While I love having a break for the drudgery of classes, I always plan to be productive over break. Am I productive over break? I wish. If I was productive I would not be pushing off all my work and redoing my notes until break starts, instead of pushing off lab reports and papers until I am out of school.
Spring break is a much-needed hiatus from the routine of classes, but staying productive over break and then getting back into the routine after the break ends can be a challenge. While staying productive during spring break is difficult, it is important to stay productive. Whether productivity for you is finishing that lab report, revising that paper or even getting out of bed that day, doing something is what is important.
So over break, stay on track and make a plan. Having a to-do list, be that a physical list or one that you just remember, is a great way to keep on top of yourself and be productive. If you create a schedule or a to-do list, it is a lot easier to stay on your routine and eventually get back into your school routine without missing a beat. While you might think of these lists and schedules as habits, they will make the transition for school to spring break and vice-versa much easier.
Management and productivity consultant, David Allen once wrote, “Sometimes the biggest gain in productive energy will come from cleaning the cobwebs, dealing with old business, and clearing the desks— cutting loose debris that impeding forward motion.” Allen is most likely not literally talking about cleaning, but cleaning is a great way to stay productive.
Also, remember to have fun. Read that book that has been sitting on your shelf for the past month collecting dust. Watch that show on Netflix, if you wanted to do some cleaning, I would suggest “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”. It is your break, make the most of it and remember to be productive.
Spring break is a great time to catch up on sleep. As students, our sleep schedules can be hectic, or altogether nonexistent. According to Frances Bridges, a contributing writer for Forbes, “At school or work, between social schedules and projects, sleep is not always a priority. Use your break to get back on track with your rest, and get healthy.” It seems hypocritical for me to bolster getting the right amount of sleep, but getting the proper amount of sleep should take priority.
Spring break is a great time to relax and get out of your normal school routine, but staying productive over break is quite the challenge. Even after all of this, I don’t even know if I will stay productive over break.
