Staying Productive During the Summer

During the school year students have clubs, homework, and friends to keep them busy. Once summer hits, it is a different story. Many people become full time couch potatoes that binge watch every Netflix original series created. Why harp on you for being a bum during your break? Here is why being productive is so important:

• Being productive gives you purpose. Having a to-do list with goals in mind can help you get out of bed in the morning. Focusing on these goals will improve your happiness.

• Being productive keeps your mind active. An active mind is a happy mind. Staying busy leaves very little time for negative thoughts. Instead of thinking about stressors in your life, take time to learn something new.

• Being productive can increase your quality of life. When you are passionate about something people take notice. For instance, your boss might see how driven you are and promote you. Never underestimate the perks of productivity.

• Being productive can improve your mood. Being productive can simply mean you start participating in activities that alleviate stress. For example, you may start exercising or creating art.

• Being productive helps you evolve. Being productive teaches you to continuously push yourself. The more productive you are, the easier it is to evolve into a better self. This leads to better habits and increased happiness.

• Being productive motivates other people around you. Be proud of the work you do, and know that you pave the way for those who applaud you. Your steps leave footprints for others to follow.

Obviously, productivity is one of the keys to a fulfilling life. Wasting the summer months away is not satisfying; there are plenty of other things to do. In order to find inspiration, the internet is a great resource. The following link lists 100 productive ways to spend the summer: http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2009/08/12/100-productive-ways-to-spend-your-summer-vacation/. The list is long, but there are a few that really stand above the rest.

• Volunteering is a great way to fill a few days or weeks of your summer. Helping others allows you to grow as a person, gain experience, and it even looks great on a resume. No matter where you live, there are bound to be plenty of volunteer opportunities available. For instance, retirement homes are always looking for people who are willing to chat and play games with elderly clients. If you are more interested in working with children, coaching a sports team is an option. The perk to volunteering is that you can do it as much or as little as you want; it works around your schedule. Taking some time to get a few volunteer opportunities in can be very beneficial.
• Internships are an incredible way to gain experience in your field of interest. They also boost your resume and are an excellent conversation starter during an interview. If you have even considered doing an internship, summer is prime time to do so. Many students struggle when having to balance school and interning. Summer can allow more time to focus on the internship itself; that way, you can get more out of it.
• Earning extra money and saving over the summer is one of the best things a poor, struggling college student can do. After longs day of class, putting in a bunch of work hours is not ideal. That is why it is smart to work as much as possible during the summer months. Many jobs are seasonal. For instance, summer camps are always looking for counselors. If you do not want to actually have to clock-in somewhere, selling unused items is also a way to make quick money. Looking through old movies and clothes is a great way to start.

There are many more suggestions on the long list, but these three are definitely a good start. Ensuring that your summer is packed with positive and productive activities is the key! EIU also provides volunteer, internship, and job opportunities on campus!

EIU’s Civic Engagement and Volunteerism

EIU’s Civic Engagement and Volunteerism office is committed to ensure that all students understand they have the power and ability to change the world and community for the better through volunteering. The office is located on the third floor of the MLK Jr. Union. They are open 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. For more information call (217) 581-3967 or e-mail volunteer@eiu.edu. Students may sign up for volunteer opportunities at http://www.eiu.edu/volunteer/.

Career Services

Career Services can help you find the right internship and/or job for you. The office is located in the Human Services building. They are open 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. For more information call (217) 581-2412 or e-mail careers@eiu.edu. Students may also search for internships openings at http://www.eiu.edu/careers/internships.php.

Literacy in Financial Education (LIFE) Center

If you choose to focus on earning money, the Literacy in Financial Education (LIFE) Center would be a great place to contact. The LIFE Center’s mission is to educate students on how to stay on top of their financial situation. For contact information to schedule an appointment or schedule a presentation, please visit the LIFE Center website at http://castle.eiu.edu/life/.

Health Education Resource Center (HERC)

The Health Education Resource Center (HERC) also offers internships and volunteer opportunities. The HERC office is located in Booth House on 4^th Street. They are open 8:00am-4:30pm. For more information call (217) 581-7786 or e-mail herc@eiu.edu.

To read an article that inspired this blog go to http://elitedaily.com/wellness/blood-sweat-tears-happiness/1259555/.