My favorite ways of staying productive throughout the day

Republished from Shear Self Care, March 1, 2023.

Because we all know it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

I have noticed while being in college that being busy and staying productive are not really the same thing. It is easy to fall under stress, being pulled in all different directions and not taking the time to do the things we need to do that help us also take care of ourselves as well.

Make a List of Essential Things that you need to get done.

I have mentioned making lists in a previous post, but I really wanted to shed light on it again in this context. At the beginning of each week, I start my list. It contains things I need to get done school-work wise, as well as outside of school. The list grows as the week goes on as I add to it while things come up. This might sound like a simple, silly way of helping yourself out during the week, but it has drastically changed my habits of becoming more productive.

Get Enough Sleep.

I know this might seem like more of an obvious decision, but In my opinion, it is absolutely essential.

For me, I could be very busy with a million things that I need to do, but my number one priority will always be getting 8 hours of sleep. Now you might disagree with this, but how can you get everything done the next day and more if you’re tired, sluggish, and all you’re thinking about is a nap? To me, it is impossible to be genuinely productive while running on just a few hours of sleep.

With that being said, when it hits 11. p.m, I’m going to bed.

Try Not To Multitask.

Multitasking is a fairly easy way to get distracted. You are overflowing your brain and avoiding prioritizing.

The easiest way to avoid multitasking is to single out a certain task and try to put all of your focus on that task until it is completed. I know that it may seem easier said than done, but once you get the hang of it, you will thank me.

Do Your Best to Work on Time Management.

For a college student, time management has been something that I have struggled with. With everything going on, sometimes I feel like I’m being pulled in every direction possible, all good things of course! It just can be difficult to prioritize my academics. Something I have realized, and maybe I’m late on this…. but staying up late to complete schoolwork is not a form of working hard, it is called poor time management.

Remember:

Self care is not only found in the products you invest in or the silk pillowcase that you just bought. It’s prioritizing what you find happiness in, mental health, your overall well-being. Self care is helping yourself succeed and being content in your skin. I hope this post finds you and gives you ideas for staying productive. Staying productive improves stress, and avoiding stress helps you take care of yourself.

Have you ever procrastinated yourself into stress? If so, how?