We all have to do things we don’t want to do, and without a closely looming deadline pushing us to start a task, it’s hard not to procrastinate. Whether the task seems too time-consuming, too boring, or too difficult, it can be very tempting to tell yourself you’ll start it later. The problem with procrastinating is you can’t enjoy your Netflix binge or nap without the feelings of guilt and dread in the back of your mind. This is why I’ve mastered the art of productive procrastination. When you put off a task by doing something productive, it makes you feel accomplished and satisfied, even though you’re still technically procrastinating. Here are six things you can do to avoid completing the main task at hand.
1. Cleaning
Okay, so you’re at your desk ready to get homework done. But how can you possibly focus on work when your desk is so messy? Take a few minutes to declutter your space. You might as well disinfect your work area while you’re at it, because you don’t want any germs getting you sick right? Once you have the Clorox wipes out you might as well clean your entire room. You’ll get to your homework later!
2. Working out
While you’re wiping down your already spotless mirror, you catch a glimpse of yourself and think “I should probably work out.” Even though your homework is waiting for you, you justify working out by reminding yourself that health comes before school work. Besides, maybe getting all your energy out at the gym will help you focus on your work later.
3. Eating
So, you work up an appetite at the gym. Eating will definitely give you the brain power to finally focus on your homework. Maybe you should cook up a healthy meal, like that new recipe you’ve been meaning to try. You have all day to finish your homework, another hour of procrastination won’t hurt!
4. Planning
You finally sit down at your desk and open your planner. Looking at everything you have to do today is overwhelming, so instead you look over your plans for next week. And the week after that. And the week after that. Before you know it, you’re flipping through the weeks, planning out your life to the smallest detail. Although it makes you feel productive, you still haven’t actually made any homework progress.
5. Making playlists
You open Spotify and look for the perfect study playlist to get in the zone. None of the playlists seem quite right, so it’s time to make your own. Finding the right songs to motivate yourself to do homework is difficult, but after an hour or so you’ve made the best study playlist ever.
6. To-do lists
It’s almost time to get started on your homework, but just to make sure you’ve covered all your bases, you have to make a to-do list. Cleaning? Check. Working out? Check. Eating? Check. Planning? Check. Making a great playlist? Check. Homework? Okay, maybe you didn’t achieve what you wanted but look at everything else you’ve accomplished! You’ll start your homework eventually, but for now I think you deserve a break.