College has put me through the wringer. Between classes, campus involvements, scholarship responsibilities, and internships, I feel like my head is on a swivel and spinning at 100 miles an hour. For my sanity, I needed a glimmer of hope; a lighthouse in this dark, treacherous storm. Then it hit me: Friday Fun-Day.
A 24-hour weekly event dedicated to whatever I want. No homework, no responsibilities, no stress. This idea completely reframed how I spend my time in a week and ironically helped me develop some positive, productive habits. Here are six reasons I think you should incorporate Friday Fun-Days into your schedule!
- Improves Time Management
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For this system to work, your schedule has to be spotless on Fridays (except for the inevitable things, like jobs or classes). Meaning, every deadline that’s on Friday must be done before Friday. This is where your time management skills are going to come into play.
Now, a well-known fact about me is that I’ve got a horrible habit of procrastinating until the very last minute. I was in desperate need of getting my time management under control, and Friday Fun-Days have the secret sauce that keeps me motivated. Utilizing this method, I’m always ahead!
- Teaches Accountability
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The best way to keep yourself in check is to make plans with your best friends. I started this tradition with my roommate, and it’s something we make sure we’re both prepping for all week.
It not only teaches you how to hold yourself accountable to the plans you make, but also how to positively push your friends to accomplish the goals they set. Let the fear of missing out on Friday Fun-Day scare you to the finish line.
- It Makes Time for the Things You’ve Been Putting Off
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I’m a girl of many hobbies. I love drawing, playing video games, reading, watching movies, listening to music, etc. However, with everything I have to balance in my busy schedule, I don’t feel like I have enough time left over to do any of the things I enjoy.
Now that I account for Friday plans in my schedule, I have blocked the entire day off for whatever I want. Drawing left unfinished? Boom, done. Game I downloaded and never played? Boom, I’m on it. Haven’t done any prepping for Avengers: Doomsday? Boom, I’m sat and binging.
This doesn’t even end at just hobbies. If I’m feeling spontaneous, I’ll use my Fun-Day to explore my college town as well! Last week, for example, my roommate and I decided to go to Skate World Center and rollerblade for a couple of hours. Genuinely, the most fun I’ve had in a long time; I felt like I was a kid again.
Friday Fun-Day is the perfect way to make sure you’re equally engaged in your passions as much as your academic and professional life.
- Helps with Budgeting
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Your Friday doesn’t always have to break the bank. However, it is a good way to stay mindful of your spending and reward yourself for saving. For me, I try not to eat out during the week unless it’s Friday. It’s not a revolutionary change in my spending, but it’s a small step that has made me more responsible with my money.
- It’s Something to Look Forward To
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It’s so much easier getting through the week when you have a reward waiting for you at the end of it. I know for me, Friday Fun-Day is my motivation to lock in and accomplish what I need to. When assignments get tough, or I’m dreading my classes, I know that it’ll all be worth it on Friday. The best part about it is that I get to experience this excitement every week!
- You Deserve a Break
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In my opinion, the most valuable asset these days is the much-needed break from a long, busy week. Being a full-time college student is no easy task. We’re expected to show up to class, make good grades, be involved on campus, and gain internship experience all while working a job just to afford the cost of living. It can be overwhelming and incredibly exhausting.
As hard as you work, give yourself some grace and reward your consistent efforts. Take the day to rest, recharge, and clear your head. It’s not just about fun; it’s about wellness and taking care of your mental health. You owe yourself time to do what you enjoy most. If you spend all your time working toward the future, the present will sneak past you while you’re not looking.
Go have the Friday Fun-Day you deserve!
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