Staying on top of coursework, design projects, and everyday life can get overwhelming, but I’ve found a few small habits that make the biggest difference. They’re simple, but they’ve become part of my routine whenever I sit down to get work done.

TickTick for Organization

I’ve tried so many to-do list apps, but TickTick has remained my top pick. It’s where I keep everything—class assignments, project deadlines, even random personal tasks. I love that the app has reminders and a stopwatch to track your time. There’s nothing more satisfying than checking off a task and hearing the complete noise ‘ding’.

An Iced Drink for Energy

While unnecessary, I swear, an iced drink can change my whole work session. Whether it’s an iced latte, a chocolate smoothie, or even just iced water, it makes sitting down to work feel more refreshing and enjoyable. It’s like a little treat that keeps me motivated.

Background Noises for Focus

Silence feels too quiet for me, but music can get overwhelming quickly. That’s why I will play background noise while I work. My go-to sounds are rain sounds and the ambiance of a fireplace. It creates a calm atmosphere that helps me zone in and stay focused for longer stretches.

If the dim mood isn’t cutting it for a work session, I’ll tune into my Spotify playlists to keep me upbeat. Having my AirPods is also key to blocking out distractions; in this way, it feels like I’m in my creative bubble.

These hacks aren’t complicated, but they keep me grounded and make working on projects a lot less stressful.