that’s where you get work done. A coffee shop or the solarium are also good options for studying because of great lighting and soft background noise. All of this to say as long as it’s comfortable and you aren’t also socializing.
3. A great playlist will make all the difference
Believe it or not, the right music can help boost creativity, productivity, and concentration, but as long as it’s not distracting. For instance, you don’t want to be blaring your favorite rap album while trying to write a ten page paper on the effects of the reconstruction in the United States. Instead, try music without lyrics:
Keaton Henson- Romantic Works https://play.spotify.com/album/0DmaYVn58Dnq79ymSPP...
Dr. Dre- 2001 Instrumentals https://play.spotify.com/album/3t3Ar2cJUVLY6yTRmre...
Or if the task is lighter, try this at medium volume:
The Lumineers- Cleopatra https://play.spotify.com/album/5fY8mYgYGkyaJ9XvVOz...
Corinne Bailey Rae- Corinne Bailey Rae https://play.spotify.com/album/4tSXcMhMLep4kbLGubS...
Arcade Fire- Funeral https://play.spotify.com/album/0aGwrXjKIfAMlj1vBYL...
It’s all about the atmosphere and vibe you’re creating. Once you’ve finished the album, take the opportunity to take a break.
4. Take a break
Make sure you’re taking breaks while you’re studying. You’ll get tired, bored, and find yourself back on Facebook. Get up and stretch your legs. If you feel so strongly, go for a run even (science shows that exercise improves focus). Get some water, get some coffee, grab dinner, grab a snack. Whatever you’re doing, give your mind a break.
5. Get some sleep
It can’t be said enough: sleep has to be a priority. Pulling an all-nighter isn’t something to be proud of. As tempting as it can be to cram for a test the night before, it is better to get four hours of sleep and not finish studying than it is to stay up for the entire night. You’ll be less likely to remember anything you studied and will have greater trouble reasoning. Instead, start reviewing your notes days ahead (I’m still working on this myself). If you must pull an all-nighter, make sure you aren’t overconsuming caffeine in the process – the crash is terrible and you won’t be able to sleep afterward. And if you do stay up all night, please please please go to bed early the next day.
6. Think positively
Science knows the power of positive thinking. So cast out your negative, stress-causing attitude and affirm yourself! Believe in yourself and find your motivation. Accept your mistakes and feel confident knowing that you can learn from them. Try visualizing the results of all of your hard work and how proud you’re going to feel once you get through this week. Congratulate yourself and reward yourself. And above all else, remember that (as cliché as it sounds), grades aren’t everything, whether you’ve gotten a good one or a bad one.
