All you semester kids are done for the summer, but alas, here at NU, we’ve still got three more weeks. Except the weather is finally hot and the “schools out” instagrams are popping up on my newsfeed and I am READY for summer. As ready as I may be, Northwestern is not ready to let me go. I’ve still got tests, projects, problem sets, oh and those little things called finals. It’s hard to find the motivation some days, but I’ve put my favorite tricks together for staying happier, healthier, and more productive as the year comes to a close.
take a soul stroll.
Sarah (roommate) coined this term and I love it. With the warm weather and longer days, evenings, or even early mornings, are the perfect time to go for a walk. Getting some fresh air is a wonderful way to clear your head. An added bonus.. . you get a little bit of exercise which gives you endorphins and that is scientifically proven to make you happier. When you’re happier, you will do better work.
spend quality time with a friend.
Pencil in time with an honest to goodness, true friend. This always puts me in the best mood. Being the introvert that I am, there are days where I just want to just curl up in a ball and watch one of my favorite shows that have become like comfort food to me. Okay sometimes, but it never has quite the same rejuvenating effect as spending time with the people I love. True friends can fill up your heart with joy and warmth and get you back on the track of joy, ready to finish up all of your work. Remember, taking a break is 100% a-okay.
make a to-do list.
I love to plan. My planner is always filled with every little detail about my day, a habit I caught on from my mom. Making a to-do list helps you to recenter and refocus. There is no better feeling than crossing an item off a list. This is a simple way to push yourself to accomplish a task and make sure that everything gets done in these next few weeks.
listen to some happy tunes.
Music is a miracle worker. A good beat is the ideal way to push yourself through your work session (or your mind-clearing soul stroll). I’ve recently become obsessed with Hamilton. It’s definitely been inspiring me through my problem sets. Because if a “bastard, orphan, son of a whore and Scotsman… can grow up to be a hero and a scholar”, I can pass this test.
SLEEP
This is by far the most important one. You have a million things to do, I feel you. You won’t be able to do them if you are sleep deprived! There is not enough coffee in the world to make up for pulling an all-nighter. Go. To. Bed. The work will get done and you will be so thankful that you got some shut-eye.
You are going to CRUSH these last few weeks (@ my fellow quarter system friends). And if you’re done for the summer, these are also great tips for keeping things light and productive with your summer job/internship [hair flipping emoji].
confetti kindness 
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