Redefining Productivity
Written by Katie Collins & Madison Quinn, Photography by Breanna Gamble, Design by Dana Dang, Media by Marisa Salamone
As we cross the halfway checkpoint of the spring semester, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a dwindling school year—especially when college seems to revolve around one single motive: academic success. Though lengthy exams and group projects may lurk around every corner, let's not reduce our priorities to the items on the syllabi.
It’s time to revise our understanding of productivity. Turning in a couple assignments early is definitely productive, but so is taking a mental health day. Spending time with loved ones is just as valuable as a night of studying. Students aren’t two-dimensional and our concentrations shouldn’t be either. Kick hustle culture to the curb and schedule in some self-love.
Revamp Your To-Do List
New goal alert! Try adding two activities to your day that don’t have anything to do with GPA. Personal tasks have the potential to be just as rewarding as educational ones. Call your mom, dad, grandma, or all three. Reorganize that overflowing t-shirt drawer. Paint a poorly drawn portrait and hang it anyway. Catch some much needed Z’s after your 8 am. Odds are you’ll feel more well rounded and a little more grounded at the end of it.
Boundaries Are A Girl’s Best Friend
School isn’t an eight hour scheduled event anymore. Structure fell away some time ago, but it’s time to rebuild it. Be your own boss and construct a work day that fits your schedule. Early birds and night owls alike can set aside a handful of hours every day to get the job done. From synchronous Zoom classes to unwritten discussion board posts and everything in between, dedicate that time to accomplishing as much as you can. When the hour glass is half empty, log off for the day and remember: there’s always tomorrow.
Breaks Don’t Have To Be Earned
It’s time to take the guilt out of taking breaks. Pushing yourself to read one more chapter of the textbook before you step out for a snack and pressing play on a third lecture before going to bed might seem harmless in the moment. In reality, you’re not doing yourself any favors by denying yourself rest. Take a walk around campus, grab a cup of coffee at Quadbucks, or simply pause. A moment of rest and recharge is never wasted. Your body and mind will thank you and Canvas will still be there for you when you’re ready to get back to work.
Your Best Is Enough
Progress is not linear. It may take one supercharged morning to power through a week’s worth of work or a couple days to knock out the first assignment. But regardless of their magnitude, every step counts. And whatever speed you’re moving at this semester, don’t be afraid to stop and smell the roses every now and then.