Find yourself cleaning your room or doing the dishes when you really should be completing term projects, practicing your project presentation, studying for your upcoming exams, or all the above? Here’s a list of 4 things you can do at home in between work/practice/study sessions that won’t make you feel so bad about yourself.
1. Go get some physical exercise
Going out for a walk, run, bike, swim, or gym session can give you a clear mind and the energy needed to finish off things on your to do list. On top of that, you’ll be getting a head start on the ‘new year, new me’ health kick starting January 1st 2016.
2. Do some meal preparation for the upcoming week
During the high stress end of semester, where days seem to be 8 hours shorter than any other time of the year, you need to make sure that you are keeping yourself fueled. Staying well fed around this time of year not only will give your brain the sustenance it needs to operate at full capacity, but will also help decrease your chances of coming down with a cold or flu right before exams. So, that being said, make a couple meals in advance that you can either take to school or come home to after some long days on campus.
3. Take an legitimate break
Take a moment for yourself and don’t feel guilty about it. If you are in a study-rut or can’t concentrate, put 30 minutes on your phone timer and do whatever you feel you need to do to relax for a moment. Just remember that this break should be used to relax and not to do other procrastinating activities where you feel like you are working (ie. laundry, dishes, reorganize your closet, etc.). On top of that, also remember to go back to work after the 30 minutes…
4. Call your parents/grandparents
Although not a thing directly related to increasing your productivity, calling your parents/grandparents to say hello is simply an awesome thing to do. Chatting with them for a good 15 minutes will most likely; raise your spirits because of their unconditional love and support; get you free hot meal if you live near them and play your cards right; and also give them a smile.
In the end, remember that classes and exams are almost over and sooner rather than later it will be Winter Break!
