Now that exams are ending, schools out and the majority of us are on summer, it is time for a quick reality check.

Of course if you’ve just finished the dreaded year of study, exams and nights in; it is understandable for you to crash.

But, for a lot of us we have been lounging around for a few weeks now and I for one want to make this summer another one to remember.

How? To make money, spend that money and be with my friends and family enjoying the summer.

This is my ‘5 ways to make your summer more productive’, this also is not just for students or the few of us at home for the summer, it is for anyone who wants to make the most of your day.

 

• De-clutter.

 

This should be the first thing you do, I have quite recently just re-decorated my bedroom and a de-clutter is something I had.  Bigtime.

You do not realise but over time, things bundle up and you may not get rid due to a number of reasons such as you feel obligated to keep an object because ‘I may need it someday’ etc.

My friend, this is what the world likes to call ‘hoarding’.

I have attached a photo above which is a check list you can use when getting rid of old stuff. (Tip, be ruthless when de-cluttering.)

Just remember, tidy bedroom = tidy headspace!

 

• Wake up earlier in the mornings.

I know, ‘summer is about sleeping in’. However, this should not count for seven days a week. Those who awake earlier and get on that grind get the best opportunities and outcomes.

There are many benefits to being an early bird, not only are you more proactive, studies show that individuals who go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, ‘your body will be in more tune with the earth’s circadian’.

I love my sleep more than the next person and it may be distracting when you are watching YouTube but is it really worth it heading to sleep at 4am and waking up groggy after still having eight hours of sleep?

 

• Lists. Plan. Lists.

My fave.

You are writing down the tasks you have to do, the goals you wish you achieve, it makes the venture seem more real.

Of course you can do these lists on the notes in your phone but I for one am a traditionalist kind of gal (nothing beats a notepad, some paper and a pen) also; how satisfying is it when crossing / ticking off your list?

When you plan, it gives you and your pals something to look forward to.

(Also – making the list is one thing, attempting it is another. A tip is to ‘eat the frog’ when doing the list, the rest will seem like a breeze.

3 words – prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. )

 

 

• Having a job.

 

My next point makes it easy for me to slide into this next one, having a job.

I cannot underestimate how important it is for you to have a part-time job, or some work for the summer.

It adds a routine to your week; you have your own money to spend at whatever way you want.

I know it may seems like some time all the hours you work seem pointless because you are working so much that you don’t even have the time to spend the moola, but trust me you will. Summer would be very boring without one is all I have to say.

 

• Living in the moment.

 

I know it probably sounds silly but it is quite very true.

If you even have a spark of motivation, it may be to hang out with an old friend for a catch-up or start to colour co-ordinate your closet, why not just do it?

It can be so easy to do things with friends on a last minute basis; movie nights, game nights or even a good aul wine night.

This may sound contradicting but in the grand scheme of things, life is not all about sending emails and getting your makeup collection organised.

It is about spending time with those people who make you laugh, making new friends and connections, being close to those who mean so very much to you.

Making new memories all of the time.

The last minute plans are always the best. Sometimes being productive can be about leaving the house for 1-2 hours rather than sitting in alone watching Netflix with such a pretty sky outside.

 

(Got bits deep there near the end, but would it really be a post of mine if I did not add a touch of emotion??)

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this blog post to really start off the summer!

 

Love always,

Alisha xx

 

Sources and links –

1. ‘De-clutter’.
2. ‘Waking up early.’
3. ‘Lists and Planning.’
4. ‘Getting a job.’