Summer time is fast approaching, and school holidays have already come for some of us. Every year I make a ‘Summer Bucket list’, a list of things I want to accomplish over the summer months. Of course, at best, I get a third of the list done. Every year I find myself in a position of pure laziness, and I’ve embraced the relaxed lifestyle a little too much. I watch the days fly by while sitting on my hands, only for August to come and say ‘where did the time go?’
This year I actually have a list of things to complete/do — a more polished list of self-improvement activities, rather than the typical summer bucket list full of movies to watch and water activities to play.
Here are some tips I’m also using to help beat the summer slump:
Make a Bullet Journal
If you haven’t heard of the bullet journaling craze, you will soon. This form of a ‘to-do list’ is gaining popularity for its simplicity. All you need is a notebook and pen. Here are some examples:
Here’s an example of a straightforward, simple bullet journal entry. Some people like to decorate theirs, like this one:
The benefits of keeping a bullet journaling are that you keep everything you do in one place, you can keep daily to-do lists here or your bigger plans for the summer. You can see all the work you accomplish ticked off right in front of you. You might want to keep it for the school year, it can help you stay organised with your school work and extracurriculars. Here’s a link to a good playlist of YouTube videos by studying to help you get started.
Give Yourself Incentives
Need to get some school work or study done during the summer break? Give yourself incentives and goals to work towards. For example, if you get your few hours of study done during the week, reward yourself by going to the movies with your friends, or if you want to work towards one big reward, buy yourself something near the end of the summer when you’ve achieved your goal. Bottom line, treat yourself, even in small ways, for the hard work you put in during the summer. Don’t forget to take breaks and have fun!
Start Getting Up Early
Now keep in mind, this tip isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to be getting up at absurd hours of the morning to be productive, it’s your summer break after all, but remember — it helps. More hours in your day can equal more work can be done, which in turn means more time for you to have fun. Getting your work done earlier means more time for you to do fun activities.
Remember the benefits
Besides actually doing the work, it’s important to realise that this work you’re putting in will benefit you. If you’re doing work for the next school year, keep in mind the easier it will be in September when you already have work done. If you’re working on a summer project, realise that it’s a self-improvement activity and you will be a better writer/artist/student/athlete/person because of it.
Summer is a really good opportunity to get work that you want to do done. It’s best not to waste it.
