Little Things That Support Productivity and Life Quality

It's almost midnight already. Wow... Being a college student is so busy. Every seconds is so precious. The schedule is jam-packed with lectures, class, seminars, organization activities, co-curricular, religious activities, and many more—topped with tons of assignments, papers, presentations, quizzes, and discussions to do—not to forget socializing, practicing and learning hobbies, polishing skills and talents.With the pressure to stay top on everything, it is no wonder that sleep deprived is part of your life and leisure time is cut to the minimum. Hey, who have the time to fool around? To get an adequate rest? To slow-down on your meal time? To think of anything else when your mind is full of to-do list? Even more, you are thinking to cramp part-time job to your schedule? And the list go on. Sounds familiar?
Yes, I understand how it feels like. Leaving hometown, arrived in an unfamiliar place, away from parents, living thriftily as budgets are so tight—including skipping meals, which is detrimental to our health, facing a lot of obstacles, worrying your future, etc.
It's been only a month plus and all of my size 25 skinny jeans have loosen. Eye-bag and dark circles is so prominent that I think it will go permanent. Pale and haggard looking, just like a walking skeleton—not that skinny though, still looking healthy.
"This is no good!!!!" I told myself. I have to do something before everything—especially my health—decline, which is the key to living life to the fullest (?). Here is my plan that I am going to incorporate it to my life which can help me to be more productive, which I'll do it step by step, not overnight:

1. Eat healthy and regularly. Skipping meal to save money and irregular meal times has reduced the already skinny me to a skin-wrapped bone—not really a bone though. Additionally it makes me feels listless, weak, craving for more sleep, and keep thinking of food during the wrong time, where I was supposed to study and focus. Low glucose level is one of the culprit to my low energy level even when I get enough sleep, I guess. Thus, I decided not to deprived myself of food so much. Health is my number one prioritize. Eating regularly for at least 3 times a day is a must. I choose natural and wholefoods as often as possible, such as red rice, varieties of vegetables and fruits, beans, tofu and tempe. I mostly eat outside, which is, sadly, not so healthy as they tends to overuse salts, sugars, MSG, and oils. But, at least, I choose the healthiest yet cheapest place available though.
2. Exercise! Yes, I am not kidding you. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, and you will reap many benefits. Increase in energy, focus and alertness are a few of them, which are very important to students. Busy is not an excuse anymore, even Obama who is even busier has the time for it. I can't afford a gym membership, but there are many free videos available on Youtube, providing many kinds of workout, which can fit the busy schedule. My plan is 30 minutes cardio (or varieties of workout) in the morning and 30 minutes of yoga in the evening. It's hard, but, I am going to do it, little by little. Exercising also help to improve the quality of sleep. Well-rested = more productivity.
3. Enough zzzzzz. This sounds almost impossible and it is the hardest. Burning the midnight oil is a part of our life. More works means less sleep. I am like literally dragging myself out of bed everyday, not feeling sober or well-rested. Every morning where the lectures start at 7.20 o'clock, I find myself keep yawning and the eyelids are so heavy, as I resisting the urge to shut my eyes for a few minutes. Yes, I can focus and understand what the lecturer taught—by forcing myself to keep myself alert, fortunately, but I realized that it is just short-term. I would have forgotten everything on the next week. What a shame. I am integrating power nap everyday to my schedule. 5-10 minutes is sufficient. If not, 5-10 minutes of meditating will do the trick as well. My target is to get 7 hours of sleep everyday. It is difficult, but I am trying as much as I can. If not, getting up and sleeping in at the same time everyday will help at least.
4. Good time-management. Last but not least. This is the key, if you want to to do the three things mentioned above. Priority comes first, omit what is not important. Stop daydreaming, and get back to work. You may not realized how much time you've wasted by doing nothing. 24 hours a day is actually enough. It all depends on how you utilize it. Search the internet for how-to. Typing and reading is easier than done, though.

Four things above may seems simple, but actually not. Little things like those are actually mighty. Health is always overlooked when it comes to improving life quality. It is actually an essential parts to increase productivity. Four may seems too less, and not to mention the explanations are too short. But, learn to do those right first, before asking for the complicated how-to—I am not saying that others are not important. There are many articles on how to increase productivity on the internet, but not many emphasize that health is an important foundation to support all of those. Believe me, you will not regret it if you do those right. You can do it!
Well, it has passed midnight already. Time to sleep! Good night~

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What Age Do You Act?

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