5 Ways to Have a Productive Summer
I officially finished the second year of my Ph.D. program! Woo hoo!
Since becoming a doctoral student, I’ve learned that summers aren’t exactly a free for all like they used to be earlier in my academic career. Nobody will explicitly tell you, “study for comps!” but you have to kind of piece it together that if you wait until the Fall to start studying for a major exam that happens in the Spring that you’ll be in big trouble.
Thinking about this has inspired me to write a more general blog post about the key to having a productive summer—whether you have comprehensive exams looming over you or not.
“Productivity” is such a buzz word and many people unfortunately use the word to support self-neglect. Being productive isn’t about losing sleep, forgetting to eat, and working 24/7. Productivity is about strategically using your time to get closer to the results you want to see. Keeping that in mind, here are my 5 tips to having a productive summer!
1. Schedule your months off
Scheduling your summer can sound ominous or overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. After all, you’re not scheduling every waking second. You’re putting together a plan so that you don’t get to August and wonder what you did with all your time off. Scheduling is creating a roadmap for your success.
There will be days that I do nothing important or do very little but I will feel comfortable during those down times because I know I’ve set up my schedule to where I will finish what I need to finish in time.
2. Learn a skill or read a book you’ve been putting off
When you’re a student, it’s so easy to only develop skills that you’re going to be graded on. But the summer is an excellent time to learn for learning’s sake.
This is SO very important because you don’t want to feel weighted down by your field of expertise. You can get so focused on say 19th century African American women’s literature (like me) that you miss out on so many awesome ideas and topics outside of that.
Remember that you’re a whole person—not just a student of [insert degree here]. Act like it, and learn skills and read books that will help you to be a well-rounded individual.
3. Organize your space
I’m not the tidiest person. I admit it. I do most of my work in the corner part of my sectional while my actual work desk is piled high with paperwork and books. I’m going to use this summer to organize my work space and to get stuff in order so I can start fresh in the Fall.
When you’re organized, you’re more efficient. It’s easier for you to find what you need, you spend less time looking for misplaced items, and you have a better knowledge about what you already have versus what you need to acquire. But also, being organized is psychologically beneficial. When I work in a clean, organized space I automatically feel ready to get to work!
4. Spend quality time with people you care about
It’s so easy to overlook the importance of spending time with friends and family when you’re working 60 hour weeks between holding a job, going to classes, and studying. But, the summer is the perfect time to get on track! Nurture your relationships with others. Go on fun staycations or even travel. Enjoy some hobbies with others who enjoy them too.
Don’t forget to commune with others because it’s so important to our development and sense of self. And yes, I am saying that as an introvert too. This summer, I will be visiting family, going out with friends, and experiencing the world with others at my side.
5. Rest & Rejuvenate
I think rest and rejuvenation are the most important way that you can be productive this summer. No, I don’t think that’s an oxymoron. If you don’t rest and rejuvenate, how will you be prepared for another stressful, rollercoaster of a year when Fall arrives?
The reason why we have summer breaks is because it’s understood that we can’t work year-round at the intensity that’s expected of us without suffering a breakdown or burning out. So, it is crucial that you use the summer for its intended purpose and rest!
Some of y’all workaholics were with me until this step and are like “yeah right, Danielle – I grind 24/7, 365 days a week.” Great, but that’s not sustainable for your health. And if that’s not a good enough reason – consider that you most likely aren’t accomplishing any more than someone who has learned work/life balance because when that person is off they’re off and when they’re on they’re super on.
So, consider chilling out this summer and getting some rest – finally sleeping those 7-8 hours we all need every night. You’ll thank yourself later.
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Also, I want to announce that very, very soon I'll be released our newest Savvy Student eGuide. This eGuide is entitled, "The Savvy Student Guide to Finding Your Purpose in College." In it I'll be breaking down how to stay true to yourself while setting yourself up for professional success before you even cross that stage with your bachelor's!
I'm very excited about this project and I wanted to let you know about it first!