Procrastination: Why We Do It and How To Prevent It

By: Tina Fares, Feature Editor and Mascha Cenia, Social Media Editor, The Pawprint

As I write this article which is due in 1 hour, I am overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings. This is graded, how will I finish it on time? What will I write about? Procrastination. The task of putting off work and ignoring it up until the last minute. Often you find yourself saying “This is due next week, I have time,” And you continue to do this until the night before it is due when you start panicking and struggling to get it done on time. According to solvingprocrastination.com, “Studies suggest that procrastination chronically affects 15%–20% of adults, and that approximately 25% of adults consider procrastination to be a defining personality trait for them.” Well, why do we do it then? 

Procrastination is a way of getting over yourself and coping with your harsh emotions. When in a bad, stressed or even tired mood, procrastination is often the answer. Avoiding your problems and covering them up by making yourself believe that you need a break is what is one of the most commonly used types of procrastination. The Newyork times stated that “In a 2013 study, Dr. Pychyl and Dr. Sirois found that procrastination can be understood as “the primacy of short-term mood repair … over the longer-term pursuit of intended actions.” Put simply, procrastination is about being more focused on “the immediate urgency of managing negative moods” than getting on with the task, Dr. Sirois said.” 

The relief you feel when you procrastinate is instant gratification. However, this feeling does not last long. Many people, while accepting the fact that delaying work will not make it disappear, still fight the urge to push it over one more minute. Overall, not only does procrastination lower the quality of work, but it also can stop you from achieving great things. If you can relate to these situations, save yourself with these couple of tips to make your life easier.

1. List Your Tasks 

We procrastinate a lot when the work we have to do becomes too overwhelming. Therefore if you break down your tasks into many little parts everything will seem easier and will subconsciously make you feel less stressed since everything is broken down. Make a list and keep ticking off the tasks you’ve finished. 

2. Keep A Change In Environment

Look around, do you feel productive in your environment right now? If you feel lazy and drained by sitting in your bed or desk choose to sit yourself somewhere else. If you work better in public places such as cafes choose a location near you and order something small and work there. If you prefer quiet places and get distracted easily, sit in a quiet space such as a library or somewhere else in your house other than your room. 

3. Listen To Music 

If you are someone who can not be alone with your own thoughts especially while working then create a playlist. Create a playlist with songs you want or need to listen to which will help you concentrate. If that music is with words or just quiet background music is up to you. Some people find it hard to have a quiet head while working because they overwhelm themselves. This tip will help you a lot if you can relate. 

4. Give Yourself A Break 

We are humans and we can not sit there for hours on end and be able to concentrate. Give yourself a break. Don’t take an unnecessary long break. Doing that will harm your cycle of doing work and productivity. Take a reasonable break. How long and how often you chose to take a break is up to you and you will have to manage that accordingly. As an example, take a 15 minute break every 1.5 or 2 hours. 

5. Reward Yourself 

You need to reward yourself. Having something that you will look forward to after being done with your task will help you reach that goal easier and potentially faster. Again, make your reward or rewards reasonable and be proud of yourself. 

In conclusion, procrastination happens to the best of us. It may seem like a good idea at the moment, but it has negative long term effects. Procrastination often happens when looking for a way to get rid of your stress and avoid your problems however, it will only lead to more of that. Whether it is for homework, to get up, to get ready, to eat lunch or even when going out to have fun, procrastination is not the answer.