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Procrastination is complicated. It’s both a coping mechanism and part of the problem. To prevent procrastination from becoming a bigger issue, it helps to have a deeper understanding of how procrastination works.
Throughout your education journey, you will be facing final exams and deadlines—and most likely, increased anxiety. To avoid these uncomfortable feelings, it’s common to look for ways to avoid getting started. For example, you may do other productive things, like laundry or cleaning. You may socialize, or focus on getting a good night’s sleep. You may even engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating or drinking.
As you find yourself doing these other things, you quickly experience a feeling of relief because you’re not thinking about your studies. You’re avoiding them.
That’s how procrastination becomes part of the problem. The longer you avoid a project or stressor, the more insurmountable that task becomes.
Left unchecked, procrastination can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety, where every time you think about the approaching project or deadline, the more challenging it becomes. This, in turn, can intensify the symptoms of anxiety, which can then interfere with your physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
Watch out for restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and insomnia. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and problems with digestion.
To prevent symptoms from escalating, it’s helpful to remember these time-proven tips.
- Prioritize. List all your projects and exams coming due. Then review and prioritize what is most important.
- Break big tasks into little steps. What do you need to get started?
- Be compassionate with yourself. Remind yourself that it’s common to feel stressed or anxious. Incorporate helpful habits into your everyday life: healthy eating, exercise, rest, and moderation.
- Hold yourself accountable. Part of taking care of yourself is knowing when to reach out for support. Friends, family, and teachers are a good starting point.
If would like additional support and guidance, reach out to your Assistance Program. We are here to help. Services are free, confidential, and available to you and your family members. You can access them 24/7 by visiting Member Support.
