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Originally Posted by subdrum47  Well, basically what I want to ask you now is how to reward myself after some part of work is done. How to relax in a few moments and gain another wave of energy to continue focused productive work. Being university student, most of my work is done on computer, I read a book and take notes on computer, I write assesments on computer etc. As we know, human`s energy span is quite short, but nowdays I can keep doing work lets say something around half an hour (in the begginig of the day without distractions). But I am not sure about rewarding myself for job done, gaining energy and motivation to achieve "the flow" once again. The later during the day the worst the situation is. I am pretty sure that letting my brain to process new information during the reward-relax period is not good for me. Webbrowsing, watching youtube videos, reading newsletters... I just don`t feel good about it. I can do this things after the big piece of pie is eaten, but not during particular mouthfuls. So what to do? Exercise and stretch my body? That looks like good idea, doesn`t it? What about mental relaxation? I would be really grateful if someone of experienced productive people can elaborate more on this particular topic. Or send me some links for recommended material about this please. Thank you guys  |
Hi subdrum47,
Your situation sounds much like my own from a few months ago. I was in university, and constantly felt like I shouldn't be taking breaks, because there was always too much to do.
This is going to sound crazy, but my solution was to simply cancel my enrollment.
Try not to think of it as "dropping out" so much as taking time off. In my case, at least, it was the best decision I ever made -- I've gotten through several years worth of material by studying on my own, without having someone else tell me what to do. I've also narrowed down my areas of interest.
On the other hand, it's entirely possible that you know exactly what you want out of university, and know your area of interest very well. The only reason I thought otherwise was the implied guilt you felt at taking breaks; I find that being interested in a subject is it's own reward, and I rarely take breaks while working.
I must also disagree when you say:
As we know, human`s energy span is quite short
While at university, I would have agreed 100%. I was always tired and stressed out, and always felt guilty about never doing enough.
But now, I hardly ever need to take breaks. Rather, I work for weeks, or months at a time, and then take an entire week off.
I don't want to come across as a propagandist or quitting uinversity, which I'm sure I do.
But I do think it's important that you enjoy university work, and enjoy life in general -- especially at this age.
If you're committed to staying at university, which I respect entirely, then I suggest that you try the following approach: set your free time first.
This is in accordance with one of Steve's suggestions, lessening the time that you work. In my case, I'm saying that you should have your free time -- but make productive use of it.
If you watch TV, then watch all of the episodes of the series, in order -- that way, you won't be daydreaming about "what will happen next".
If you're playing a computer game, then try and finish the game.
If you're reading a book, then try setting aside the time to read it all at once.
If you're reading a newspaper, then rather than read the latest story, try and learn more about the area you're reading about -- if it's about world conflicts, then learn more about world history instead.
I used to think doing things all at once was impossible, but I now can't imagine having my "free time" any other way.
The best benefit of getting these things done all at once, is that it empties your brain -- your mind is no longer divided, over several different tasks, is able to "move on" from those you've completed.
The point I'm driving at is that your "free time" -- shows, games, books -- can be, and should be, just as important to you as your schoolwork. They're projects you want to complete as much as your school projects. Don't feel bad about spending time on them.