I love my bed. I love to sleep. I love love LOVE to binge-watch Netflix.

However, I also consider myself to be pretty productive.

The combination of these two polar opposites (productive and lazy), if they are balanced to the perfect amount, can make you so happy and so much less stressed. In my opinion, life should be the perfect balance between work and play.

I can be a huge nerd. I work ahead. I’m obsessed with my agenda. I try so hard to do well, and a lot of the times it pays off. However, I don’t spend 24/7 in the library. I don’t spend 24/7 studying. What I do though, is plan. I plan everything. I know every person works differently, but I don’t know how people live without to-do lists, agendas or a daily plan. Some people can do it and props to them, but I honestly think that life is a lot better when you have a plan.

You don’t always have to follow that plan, but at least you have an idea of the things you NEED to do. My list every day includes my homework assignments, errands and the cleaning I need to do. By having this list, I am able to finish these things early and THEN I have time to do all of the sleeping, Netflixing, and relaxing I want to do.

How cool is it to accomplish at least one thing productive each day? And of course, I have my off-days (that’s what summer is for), which everyone deserves. But those days feel so much better when I know I’ve accomplished everything I needed to do.

Life shouldn’t be wasted in bed (or watching trash TV 24/7, or going out every night, etc.). Of course I am guilty of these things, and love to do all of them, but sometimes it gets old.

I love having fun with my friends. I love relaxing by myself. But sometimes, I think there is no better feeling than getting an A on a test in your hardest class, or doing well in a class with the hardest teacher, or having a clean room, or a made bed. THEN, I can celebrate. Then I can go out with friends. Then I can treat myself to a pedicure or shopping spree.

I’m not saying you should only go out, or be lazy, or treat yourself if you get an A on a test. I’m just saying it feels so good to celebrate.

It’s college! We get to have so much fun! We are still allowed to be immature. But we also have the opportunity to learn, grow up and set examples for those who follow us. I love that next year, I will be able to look back on my college years and be proud of the things I’ve accomplished, but to also look back at how much fun I had with all of my friends. And trust me, there have been many nights where I’ve stayed in and completely regretted it. But once you find the perfect balance, life will start to work out pretty fairly.

For me, productivity equals easiness in the future. I love to be productive so that I can relax in the future. It may be different for every individual (I’m positive it is), but if you try, I’m sure you’ll understand!