As a college student, I think it’s safe to say that time management is the devil. You know there is always something productive you could be doing, but leisure time is also so incredibly important to staying focused and motivated throughout the year. Making sure you find that perfect balance between work and play is imperative to a life of joy and success.
How can you keep yourself from burning out and recharge in a productive way? Here are a couple of my favorite things to do.
1. Get Some Steps in When It’s Convenient
Believe it or not, it has been proven time and time again that exercise helps to stimulate the mind. Maybe you don’t feel like you can spare two hours on a regular basis to make the schlep to the gym, shower and then hit the library again, but there are other ways to still get a few steps in without making this huge time commitment.
If you find yourself having an awkward 45 minutes in between classes, take a longer, more scenic route. Try and embrace your surroundings, and clear your mind a bit. You’ll thank me later.
2. Hit the Gym
If you do think you can spare those extra two hours a few times a week, do it. Getting into good habits at a young age will lead you to live a longer, happier and healthier life. Join your local yoga studio, or make your way to your gym on campus. Maybe watch some Netflix while you’re on the elliptical, or listen to your favorite hype playlist.
By doing this, you are stimulating your mind and treating yourself by watching or listening to something you enjoy.
3. Get Ahead of the Game on Assignments
Stay on top of all assignments and get ahead if possible. If you notice your schedule is light, but you have an assignment due in a week, begin looking into it. It can’t hurt! Leisure time is important, but it’s also important not to overindulge in it because that is when bad habits start forming.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand laziness happens, but if you’re feeling stimulated and proactive, take that energy and put it to good use. Then, when you are feeling super lazy a week later, you’ll already have an outline for that upcoming assignment or even the assignment itself completed. Maximize your potential, people!
4. Take Advantage of Your University’s Resources
Calling all freshmen: Discover your likes and dislikes right away and get involved! As a senior, I can admit I did not quite do this and I wish I had. If you love TV and movies, don’t be afraid to be independent and check out that movie club you heard about. You are very lucky to be attending a university that has so many different resources available at your fingertips. Don’t waste your time and money by not taking advantage of them.
Fill up your free schedule with courses, clubs, intramural sports teams and possible internships or jobs that actually interest you. Doing this will both help you learn more about what you are interested in and meet people with similar interests. Not only will this make your resume look great, but it will also make you a happier, better you.
If I am being completely honest with you, I wish someone had told me these tips day one freshman year. I most definitely do all of the above now, and I’ve never felt so confident in myself and my future. Of course your GPA matters, but what it all boils down to is experience. Are you doing all that you can with your time to maximize your potential?
If the answer is no, follow my advice and make the answer yes to get yourself out of that college slump once and for all.
