Coronavirus has been difficult for procrastinators everywhere, and I’m not proud to say that I have recently attained dual citizenship in the United States and Procrastination Nation. Even with this article, it took me two hours to get the first sentence down on paper, and it wasn’t even that clever. There goes another hour for that sentence – I really wish I was kidding.
While I may not seem like the most credible advice-giving source on this topic, I am trying to do better, because the truth is procrastination isn’t worth it. Putting off assignments causes way too much unnecessary stress, especially when it seems as though the universe is handing out stressors like Oprah giving out cars – You get a global pandemic! You get online classes! You get a presidential election! Here are some of my foolproof tips for all you fools who need to get off TikTok – turning yourself into a Tim Burton character can wait – and get to work!
Make a To-Do List … or Three
I will literally not do something unless it is written in front of me twice. I write everything down in my planner, and then, at the beginning of the day, I make a separate to-do list of what I need to accomplish by that night. This helps me recognize just how busy I am and ultimately shows that my schedule has no room for impromptu dance parties or spontaneous rearrangements of my room. Being able to check things off in two places also tricks my mind into thinking that I am doing more than I actually am and motivates me to keep working.
Get Outside
Sitting in front of a computer all day is a procrastinator’s playground. One minute, a tab opens to check Hulu for new releases, and the next, you’re watching the entire fourth season of Jersey Shore (this definitely isn’t so specific because it happened to me). I’ve found it helpful to take a step away from the computer and get outside. This way, the computer is associated solely with work and not Snooki’s most recent tantrum.
Take Breaks
If you don’t take short, purposeful breaks, you will end up taking longer ones that waste much more time. Instead of working for a few hours and then burning out for the rest of the day, take short, timed breaks in between assignments. This will not only give you some needed release, but it will also motivate you to get your next task done. Just one more Canvas quiz and you can take that power nap you’ve been craving.
Take it from someone familiar with the area, Procrastination Nation is not somewhere you want to be. Follow these tips to stay on track, ride peacefully past Procrastination Nation’s station and arrive safely at your destination of success! These are the kinds of puns and excessive rhyming schemes you’ll be forced to settle for if you procrastinate. Don’t be like me. Good luck!