LIFE

Everyone deserves some TLC during this hectic school year, but there's a fine line between a study break and a two-hour TikTok sesh. If you've been struggling to get your work done, keep reading for the step-by-step guide to beating procrastination.

Procrastination is when you delay or postpone something (like studying or cleaning up your room) even when you know there will be negative consequences. Interested in learning more about this phenomenon? Let's dive into the science behind this slippery slope. 

Well, according to CBT Los Angeles, humans naturally avoid things that are unpleasant or difficult. Procrastination, however, takes this natural instinct up a notch. When we anticipate that a task will make us unhappy, we avoid doing that activity and instead focus on something more enjoyable. Admit it, scrolling through your FYP is way more fun than reading your History textbook.

Since we begin to anticipate feeling uncomfortable, the thought of doing the task creates anxiety. And by avoiding this anxiety, we are filled with relief. The more difficult the task, the more anxiety you will feel about starting and the urge to avoid the task becomes greater. 

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Perfectionism and fear can also tempt us to procrastinate. If you are dedicated to keeping straight A's, you'll feel the pressure and stress of this perfectionism. Starting assignments will create major anxiety because you are scared of not living up to these standards set for yourself. This fear of failure will tempt you to avoid difficult assignments, so you can escape the stress and focus on something more enjoyable. 

Logically, procrastination is incredibly ineffective and self-sabataging. You can truly only escape stress momentarily. If you procrastinate on completing your work, you will have less time to complete your assignments, which will stress you out even more! Cracking down on your studies instead of avoiding the anxiety will save you a lot of stress in the long run. 

Tips to beat procranstination

Luckily, we can climb our way out of a procrastination slump. The more productive you prove you are to yourself, the easier starting your work will become. Follow the tips below to jump into a working-type of mood. 

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• Listen to classical or lofi music. Any music without lyrics or a familiar tune with help you focus and make studying more bearable. 

• Explore some of these sensory study websites: Soundrown,  I Miss My Cafe or Rainy Mood.

• Use the 5-minute method. Simply start a 5-minute timer and begin doing your work. If you feel like you are getting in a rhythm with your studies, continue working after the alarm sounds. If not, take a 2-minute break and repeat the 5-minute working period. 

• Figure out your perf study ambiance. Light some candles, turn on a white noise playlist or drink some relaxing tea to get you in a productive mood. 

• Study smarter with the  Pomodoro Technique. Work for 25 minutes then rest for 5 minutes. It's so much easier tackling a pile of homework with that 5-minute in mind. Repeat this cycle 3 times, then take a 15-minute break. 

• Track your productivity with these study timer apps, Forest and Flora. 

What are your best tips to beat procrastination? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag!

Top image @wipebook I All GIFs via GIPHY

by Cara Lamina | 10/28/2021