Spring break is an odd mix of a need for relaxation and a need to accomplish everything you’ve been putting off for the past couple weeks. Midterms are right around the corner, and with preparation for next year beginning, there is so much to do. Here are a few steps to help you have a productive spring break.

1. Make a list of everything you need to accomplish. Rank each item by importance. You can group things into categories such as “must get done,” “should get done” and “would be nice to get done” or in numerical order by importance. Keep the list in an easily accessible spot that you can’t avoid, like on your night stand or next to wherever you keep your keys. Make sure you hold yourself accountable and check the list daily.

2. Set daily goals. They can be something as small as making sure you check your list or as big as wanting to accomplish three things from your list per day.

3. Reward yourself. Remember, this is spring break. You should be having fun. A great way to balance fun and productivity is to reward yourself for accomplishing goals. Get yourself some ice cream after accomplishing a task, invite friends over for a movie night after finishing your daily goals or make plans for the weekend before school starts and make sure you finish your to-do list before those plans.

4. If you’re going to take a break (and let’s be honest, we all need breaks at some point), take a break and do something that will get you pumped up and motivated to go back to work. Go for a walk, work out or watch a motivational movie. It’s okay to take breaks, but the break you take can (and should) also be productive.

5. Work with your friends. If your friends are on break too, get them involved. You can all make to-do lists and hold each other accountable for reaching goals. You can also help each other out by rewarding each other.

The most important thing to remember is that your week off is what you make of it. If you’re motivated to get your to-do list done, you can do it. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself.

Features reporter Julie Sisler can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_sisler.