6 tips to boost your productivity this school year

When you’re in college, there are many demands. On top of classes and homework, you might have extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities. You also need time to sleep, eat, exercise, and recharge. It can feel challenging to fit it all in.

These six productivity tips can help you stay focused on your studies but also free up some time for activities you’d like to do but rarely have time for.

1. Start with Your Calendar

Improving your productivity begins with knowing what you need to do and how long it will take. Use an online or physical calendar or planner to organize your time. 

2. List What You Need to Get Done

Once a week, take a few minutes to list all the things you need to do, along with an estimate of how long they’ll take. It can be tough at first—you might not know how much time you’ll need to study for a test or write a paper. 

3. Get enough sleep

A good school day begins with a good night's sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is important to ensure that students have enough energy for the day. Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routine is a step towards preparing for in-class success.

4. Prepare the night before                                           

Mornings can be chaotic, especially if you’re not a morning person. You might be feeling rushed to get every family member ready and out the door. Make your mornings a little less stressful by preparing lunches, selecting outfits, and packing all school bags the night before and make your morning routine “grab and go!” This can help your child have a productive school year and stay organized.

5. Take a breather

It’s always a good idea to recharge and refocus!! Regular breaks can help bring down stress levels. On the days you’re highly occupied with your studies, then consider taking a 5-10 minute break for every hour of studying, and use this time to stretch, go for a short walk or do something else that helps your mind relax.

6. Ask for help

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you’re facing any issue at school or struggling with a particular subject, consider asking your teacher or counselor for help, or schedule an extra-tutoring service. Your teachers and classmates are all valuable resources that can help you stay on track and achieve the goals you have been working hard for.