2. Bullet Journal Weekly Spreads

Now we get to one of my new found favourite things, weekly spreads. Previously I've used my bullet journal for doodles, keeping track of films, music and books I've gotten through, plus as a scrapbook for all of my theatre and concert tickets. I've never really felt the urge to experiment with weekly spreads, that was until I found huge inspiration through videos, images, and the use of washi tape that the passion was ignited. I suddenly had this deep desire to create my own, specifically as a dedication (and a way to document) to my final year of university- all of the work I will have done, all of the homework and notes I have gotten through, all of the reading, and any and all events I would've attended in aiding my degree. I want to look back on my final year and remember it all, perhaps even marking it as humble beginnings in my career and life ahead.

I made a video last year explaining how I use a bullet journal for creative freedom, I'll link that in this blog post if you want further, miscellaneous ideas to experiment with for your bullet journal adventure. However, in this post, I will be explaining the benefits of the weekly spreads, how it can keep you on top of everything, the fun of making them, how it has, and is, helping me with a very busy and hectic final year, and how I've decided to make mine.

Firstly, I'll address how I've decided to make mine. Every week has a different colour theme due to my vast (and growing collection) of washi tape. A different colour a week provides me with a theme and allows me to make key distinctions between my weeks.

Otherwise, you can use the tape to colour code. For example, having a different colour, or sequence of patterns, to differentiate term 1 and term 2. The pattern design is up to you dependant on the week, just make sure the weeks stand out from each other. An important thing to remember is that spicing up the layout and colour scheme makes the process more fun to make and design.

Whatever pattern of tape I've decided to use in the week, I'll strip at the bottom of the page as an indicator of the different weeks. I then use the same tape as day headers to which I'll write the day atop it, saving time on bold fonts while still being the standoff feature on the page, and a distinction from the rest of the writing that goes underneath- my tasks for the day/what is, or where I'm, due.

I also chose to have, somewhere on the page, both a section for the date of the week commencing (a calendar doodle) and an outlined 'To-Do List' box. You can experiment with how you want these to look, whether drawn or using washi tape as the outline (I've done both). These are useful for keeping track of dates in your week ahead (since we're using a bullet journal, not a diary) and highlight individually what is due or needs doing urgently in the week.

In terms of time, I created my term 1 weekly spreads all in one go as opposed to on a weekly, as you need them, basis. You never know when you're going to have a busier week, and not finding the time to make your weekly spread is going to be detrimental to your keeping on top of them. I would suggest, as I have done, doing a bunch at a time. Once January hits and I still have a few days before I'm back to University, I'll be making my term 2 weekly spreads all in one, the last bunch before I'm finished with my university life.

In addition to how I use my weekly spreads, and something I didn't think of until a few weeks into starting to write in and use them, is a key to differentiate tasks, deadlines, classes, and my own personal activities. The key has changed as the weeks have gone on and I've refined it into categories. Of course, you can use whatever is useful/necessary to your day to day activities but for me, I use the following seven key headings:

1. UNIVERSITY (when and where my classes are)

2. H/W (writing up notes/my reading/exercises)

3. PERSONAL (friends/family events, my own adventures/trips out)

4. BLOG (writing/editing/posting)

5. VIDEO (scriptwriting/filming/editing/thumbnail/posting)

6. WRITING (working on my own portfolio of prose/poetry/plays etc)

7. DUE (deadline dates for assessments/competitions/applications)

And, of course, following these headings, which are written in colour, are their respective details written in blue Biro.

As I've mentioned above, I sat down one weekend and hashed out all of mine for my first term, September to December, and had great fun doing so. I'm a naturally creative person so I love anything where I can sit and draw, write, be crafty or use stationary. For these spreads, I had the basic essentials: the notebook, a sharpie for the washi tape, different patterned washi tape, fine liners and a classic Biro pen for writing. I could juggle other tasks while making them (for example, I was watching some of my university introductory module video lectures, because I hadn't yet started the term) and knew the end result would be as satisfying as the in-progress work. You can easily occupy your mind with other things while being creative, crafty and productive in more ways than one.

The fun and creativity of making these spreads has provided me with the urge and want to follow through with them. Since then, my productivity has improved, my stress levels have decreased (knowing when everything is due) my memory has improved and I always find myself completing all of the tasks I set for the day, as well as the work I have due when it is due. Naturally, this has been crucial for my final university year. I have four big projects in the third year, as well as all the other assessments, day to day classwork, homework, and time for writing, writing blog posts and filming videos, without these weekly spreads, I fear I would've succumbed due to the sheer amount of work I'm juggling. I find, and always have found, having a physical list to refer to is the best thing for productivity, and even better now when they're fun to create and look beautiful on the page. Get those ideas and plans out of your head and plan that day by day schedule every week!

Never before have I felt so empowered by my own scheduling and stuck to everything I've written down, which is why I'm making this blog post. For anyone who has ever struggled to stick to their endless to-do list; for anyone who wants to start a bullet journal but lost as to where to start; for anyone looking for a creative outlet, whilst also doing something productive or helpful to your life/schedule. These weekly spreads are a godsend and I couldn't imagine staying afloat in the third year without them. They take minimal time, allow you to be creative, and help split up the week and see what and when things must be done, leaving no room to forget or put off work.