Small Ways to Stay Productive on Weekends

In other words, how to avoid Sunday scaries...

by MEGHAN GULLEY ★ OCTOBER 18, 2021

It’s a story we all know too well: you wake up at 1 pm on Sunday and all the work you’ve been putting aside since Thursday finally catches up with you. Trust me, I get it. There is nothing I love more than doing nothing all day and going out at night. Let’s be realistic, though–this leads to procrastination and unnecessary stress. Keep reading for some tips on ways to increase productivity over the weekend and avoid the Sunday scaries without taking away from couch time.

First off, make a to-do list. But you have to be realistic with it. If you know you’re not going to finish your essay, don’t write “finish essay.” Instead, put “write two pages of essay” or “finish research for essay.” Making your goals realistic sets you up for success, and being able to check them off your to-do list will definitely make you feel more accomplished.

Credit: Pinterest

Factor in studying during your day and get your friends to hold you accountable. Adding an hour or two of studying or classwork to your to-do list will add structure to your day and prevent a pile of work in front of you on Sunday night. Ask friends to meet up with you in a library or study lounge so you are accountable for showing up. Committing even a little bit of time will help you accomplish way more than you think. 

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Completing the smallest task sets you up for a productive day, so make your bed after you get up. This not only makes your space feel clean and more organized, but it also makes you less likely to crawl back under the covers after you wake up. Checking that small thing off of your to-do list will motivate you to stay productive all day.

This one speaks for itself: GET OUTSIDE. I’m not saying go for an 8-mile hike, but sitting on the quad or outside your building while you do work makes a huge difference. Fresh air makes you feel better (and, speaking from experience, definitely helps with a hangover), so even a 20-minute walk around campus is better than sitting in your room all day. 

Credit: @waterstreetbagelco

Another important part of productivity is staying focused. In order to do this, your body needs to be properly nourished. As tempting as it is to fill up on just coffee and hangover snacks, make sure to add full meals in there too. I know my hangovers are always cured by a trip to Water Street Bagel, but just make sure your stomach is full so you can be your best when it comes time to work. 

Lastly, listen to what your mind and body need. Weeks of classes can be rough, and if your body tells you it needs that extra hour of sleep, listen! Don’t set your sights on conquering the world in one weekend, but committing to some homework in your downtime will make weekdays so much less stressful. 

Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest