What Is Productivity? Productivity is when you put your time and effort into something that will make you feel fulfilled. Productivity can go up and down, whether it's one of those days or it's something seasonal ( a lack of productivity in winter is very real). But it's very important that you try to be productive in a few aspects of your day.

Islamically, being productive is encouraged. This is both faithfully as well as normal day-to-day activities such as studying. This article will cover a few tips for staying productive.

Consistency

Consistency is the first attribute to staying productive. This is applied to everything. If you’re finding yourself stuck in a productivity rut, it will help if you have consistency with what you’re currently doing or the to-do list you have. This could be simple things such as a certain time you wake up every day, praying salah on time, or workload; it’s important that you make these things consistent to create a routine. Consistency and productivity go hand in hand!

New activities

Sometimes being in a repetitive routine can be boring and eventually, it may push you to exit the routine you created. This is why it’s important to try new things, maybe start a new hobby, exercise or maybe even add a small religious aspect to it such as morning adkhar. This will give you some time to focus on something new.

Free time

Productivity is good, however, it's good for your health if you take a break, or even some free time to do what you want to do. Something that helps relax your mind after a stressful day. As previously mentioned, this can be a small new activity or hobby you picked up, or it can be something that you’re already doing to unwind. 

Sleep

It might not seem obvious, but sleep plays a huge role in how you’re going to feel the next day. Sleep allows you to give your brain a rest so that your mind can be sharp the next day. It’s important that you get good sleep. It’s recommended for an adult to get 6-7 hours of sleep and for kids around 8-10. If one of your free time activities requires using a screen, make sure not to do this before you sleep as the blue light that comes from them makes your brain think it's still daytime. Building healthy sleeping habits will keep your brain refreshed so that you can have a productive day.

Food

Yes, that’s right. What you eat can have a hand in how productive you are. This is because some foods (mainly junk food) are composed of nutrients that give you quick energy that ultimately breaks down quicker in your body. This is when you feel as though you have sudden energy then none at all. Sometimes this is shown when people get drowsy after a meal. But then you have some foods (that are rich in protein) which help you keep your energy longer. This will make your body produce energy but at a steady pace rather than one big burst. 

Procrastination

This is probably the number one problem with students of any kind. Procrastination is the art of pushing something back until you must do it… usually before a deadline. This is a very dangerous habit that is hard to get out of.  It’s sometimes hard to do work when you get it, however doing what you need to straight away will lead to less stress. Breaking the procrastination cycle will lead to more productivity.

Be active.

This is something that many people forget. Being active is not only good for physical health but mental health too. This could range from just going on a short walk to going to the gym. Taking out a small part of your day to be active increases productivity, constantly doing work and studying could eventually lead to procrastination, so taking out a few minutes per day to take care of yourself and clear your mind during the day is important. 

These are only some tips for being productive. Being productive doesn’t mean constantly doing work, it means using your time wisely, in working, studying, following religion, and doing the things you love. Remember to make sure that you don’t burn out but also that you don’t do enough.

May Allah grant us the ability to use our time wisely and bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.

Ameen.

Stormbreaker

 By Anthony Horowitz

"Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz is the first book in the Alex Rider series. It follows 14-year-old Alex Rider, who is unexpectedly recruited by the British intelligence agency MI6 after the mysterious death of his uncle, who was a secret agent.

Tasked with investigating the Stormbreaker computer program, which is intended for schools but has sinister implications, Alex must infiltrate the organization behind it, led by the villainous Mr Blunt. As he navigates a world of espionage, gadgets, and danger, Alex discovers his own courage and resourcefulness. The story is filled with action, twists, and the challenges of growing up while dealing with high-stakes missions.

 "Stormbreaker" emphasizes themes of bravery, loyalty, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. It explores how Alex Rider, a typical teenager, is thrust into a world of espionage and danger, forcing him to confront his fears and grow up quickly. The book also highlights the moral complexities of espionage, the impact of technology, and the importance of friendship and trust in high-pressure situations. Through Alex's journey, it underscores that courage can be found in unexpected places, even within a seemingly ordinary kid.

Alex is a relatable protagonist and his character development throughout the book reflects themes of bravery and resilience. The plot is well-paced, filled with twists and turns and the incorporation of technology and gadgets adds an exciting layer to the spy genre. Overall, it effectively captures the imaginations of younger readers while also appealing to a broader audience.

By Haziqah Abdul Haleem Year 8