Even though I hate procrastination, that doesn’t mean I’m immune to its allure. Procrastination digs its talons into the best of us. So, yeah, we’re all gonna put off work at one point or another. But what many people don’t realize is that we can choose whether or not to be productive in our procrastination. It may sound like an oxymoron, but productive procrastination is a healthy way to put off work without just lazing around and watching Netflix… just be sure to get to your work eventually.
Cleaning
Vacuum
One of my least favorite chores is, oddly enough, something I get done most when I want to procrastinate. Vacuuming is a good activity for positive procrastination because it leads into other tidying activities—I end up making my bed, putting clothes and shoes back in the closet, and picking up stray items that end up scattered around my room. Besides, it’s nice to walk across a floor and not come away with hairy feet.
Do Some Laundry
I’m pretty good at sticking to a laundry schedule, but I’ve noticed that plenty of college students absolutely hate doing laundry. It’s time consuming, sure, and it involves stain-cleaning and folding and all that terrible stuff. But laundry makes for a great positive procrastination method, or a way to step away and take breaks from your homework or other activities every half hour.
Dust
I guarantee about 20% of students actually dust their dorms and apartments. I don’t blame you if you don’t. Like laundry, dusting is time-consuming and overall a tedious process. However, it’s something that gets you moving and can be fun. Blast some music and fill trash bags as you go. In the end, you’ll have a clean room and, with any luck, fewer allergy issues.
De-clutter
This one goes hand-in-hand with dusting. It’s important to clear out your apartment or dorm once in a while. Otherwise, you may find some unsavory things crammed under your bed or shoved in a drawer. Personally, I feel that decluttering puts me in the mood to get work done. Try it out yourself!
Start Packing
If you’re close to a weekend trip or summer break, packing is one way to positively procrastinate. It’s connected to decluttering, which is definitely a plus, and it’s the perfect way to clear up your last few days of free time between studying and heading home.
Self-Care
Read
Of course I had to include this one—I’m an English major. Reading is a great way to spend your time if you’d rather not be doing any real work. I missed out on plenty of free reading time back in freshman year, so I had to learn to get back to my roots and read. I personally like using websites like Goodreads to keep track of my books. That way, it feels like I’m accomplishing an important task when I read.
Do a Puzzle
Crosswords. Word-finds. Jigsaws. Any puzzle will do. These activities keep your brain working, sort of like a warm-up or cool-down for other work you might complete that day. Thesaurus.com posts daily crossword and Sudoku puzzles, which I’m guilty of completing religiously.
Exercise
Sometimes, when we procrastinate, it’s easy to curl up in bed, munch on some chips and marathon The Office. But for those of us who are expert procrastinators, that sedentary lifestyle can take its toll on your physical and emotional health. In fact, you may have even less energy to get work done down the road! That’s why exercising is one of the best ways to positively procrastinate. Hit the gym, attend a fitness class or dance in the comfort of your own room. Whatever the case, exercise is sure to get the blood flowing and have you feeling reenergized in no time!
Pamper Yourself
If all else fails, take a little “you time.” Hop in the shower, lather on a facemask, paint your toenails or style your hair. Caring for your own body is good for your mental health, and when you’re feeling good mentally, you’re sure to get work done. Mental health, I’ve found, can be especially high when you’re wearing sweatpants and fluffy socks.