How to Be More Productive

It's no secret to my friends and family that my last school year was a bit of a flop. I wasn't as productive as I normally am, I got distracted by this little thing called boys (you may know of them), and for a collection of reasons when I opened my envelope on results day I wasn't a happy bunny. Luckily it hasn't prevented me getting the Uni offers that I wished for, and I get a chance at A2 level to bring up my final grades and turn it all around. I don't want to be all cringey and "new year new me", but this school year I feel like I've made a much more promising start and I've finally found the balance between schoolwork, blogging, a relationship, and a social life. I thought I'd share some of my trusty tips to help you, if like me, you easily get distracted from working!

• At the start of the day, or the night before, make a to do list - I literally live by these things. SO HANDY. I usually use a special notebook or my whiteboard to make a checklist of everything I need to do the next day; I even include the tiny things like 'put clothes away', since putting a nice little tick on my list puts me in a positive and more productive frame of mind.

• Drink lots of water - this is just a health thing to be honest, but you never know, being more hydrated could possibly improve productivity. I've been drinking about 2 litres of water a day and not only is my skin better, but I feel more awake and ready to tackle a stack of Chemistry equations (kidding, I'm never ready to take on those monstrosities - if you are then you win at life.)

• Set a goal - if you are still in education like me, set a realistic goal for the end of the academic year. For me, this is to get the grades I need to pass the entry requirements for my top choice university, but it could be anything! Having a light at the end of the tunnel has motivated me endless amounts, and I couldn't recommend it enough.

• Have early nights - I'm not kidding you, last year my usual bedtime was 2-3am, and I have no idea how I kept it up without transforming into a zombie. Trust me, the Youtube videos aren't going anywhere and the only way to feel good in the morning, is to switch off the light and get some Zs.

• Section off time for fun - You have to start separating work time from fun time - mixing them is a recipe for disaster! Personally, I keep one weeknight, Friday night, and Saturday night free from school work and blogging. That gives me two nights to see Harry, one night to see my friends, and if I'm up to date (which thankfully this year I usually am) a good proportion of Sunday afternoon to chill. It's taken me a long flipping time to find a balance that is effective for me, but now that I've found it I'm so much happier. And remember the golden rule: Don't Skype your boyfriend/best friend whilst you're working.

• Find a work space that you love - Sitting on my bed with a textbook propped up on my legs not only turns my handwriting into a lopsided scrawl, but it makes me feel lethargic and generally a little bit crapola. Moving away from the comfort and finding an ideal workspace is so simple, but a million times more effective than working in your usual leisure space (or worst of all, where you sleep. No one wants to take work to bed with them!) When we got our kitchen fitted I realised that the breakfast bar with the bright lighting was the exact workspace I had in mind, and that's where I've stayed ever since.

I think that's pretty much it for advice on the work front, but honestly at the end of the day no matter how many blog posts you read/ignore, its down to you to stay positive and productive. It's worth it in the long run - or so I'm hoping!

Do you agree with any of these tips, or have any extras of your own? If so please share, we're all still learning how to stay away from the Youtube spiral and pick up a pen.

Stay beautiful!
Em xo