Have you ever felt the rush of anxiety and regret when you leave an assignment or task till the last minute? Have you ever asked yourself why you waited so long to start this task, and what was holding you back from starting it earlier? Many students struggle with procrastination but there are ways you can overcome it!  Procrastination is not about being lazy. In fact, when we procrastinate we often work intensely for  hours just before our deadlines. Working long and hard is the opposite of lazy, so that can’t be the reason we do it.

Procrastination is not a poor time management skills problem, but rather can be traced to more complex psychological reasons. These dynamics are often made worse by schools where students are constantly being evaluated, and especially in college where the pressure for grades is high and a lot can be riding on students’ performance. In reality, procrastination is often a self-protection strategy for students. For example, if you procrastinate, then you always have the excuse of “not having enough” time in the event that you fail, so your sense of your ability is never threatened. Procrastination can lead to anxiety and stress, fatigue, and disappointment. So how do we prevent it?

There are many ways you can stop and prevent procrastination. Firstly you can slowly take your task step by step if it seems like too much. You may need to change your location, “studying” in your bed may be the problem, try going to a cafe or library. You can also use the 25 minutes of working and 5 minutes rest method. This method will help you get your task done fast and efficiently. Setting limits may be helpful to reach your goal.  Repeat this as many times as you need.  I myself have used these methods to help me not procrastinate. I find myself completing my assignments weeks before they are even due. When you do this you will recognize how much more free time you have and less stress once you finish your task.  Remember to be easy with yourself and give yourself breaks if needed.