How to chill out and still get stuff done

Put the “pro” in productivity for reading week!

Reading week is one of the most awaited events of the semester. It’s the perfect time for students to get that much-needed breather. At the same time, it is a great opportunity to refocus on what matters, revisit your bucket list and redirect your game plan for the rest of the term.

Whether you are shifting gears or keeping the momentum going, reading week is the best time to get your productivity game in full swing. Striking the perfect balance between relaxation and work can be tricky but achievable!

It is your time for holistic care! Let’s redefine productivity, shall we? Here is our list of the top tricks up our sleeve to keep you both productive and calm as you enjoy your reading week.

Schedule your day

The background is a yellow timetable where a hand puts sticky notes of tasks for each time block. — *Via GIPHY*

Sometimes, you fall into the cracks of knowing you have so much time on your hands. Before you know it, time is running out. Avoid this cliff. Plan how you want to enjoy your day the night before. This gives you a visual picture of how your day is supposed to look like.

Prioritize which chores you want to get done by doing the tasks that take more effort. As the famous “eat the frog strategy” entails, identify the most challenging work that needs more willpower or mental concentration. Tackle it as soon as possible. This makes all other tasks relatively easier after finishing the biggest one.

Remember to also schedule your breaks. Make it a part of your game plan for the day. But don’t forget, it’s reading week! Give yourself a leeway to feel relaxed. It keeps you fueled for the next item on your to-do list.

Start a new hobby (with your friends)

A girl grabs a set of markers from the racks. The text caption reads, "These are good ones. These are good markers." — *Via GIPHY*

A hobby is a great way to de-stress and learn a new skill at the same time. Learning can also happen outside the classroom. Take advantage of your free time and press start on a project you’ve always wanted to do.

Planning to adopt a new hobby? Go where your curiosity leads you.

Put your arts and crafts hat on! Add a crocheting tool kit to your cart, set your eyes on that brush and canvas for painting or save the date for a pottery starter class. There is just so much to learn outside your field of expertise!

Finding a friend who also fancies the same hobby is a good way to keep the excitement and get you started. You can have each other as accountability partners to make sure the hobby sticks and hype each other’s progress.

Go on walks

A girl walks pass by a wall with a graffiti that has the word Toronto. — *Via GIPHY*

The top-picked method to get acquainted with Toronto is by foot. Tourist sites have constantly described Toronto as one of the most walkable cities in the world. That’s because the personality of this metropolis is found in its nooks and crannies, which are best discovered by walking around.

In addition, Toronto has a wide variety of neighbourhoods, reflecting its culturally diverse atmosphere. The multicultural heartbeat of the city is waiting for you to feel it. Come on, you know it has been hanging on your bucket list for too long!

Explore the multicultural streets this city offers while keeping your health in check. With the recommended 10,000 steps each day, you are doing wonders for your body while getting to know the city by heart.

Read a book

A girl sits in a bean bag chair and holds a book. Her face expression is frazzled, the text caption reads, "these things are great! It's like TV in your head!", referring to the book. — *Via GIPHY*

In the spirit of the reading week, nothing spells productivity and relaxation like reading a book. It’s a fitting time to pick up the book you’ve always wanted to read and start flipping its pages. This is a great way to chill out while getting some ideas flowing.

Reading a book effectively keeps your mind focused and sharp in preparation for the next classes you’ll take on. Fiction or nonfiction, there is a book ready to tickle your senses.

Check out BookTok for new finds on the latest novels the online world is raving about or even better – explore Humber Libraries! A great collection of easy-read or deep-learning books are available at your fingertips. Plus, it’s free.

Reward yourself

A white table full of candles, a heart-shaped mirror, and trinkets. A hand reaches out to a piece of chocolate from a box full of sweets. A text in the middle of the GIF reads 'treat yourself.' — *Via GIPHY*

It has long been theorized by psychologists how the reward system works. It’s a nice way to motivate you to accomplish your tasks, no matter how minimal you think it is.

Celebrate small wins like getting up early, organizing your closet or cleaning your room. Maintaining a positive outlook toward small improvements can definitely change your mood and be an excellent habit to foster during the reading week.

Reward yourself with a 15-minute nap or a 30-minute social media scroll. This can be anything that sparks joy or puts a smile on your face. You can never go wrong with a sweet treat!

A young girl, in red shirt and pigtails, raises her right hand in a thumbs up. The text caption reads, "You got it, dude." — *Via GIPHY*

The best way to fill in your days is a perfect mix of chill and worthwhile activities that refresh your mindset so you can take on the rest of the term. On top of that, you can curate your reading week just the way you want it.

No matter how you choose to spend your time away from the classroom, reading week is surely yours for the taking! Make sure to use these tips to make the most of your reading week so it can be both relaxing and productive.

Feature image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.

Are you planning to travel during reading week? Check out IGNITE’S 5 reading week travel tips for wherever you go.