Think of a time when you were stressed. How did your physical body respond? Our bodies take on the unhealthy stress which can disrupt our rhythms. For example, it could make sleeping at night or resting our mental energy incredibly difficult. However, stress is much more like a guitar string. A balance of good stress/tension and good rest/loosening can produce the appropriate pitch and beautiful sound. In the same way, God's design is for us to live within a rhythm (Ecc. 3:1-8). When we are able to balance "good stress" with "good rest," then we are able to maximize our productivity and avoid burnout.
Download "Time Audit Sheet" to evaluate how you are spending your time and if you have a good balance of "good stress" and "good rest."
BOOKEND YOUR WEEK
Build a planning habit that bookends your week by following these three steps:
"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." - Stephen Covey
BOOKEND YOUR DAY
Although daily routines sound like a drudgery, adding a routine at the beginning and ending of your day will allow you to harness untapped productivity and creativity and will set you up for success during your academic career and throughout your professional career as well.
Your day should be bookended with habits that help move you toward your biggest goals:
Investing your time into routines/habits that help you set up healthy rhythms will not only allow you to avoid burnout, but also be more productive and focused. Think about it: wouldn't a tired body and brain take longer time to complete something?