Hey everyone!
For today’s post I want to talk about my top productivity tips, but as I’m sure you have gathered I am not one for hustle culture. While I enjoy being productive, a big part of that is that I want to have more time to do all the things I love. Here are 5 tips to help increase productivity, so that you can spend more time on hobbies!
1. Make a schedule
At the start of the semester I go through all my courses and add any due dates to my monthly planner spreads. I even add tentative dates for presentations so that I don’t forget once the semester gets busy. Having everything in one spot makes it easy to keep track, and further plan. I recommend having a weekly schedule that you can create daily to do lists in so you know what you have to do each day. Find a method that works best for you. I personally like a digital planner I can write in because I almost always have my iPad on me. There are also physical planners/ calendars, or something like Google Calendar which can send you reminders.
2. Time blocking
Time blocking can be super helpful to ensure you do not overload yourself with work. As you set your daily to do list, take into account how long each task will take. It may take time to learn your speed, but it’s important you do because it will help make sure you set yourself a manageable number of tasks each day. I don’t personally schedule my day by the hour, but sometimes during exam season when I’m really busy this helps me stay on task.
3. Know when you work best
I know I work best in the morning and during the day before my classes, so I get up early so I have time to do work. Adjusting your schedule so that you set aside study time when you are most productive is extremely beneficial. This also may take time, but if you pay attention to when you are most energized or motivated to work that can help determine a good time for you. I also find getting stuff done before my classes (when possible) is helpful because after a couple classes I am ready for a break. Additionally, figure out if you prefer studying on campus or at home, which leads me to my next tip.
4. Find solid study spots
Determining where you study best is also a good way to boost your productivity because you know where to go to lock in. I find it much easier to get work done on campus because at home there are so many other distractions. I try to stay on campus during the day because I know I can get more done when there. Beyond that, find spots that work best for you. I have a variety of different spaces across campus that I enjoy studying at depending on what I need to get doneāand the same goes when I’m at home because realistically I cannot get it all done on campus. Having different spaces for different tasks is helpful because it allows a change of scenery, but it also associates the task with the space. For example, I sit at a desk in a quiet hallway on Tuesday and Thursdays before class, and my brain knows to lock-in when I’m there because it has become a habit.
5. Schedule in breaks
This is arguably my most important tip. Scheduling in breaks, you-time, and fun activities is key to productivity. Without these things you will burnout, and planning them in advance helps keep you balanced and motivated. For example, last week we had a big hockey game happening, so I scheduled more work in the days leading up to it, so I could fully enjoy the games. The fun things are just as important as school, so they deserve to get time dedicated to them. Some days are busier than others, but even 15-30 minutes can impact how you are feeling.
Balance is probably my favourite ever, and through these tips I believe everyone can boost their productivity to make more time for what makes you smile. My version of productivity does not mean I’m working all the time; in fact, I’m trying to get stuff done quicker so I have more time to do what I enjoy. Through these tips I find that I can still create quality work because I dedicate specific time to it.
For all you students, I hope these tips were helpful. I know I struggled with overworking myself during my first-year, so developing a routine using these tips has been extremely helpful. Have a good rest of your week! For more, check out my Instagram.
Hailey