Whether you are going home for break or staying on campus, here are a few suggestions on how to make the most out of the (highly needed) time off.
1. Make a list.
The one and only way I know how to be productive is to be organized. The only way I feel organized is when I have a list. For the first time in a while we have four completely free days to do whatever in the world we want. This to me sounds like an invitation to sleep in and watch Netflix (am I right?!) But, inevitably, by the time the Monday rolls around I will hate myself because I got literally nothing done. So, I like to do a little thing called prioritizing. Take a second and jot down all the things you get done this weekend. Now go back and cross out, bold, and annotate that list and see what is really important to you. If sleep is #1 on that list… go take a nap! If studying for that Econ midterm is #1… make a schedule of when you will take time over the weekend to study for that, etc. Even if you don’t get to everything on your list that’s okay! You made a start and that is pretty dang good either way.
2. Study.
As much as I really do hate to say it, productivity is sort of a synonym for studying… These four days are a great time to sit down in a comfy spot and be able to focus on one thing at a time. With midterms coming up we all need a little extra time to get our work done. This is a great chance to be able to take your time, to not have to worry about what work is due the next day or what test you have at the end of the week. You can focus on whatever you want on an endless timeline because you finally have some time off. We have four whole days to do this rather than cramming everything into one Sunday. Preach am I right!?
3. SLEEP.
I love this one. If you say you aren’t sleep deprived, you are lying. Every college student needs more sleep. There is just no time in a typical week to go to class, study, work out, eat, socialize. No. Time. Ever. We are at “Work Forest” aren’t we. Even those of you who AMAZING at time management or go to bed early every night (liars) slip up once in a while. So, let’s all use this opportunity to snuggle up in bed and take a long, long nap. This way you’ll overdose on sleep and have extra energy once classes start again! We can only be so productive if we are sleep deprived, so honey, take a load off!
4. TLC.
Tender. Loving. Care. Self-care my friends, self-care. This weekend do whatever “tlc” means to you. If that means treating yourself to a manicure, watching some Netflix, doing some guilty, guilty pleasure, I say do it. Chances are, since the semester started you haven’t done any of these things yet. Here is your chance. All I’m saying is that we have a weekend times two so just do it. Pretty much the “break” in “study break” is the only way I can actually do the “study” part, so let’s take a break.
5. Stock up.
My final point. Get some groceries, toiletries, whatever you need. If there is barely enough time to study, how are we expected to make it to CVS (lol). You know it’s time to make a trip to the store when you reuse cotton balls. That is a call for help. Your mascara covered eyes are screaming. For. help. So, if you are like me, it’s about time to grow up and go to the store. Also, go get some fruit and veggies to snack on. If the only food in your fridge is Halo Top and microwave mac and cheese, change it up! Brain food we call it.