It’s a rough time of the year. I feel as if I used up all of my energy bank for the entire year within the first week. I do this every year, it isn’t a new concept to me, but it is still just as hard to bring myself out of this funk every year.

I have been told since I was young by my mom that “the more you do, the more you do.” This simply means that if you start the day productive, you shall stay productive throughout the day. If I wake up and stay lazy through the morning, I will not do anything that day (or at least not want to). Here are some tips I have learned and taught myself to get the gears grinding and staying motivated again.

1. Wake up at the same time every day.

It is super easy to fall into a bad routine or get into a good one depending on your sleep schedule. With some exceptions like Sunday morning, duh, I try to wake up at the same time every single day. This allows me to not feel tired in the morning that I do wake up early because I am used to it, and make the most out of my day by not sleeping until noon (which I totally would do if I let myself).

2. Make your bed first thing.

Making my bed makes me feel more productive because of 1. My room looks good and 2. I am way less likely to climb back into bed it if is all made and cute. Then you have already accomplished something right when you wake up!

3. Dress Up.

I feel so much better when I do my makeup, do my hair, and put thought into an outfit for the day. A confidence boost that leads to productivity is never an outfit wasted. Put on your favorite boots and take over the world (or just stunt on your whole economics class, same thing right?)

4. Set goals for the day.

My daily planner has a section for the top 3 things I would like to accomplish today. I usually set personal goals in this section and out academic and work-related goals in the to-do section. Setting small, attainable goals every day that will lead to better habits or a more productive me are a great way to set the tone for the day. Today I put 1. Exercise in some way for 45 minutes 2. Blog/do something creative and 3. read something for pleasure and not for knowledge. Working on yourself and taking time for yourself is so important in being productive because you are your biggest asset.

5. Don’t overload your calendar.

I know I am less likely to be productive if I totally bombed the day before and did not get everything done on my to-do list. Don’t overload yourself because burn out and disappointment are the two biggest productivity killers. Take your time, do things properly, and do what you can.