Productivity is a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world. In fact, efficiently managing time, resources and energy is such a big deal that the month of June is National Productivity Month. In honor of this, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tips and resources to help online students maintain their productivity.
Start Strong
Being productive starts with making a plan. Take the time to write or type due dates for assignments and exams at the beginning of new courses so that you have an overview for the semester. Use this calendar to plan individual weeks according to due dates and open slots of time.
If planning doesn’t come naturally, that’s alright! There are many websites and apps that make it simple. MyStudyLife is a free option which allows you to segment courses, set reminders and see a daily planner.
Value Your Time
In order to honor your limited time, remember that your day is best spent when you’re productive. For coursework, that means devoting approximately 2 hours to schoolwork outside of class, per class.
One of the best tools for productivity is to plan your time in blocks. Time blocking is a practice in which you block off each day’s work into chunks. When you can see your day planned out in time slots, it helps to stay on track. Websites like Homebase are available to make time-tracking easy.
Utilize Georgia State’s Resources
Georgia State has many free resources for students to assist with productivity. The Microsoft Office Suite includes staples like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote and Outlook. Endnote, used for saving time with citations, is also free for students.
Other university-licensed software includes AutoCad, Matlab and tools that may be necessary for coursework. These programs provide students with the opportunity to become familiar with software that is used in their target industries, giving graduates an advantage when seeking employment.
If you find that getting used to any of these programs is difficult, explore courses offered on LinkedIn Learning. For example, this Introduction to Microsoft 365 course highlights how to be productive using the software.
Take Care of Yourself
Burnout is a problem many individuals experience as a result of working too much without proper breaks. While everyone experiences seasons of faster or slower pacing in their professional and educational lives, it’s important that you don’t ignore your mental health in the process. In order to avoid burnout, make sure to add helpful practices into your life alongside your productive habits.
One of the best ways to build in time for yourself is to incorporate movement in your day. A simple 30-minute walk provides you with time to reflect, focus on the world around you and move your body after time spent working or studying.
A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine supports that physical activity is significant in maintaining mental health. On top of this, it encourages good sleep, helps manage cravings and supports overall quality of life.
The Counseling Center at Georgia State supports all students who reach out for help by connecting them with the proper resources to talk about their struggles or seek advice. Students can make an appointment for free online counseling using UWILL and can also attend online events like Wellness Wednesdays.
Ask for Help
If you struggle with getting started using technologies provided by Georgia State, now is the time to reach out for assistance. Get in touch with the IT department using this portal. Additionally, if you need further technology assistance, contact [email protected].