Work Smarter, Not Harder

After an intense and busy Fall, many students are relishing the fact that Winter Break is just around the corner. Two weeks to hit the reset button and have some well-deserved free time. You can also use the time off to develop a plan for next semester. Here are some guidelines that will help students at the Seattle campus to work smarter, not harder.

Utilize your time effectively.
Every minute is a resource that can never be recovered, so use your time wisely. Below are some good starting points to help you get into the habit.

Create a daily plan.
It is crucial that you’re engaging in activities that support your academic goals, but it is very easy to get distracted. When you have a plan, not only are you more organized, you can also check the tasks off the list as they are completed. Finishing tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment, which may in turn motivate you to complete less urgent tasks. Of course, some circumstances may arise which may affect your itinerary, but when you have a plan, you can adapt to any changes more effectively.

Set a time limit for each task.
Setting clear time limits prevents your work from dragging on and cutting into time that may be reserved for other activities.

Use a calendar/organizer.
Being organized helps you to stay abreast of everything on your agenda. By having an up-to-date calendar/organizer, you have given yourself a valuable tool that will enable you to better keep track of to-do lists, deadlines, projects and other miscellaneous tasks.

Learn to say “No.”
Do not take on more than you can handle. Hyperproductivity is not always a positive. If you take on too much, you can begin to lose focus. Multi-tasking too much can result in fewer tasks getting done. If you prioritize one key task and focus solely on that task, you will complete it more efficiently.

Block out distractions.
Cell phones, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and other apps can prove devastating to productivity. It is vital that these distractions are blocked out while you are studying.

Prioritize efficiently.
Nobody can do everything. As such, it is essential to learn to prioritize the important tasks and leave the less urgent tasks for another time. It is also crucial that you don’t obsess over unimportant details. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Structure your free time.

How people spend their free time can actually have a significant impact on their academic success. If a student fills free time with beneficial pursuits, they can actually increase their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm. Explore various ways of filling your free time with useful and fun activities below.

• Find a hobby.
• Learn a skill.
• Exercise.
• Socialize with friends.
• Try new things.
• Volunteer.
• Spend an hour or two being creative.
• Avoid unnecessary stress.
• Work on yourself. Spending your free time working on yourself, your habits, your goals and projects will ultimately make your free time more rewarding.

School-life balance is important for academic functioning. Students often prioritize academics at the expense of personal factors, including relationships and exercise. This can lead to a decline in academic performance, as general health and well-being are critical to optimal academic functioning. Balancing coursework, co-curricular activities, finances and personal relationships can be challenging, but it is essential for well-being.

Getting plenty of rest, exercising, engaging in social activities, and having some quiet time are all ways students can ensure they achieve that balance. When you engage in activities that make you feel good and recharges your batteries, you’ll face your commitments and responsibilities with a renewed sense of purpose.