Survivor: College Edition

Getting good grades in College.

The Pomodoro Theory

Via pomodorotechnique.com

Pomodoro Theory = 25 productive minutes. I use this whenever I need to get something done and instead of feeling overwhelmed or too lazy, I set a timer and BAM I usually get done what I needed to in the 25 minutes.

For example, when I need to clean my room. I also set 3 pomodoros a day JUST for studying so I know I study some every single day.

[The entire concept is further explained in the link above].

P.S. If you'd like to get an app to help you from playing on your phone while studying, get an app called "Focus Now". This app has helped me from getting back on my phone because it kills the plant if you exit from it before the 25 minute increment. If you'd like to know what i'm talking about, go download the app! It's white with a green leaf.

24 Hour Increments

Via huffingtonpost.com

The best advice i've ever received about successfully being productive every single day was to: Take things 24 hours a time.

Now, that may seem obvious to most but to me it was the key to my consistency and success. I feel overwhelmed VERY EASILY and VERY FAST as my list of "to-do's" piles higher and higher every day. My tips for 24 hour increments will be laid out in 2 of the following points: Phone Reminders and Prioritize 3 Things.

The key to the 24 hours increments is to set a time (SPECIFIC TIME) every night to plan out the entire next day (this is where the phone reminder ties in). Keep in mind, you want to do what works best for you. For me, I start planning my day from 7am and finish at 8pm. Anything past 8pm is usually my "free time/me time". I also give myself an hour in the middle of the day that's blank so if I can fill that time with anything I want (sometimes it's an episode on Netflix, a nap, read a book, catch up with a friend, etc).

Phone Reminders

Via huffingtonpost.com

Alarms, Alarms, Set your alarms! You're stuck like glue to your phone anyway, you you might as well use it resourcefully and set alarms for daily things to break in habits!

My personal alarms:

-"Wake Up" alarm titled "Every Damn Day" set for the same time every morning (for me that's 6:30am). Tip: If you want to succeed, consistency is key. Granted, I am a morning person and typically fall asleep by 10pm. If you're a night person, your day may start later! Do what works best for you and ultimately listen to your body.

-"Pick your outfit out, girl" alarm. This alarm was set for myself to take time for myself and be intentional with taking care of myself. I typically check the following days weather, pick out an outfit, take a shower, wash my face, brush my teeth [whilst watching Netflix, of course], and drink a cup of chamomile tea.

-"Go to sleep" alarm. In order to break bad habits, you must instill better habits. NOW, there are days I stay up late for procrastinated assignments every now and then, or watching an extra episode on Netflix, or just hanging out with a friend. That's perfectly healthy and needed! But MOST days, I stick to sleeping at my bed time.

Those are my main alarms! As you day to day alarms, if I have a meeting or have something to do that's not a regular thing during my week, I will set an alarm ATLEAST an hour before the time to remind me. It's so easy and convenient to set alarms, don't miss a meeting just because you forgot!

Diction.

Marvin Arcelona / Via tirzahmag.com

This pertains mainly for planners. Depending on how the layout of your planner looks, most planners will be set up hour by hour. If not, customize and manipulate a way you can incorporate diction efficiently into your planner. Now, what I mean by diction is to use SPECIFIC verbs that gives you focus when you PLAN your day. I see a lot of people "plan" to study or "plan" to get a package sent, but it ends up not happening! So, here are some examples of what I mean by using diction.

Instead of "study for chem", write a specific assignment. Ex: "Finish chem hmwk #1-10" "Re-draw diagrams 4x" "Read ch. 1 for 25 minutes (pomodoro theory incorporated).

Study corner

Via tirzahmag.com

This should be an exciting experiment! Studies show that studying at the same spot every time you study will help wire your brain to get in the "study mode" whenever you go to that spot.

For me, I like reading (any reading via textbooks or fun reading) outside. So I will go to the same spot outside on the benches to read.

I like studying at Alkek 5th floor in the library. I try to sit at the same table every time (always look for tables next to outlets if you bring a computer to charge), but if not I'm still always able to find a seat on the 5th floor. It's my study floor!

Find a place comfortable but always be prepared. Always bring a jacket/hoodie. Bring a water bottle. Bring gum or a snack. You'll save yourself a lot of distraction.

Prioritize 3 things

Via tirzahmag.com

Use sticky notes!

This is simple: Write 3 things you must accomplish the next day. Write it simply & with diction. When you wake up the next morning, try to accomplish these three things first thing in the morning. That's it! That way, you know you'll atleast be productive in 3 things and have a sense of accomplishment. Hopefully, this will help you get momentum to continue being productive throughout the day.

Soft kitty, Warm kitty little ball of furrrr

Via teenvogue.com

Go get some sleep. Go exercise. Eat your vitamins and fruits & veggies! Take care of your body so you don't get sick or feel fatigue as often and you're up for a full day ahead every day. Read the article linked below to help with healthy college eating tips. Also, if you don't want to exercise, at least step outside in the fresh air with a good book or your ipod and give yourself some time outdoors for yourself.

Treat yo self.

brockbiv / Via brockbiv.wordpress.com

Enough said. Treat yourself for a long day or productiveness and hard work!!