My Personal Productivity Tips and How I (sometimes) Get Things Done

Avoiding procrastination and being realistic about how productive I can actually be is something that I struggle with, but after just over 2 and half years of university I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two.

What’s most important to know is that everyone has to find what works for them. You can read every tip about university in the world, but you won’t know what works for you, your brain, and your busy life until you find out for yourself.

That being said, everyone needs to start somewhere, especially when it comes to being productive with university commitments and assignments. So take a look at some of my productivity tips, and who knows, maybe it’ll spark some of your own!

Move around often

I can’t study or work in the same place for too long, so I try to stagger my study blocks in different locations. For example, if on Tuesday I work at my house from the kitchen table, on Wednesday I’ll work at the library, and on Thursday I’ll work from my bedroom.

Studying at my kitchen table

Start your studying sesh with a mindless task

To get me focused for a longer working session, I like to start with a task that doesn’t take a lot of brain power, such as going through my email inbox, or organizing files.

Create a million lists

There is something so satisfying about ticking off a bunch of boxes when you’re trying to be productive!

The only way I ever get anything done!

Understand when you need a break

As much as I like to think I can be productive for 10 hours straight, it’s just not possible. Recognize when your body and your brain is telling you it’s burnt out, such as signs that you can’t stay focused on anything and that you get frustrated easily.

Turn. Off. The Phone.

I don’t know how many times I’ve fooled myself, thinking I can keep my phone nearby while I’m trying to be productive.

I definitely can’t! It always amazes me how much faster I can write an essay when I power my phone off and put it out of sight.

Just start, stop overplanning

If I redirected the amount of time I spend trying to plan out how I’m going to fit a ridiculous number of tasks into a small period of time, I would be so much more productive! Planning and organizing is great, but if you’re like me, you’re at danger of overthinking it. Sometimes you just need to get started!

A helpful brainstorm that I wasted a lot of time doing!