Everything’s Due in November

Midterm season is finally (mostly) over, and we’re entering the jolly time of the year where everything is due. Personally, this November I have about seven assignments and final papers due. It’s a manageable amount, but I’ll still be pressed for time this month!

These are some of the ways I’m keeping myself organized this November so I don’t procrastinate, and maybe they’ll be of use to you too.

Get it all down on paper

Write all your deadlines down on a calendar, so you can see them all at once. A planner helps as well, but I like being able to see the weeks I have to complete each project right there at one glance.

With all my deadlines down on paper, I have clear headspace and switch between multiple projects at once less often—which is never a good idea to actually get some quality work done.

Being able to see everything you need to do really helps you stay on top of things. Photo Credit: Richard Clyborne of Music Strive https://musicstrive.com

Outline away!

Set up an outline for each of your papers or projects, so you have at least something down on paper. Jot all your thoughts down quickly and then get them organized.

Doing this small first step gets your foot in the door when writing a paper or assignment, and gives you an idea of how much work you’ll need to do.

Even spending just twenty minutes on an outline and moving onto something else really helps me clear my head a bit and de-stress, as I at least have one step of an assignment done!

Start researching NOW!

Too many times I’ve been caught without enough research done when I need to start writing. If your projects require research, do it ASAP so you’re not stuck with a million papers to read a week before your assignment is due. Getting all my research done well in advance always give me some peace of mind knowing I’m that much closer to being done.

My friend Selina getting her honours thesis research done well in advance of its due date.

Take breaks

A day off well spent, getting cappuccinos with a friend!

Scheduling time for breaks is just important to your productivity as scheduling work.

Make sure to give yourself off days, days where you’re free to do something fun without thinking too much about your workload. 

Go for a bike ride along Beach Drive, a hike through Goldstream Provincial Park, spend the day exploring downtown, or stay in and watch your favourite show. Taking breaks will let you focus on your work when you need to.

In addition, don’t forget to take breaks while studying. Using the Pomodoro study method helps keep me on track and off my phone while writing assignments.

This involves 25 minutes of straight work, then a 5 minute break, and helps my brain focus on what I need to get done. I end up being much more productive when I use this method, as I know I only have to focus for a short amount of time.

All in all, breaking your work up into smaller parts makes it a lot more manageable. Schedule both work and leisure time, so you don’t play now and pay later. These tips are what have helped me be really productive and not cram at the last second.

November is a stressful month, so take advantage of all the time you have to make sure you don’t get caught with only a couple days left to complete all your assignments!

Images: my own with the exception of image #1. Photo credit: Man in music marketing office – Richard Clyborne of Music Strive