Procrastination is very common for every student. You are planning to study and before you know it,many hours passes while scrolling on social media, watching the videos, or completing unimportant tasks. At first, procrastination seems harmless to you , but after some time it leads to building up of stress ,you are doing last minute study , getting low marks, and having a constant feeling of guilt. If every student understand the concept of procastination, they can use simple tricks and habits to focus better and finish the studies on time.This article will explain you that why every student procrastinate, what are the practical techniques that you can use to stop procrastination, extra daily habits to boost your focus.
What is Procrastination?
Procrastination means you are postponing your work even when you know that it may cause problems later if you don’t do it now. It’s very different from laziness.Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It happens because our brain sometimes struggling to stay motivated or to managing the stress. Procrastination includes leaving your assignments until the very last minute , spending your hours on social media instead of studying , waiting for the perfect time to start a task ,etc. If every student understand the reasons behind procrastination, they can apply the strategies to regain control over their study habits.
Why do every student procrastinate ?
1. Fear of Failure – Students sometimes postpone their studies because they’re afraid of failing. This fear makes their brain to avoid the task.
2. Want Quick Rewards – Our brain wants quick rewards like watching videos or scrolling social media right now that are fun to watch but doing study gives benefits later so the brain avoid to study.
3. Having no Clear Plan – Without having a proper timetable or a plan, students feel confused. and big tasks look very hard,so they avoid it.
4. Waiting for the perfect time – Some students wait for the perfect or right time. If they try to do everything perfectly then it will lead to makes them postponing the tasks.
5.Having low energy and stress – When you are feeling tired or having stress, it is very hard for you to focus so your brain prefers comfort instead of doing hard work.
6. Digital Distractions – Phones, social media, and games will distracts you and notifications will make it even harder for you to focus on studying.
7. You are thinking that you have more time – Many students think that they can do their studies later and this will leads to building up of stress and doing the study carelessly because only less time is left so they complete their study , assignments , etc with fast speed without taking proper care.
Practical techniques / Strategies that you can follow to Stop Procrastination
1. The 5-Minute Rule – Start a task for just 5 minutes. Once you begin, it will become easier for you to keep going. For example – Open your textbook and solve the first problem and after you realise it 20 to 30 minutes have already passed.
2. Break big tasks into small steps – If you break big tasks into small steps then it will become easier for you and if you complete those small steps then your brain will gets a little reward, which keeps you feels motivated. For example – Don’t read chapter 5 in one go first read 3 pages of it then
make summary notes and solve 2 practice problems.
3. Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break and after doing this for four times , take a longer break for 15 to 30 minutes. If you follow this method, it will keep your mind fresh and prevents you from getting tired. Instead of doing studies for long hours or non stop, take short breaks so that you can help your brain to stay focus.
4.Stay Away from Phones and Social Media – You have to keep your phone in another room or you can use apps like Forest, StayFocusd, Cold Turkey or turn off phone notifications while studying.
5. Reward Yourself – Rewards can make you motivated to do more study.
For Example: You can enjoy a snack, take a short walk, or listen to a music after completing your study time.
6. Dedicated Study Environment – A clean and organized room having good lighting helps your brain to focus. You have to avoid studying in the bed because it will make you feel sleepy and relaxed.
7. Accountability Partner – You can tell to your friend, family member, or mentor about your study goals because if someone checks on you it can help you to finish your tasks so that you can stay on track.
8. Visualization Technique – Imagine yourself that you have finished your tasks, getting good marks , etc . This will helps you to reduce your stress and boosts motivation.
9. Practice Self Care – If you feel guilty it will make your procrastination worse. You have to forgive yourself for any delays then start again immediately and see those mistakes as part of your learning.
10. Plan for Distractions – If any distractions occur , then you have to make simple plans to deal with those distractions. For example –
- If you feel sleepy, then do a 5 minute stretch.”
- If you get distracted, then use a Pomodoro timer , etc.
Add Extra Daily Habits
- Take advantage of the morning : Study hard subjects because the energy is highest at that time.
- Follow Three Task Rule: Focus on 3 important tasks daily and avoid to make those to do lists which can lead to stress.
- Study as a game: Turn your study into a game; track a study record and reward yourself.
- Consistency Over Intensity: It is better to study 30 minutes every day than to do study in one go.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep 7 hours daily, eat a balanced diet, and do exercise that will improve your focus.
What you have learned from this blog?
Procrastination is a habit that is caused by fear, distractions, wanting quick rewards and having a lack of plan. It is not a permanent weakness. By using strategies from 5 minute rule to plan for distractions , any student can train their brain to take action instead of doing procastination.You have to be consistent and not wait for motivation. Start with taking small steps, track your progress, reward yourself, and slowly increase your study time. In some time, your brain will naturally develop good habits.
If you find this article helpful then you can check out more articles which I have uploaded.
FAQs
Q1: Can rewards help to reduce procrastination?
Ans – Yes, if you reward yourself after completing the tasks it will make your study more enjoyable and encourages consistency.
Q2: Can procrastination be helpful?
Ans – Short delays can sometimes helps creativity, but frequent procrastination usually hurts results.
Q3: How long will it take to overcome my procrastination?
Ans – If you do consistent practice for 2 to 4 weeks it will usually show improvement.
Q4: What if I fail after trying?
Ans – Failing is normal but you have to start again with doing small tasks. Progress matters the more than perfection.
Q5: Does sleep affect procrastination?
Ans – Yes, lack of sleep reduces your self control and increases procastination.
