How To Get Motivated After Spring Break
By Grace Carballo ‘17
Spring Break is a well-deserved break after midterms for relaxation and recuperation, but like all good things, it must come to an end. And though finals are still far enough in the distance, the day-to-day tasks that were fine before Spring Break can often become unbearable after 10 days on a beach or in a tent or pretty much anywhere more scenic than Leavey.
I completely understand. Sometimes procrastination really is the only solution. My “Senioritis” from high school lasted well into my freshman year at USC. I still have flare-ups every now and then. But alas, time and time again I have learned that evading responsibilities does not make them go away. Much like covering your eyes does not make you invisible to those around you.
So here are some quick tips to make the transition back to the “real world” a little smoother for you.
1) Make To-Do Lists
Do you ever feel like you have so many things you have to do that you can’t possibly do them all so you don’t do any of them?
My therapist (#nostigma) recommended that I start making to-do lists to combat that awful powerless feeling. Setting reasonable goals and categorizing things is shockingly helpful, yet so simple to do. Now I try to make a list every morning when I wake up and highlight the 4-5 things I absolutely have to do, like homework due the next day, appointments, etc. I usually add maybe 7 or 8 other things I would like to do if time allows. As long as I get the absolutely essential stuff done, I feel pretty good about the day. And if you like that triumphant feeling of crossing things off go ahead and write daily tasks on there like “brush teeth” and “take vitamins” because that’s productivity, too, in my book.
2) Wake Up to Pump-Up Tunes
There’s a stark difference between waking up to a shrill beeping alarm and waking up to your catchiest tune or a power anthem. Have you ever heard someone sort of dismissively say, “Whatever it takes to get you out of bed in the morning?” Well this is that.
3) Have Distraction-Free Work Periods
While multi-tasking is my jam, I’m always amazed by how much I can get done when I study without my phone or social media. I’m like a finely-tuned machine, I tell you.
It can be frustrating after studying for three hours with friends or while on Facebook to realize you’ve only covered 1/5 of the material for your quiz tomorrow. But if you force yourself to focus and allow yourself little rewards like snacks or social media time, you’ll be amazed at how manageable your workload can become. My technique is usually about 50 minutes of hardcore studying while listening to “Music To Enhance Concentration” and then 10 minutes of walking around, going to the bathroom, watching an Amy Schumer clip, etc. before getting right back into it.
4) Enjoy the Moment/ Have Things To Look Forward To
My cross-country coach once told me that if you live for the weekends, you’re missing out on all the days in between. Mathematically it’s upsetting to think about even. If you only enjoy yourself on the days you don’t have class that could very well be 2/7 days or maybe 3/7 days and life should be far more inviting than that.
Similarly, if you are already planning and counting down the days until next Spring Break, you’re missing out on the whole year of good times in between.
I’m still working on this myself, but finding something you’re excited about every single day makes the parts that are less exciting (like midterms) so much more enjoyable. I’ve also started being more conscious of recapping the best parts of my day at night, so holistically, my outlook is much more positive.
If you have a two hour break between classes, why not do your required reading in the Rose Garden and have a little picnic? If you have a big group project to work on this weekend, why not make the meeting a potluck dinner? If you feel like you have no time for yourself, why not allow yourself an hour for a run or to make a nice breakfast or tea?
5) Get Your Blood Pumping
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best thing you can do for your body AND you brain is exercise. (Scientific studies have proven this too it’s not just some theory I have, I assure you). Plus, with endorphins on your side, you’ll feel better as you accomplish your homework, work, classes, etc. for the day.
If you have a jam-packed schedule and really truly can’t fit anything else in it, could you maybe squeeze in 5-15 minutes in the morning? Anything- stretching, strengthening, or cardio- that gets you moving before you sit at a desk all day is going to help you focus.
Get up and walk around at least every hour or so if you’re studying and take advantage of the beautiful campus we have (lock your laptops, though).
Even if your chosen form of movement is dancing alone in your room for 10 minutes while you pack up your backpack, I support you whole-heartedly.
6) Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Make goals and take steps every day to reach them. Challenge yourself in different ways- academically, physically, spiritually. If you continue trying new things, especially things that you are afraid of, you won’t ever have to worry about life becoming monotonous.
With these six tips I hope your transition out of Spring Break is as smooth and natural as my favorite peanut butter, although who am I kidding I’m partial to chunky as well. Keep your head up!
Fight on,
Grace Carballo ‘17
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content!
Check out our Instagram, where we feature a week in the life of a USC student each week!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
