The Art of Procrastination

You are at a desk/cage/table/bed and staring at your giant to-do list. Rather than feeling pumped about beginning the daunting task of completing everything that has to get done before May 14, you’re numb with little desire to do anything but nothing (though, you could probably muster up the energy for a gossip sesh). Instead of actually doing nothing, there are ways to turn your procrastination into progress! Even though you might not be working on a project directly related to your econ./soc./psych./Spanish/nutri. sci. class, you are still doing something more than if you were to play spider solitaire for an hour!
 
Here are my favorite things to do when I can’t get a grasp on my undiagnosed attention deficit disorder and control my penchant for procrastinating:
 

1. Twitter. I’m obsessed and would highly encourage anyone who has yet to jump on the bandwagon to conform and get one! You can make your twitter semi-educational and follow politicians, newspapers, schools, really smart famous people who love to dispense wisdom via a 140-character tweet OR follow all of the categories previously mentioned AND obnoxious, witty, ironic, shallow accounts that make you laugh and push you to be a more clever version of yourself. I follow all of the companies I’m interested in and/or directly relate to my major and future career/internship goals, too. Twitter is the perfect way to stay connected with the world (who doesn’t love social networking?), keep in touch with friends and avoid homework. #youknowyouwanttotweet #doit #noregrets #beafollower #literally
2. LinkedIn. Create/update/perfect your profile. A website that encourages and practically requires you to brag about yourself can be quite the confidence booster when you’re feeling down about how screwed you are for an upcoming final that’s in less than 15 hours!
3. Work Out. If you’re not studying or running an errand, but you’re not in the mood for a nap, you might as well workout. Go to the SERF, do some yoga, run on Lakeshore path, do abs in your room – whatever you want, just do something. This is a much better alternative to stress-eating since you’re obviously not getting any of the stuff you’re supposed to be getting done done and you’re starting to freak out. Take a 30-minute study/procrastination break and do something aerobic. You’ll thank yourself when you go home after finals having not gained five pounds from lack of sleep, nutrition, exercise and motivation. Both your sanity and waistline will thank you.
4. Sleep. If you’re sitting at Memorial pretending to study and are really on Facebook or Twitter, and you have no desire to do anything but want to stay at the library so you feel studious, DON’T. Go home, accept the fact that the gods of productivity weren’t on your side and go to bed! Rest your body since you’re not really working your brain. If you actually sleep, you’ll be more awake, energized and ready to work hard the next day.
5. Lists. Whenever I can’t focus on the task in front of me, I just feel the need to make tons and tons of lists – wants, quotes, to-do, schedule, reminders, etc. My stickie notes on my computer currently include lists about: everything I want to do summer 2011, requirements I still need to fulfill for my majors, summer school class numbers, books I want to read, movies I want to watch, stuff I want to buy, emails to send, etc. Organizing your thoughts is such a proactive way to avoid academics!

 
Obviously, the way you choose to waste your time is up to you, but these suggestions actually yield a product, albeit it might only be a Tweet. They have a little bit more value than checking the Shout Outs every 20 minutes, being able to name all of the characters from The OC (oh, Sporcle) or reading Perez Hilton (again, something I love but realize is not exactly helping my philosophy grade). Do as I say, not as I do, or do exactly what you want to do with your precious time! Good luck on finals and don’t forget that, “Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow.”