Procrastination is when you delay a task even though you wish you wouldn't. For some, this form of delay is an annoying habit, for others, it is both a cause and a consequence of mental health issues. It can start with finding the task/topic boring and being unmotivated for some reason. A lot of discomfort in your life can also lead to postponing study tasks. Difficulty concentrating increases the chance of procrastination. Habits and personality traits also influence it. Additionally, there has been an increase in procrastination in line with the rise of digital media. It can feel better to pick up the phone and check Facebook than to deal with the curriculum. For others, it might be anxiety that stops them from starting the task – fear of failure. You also have something to blame if things go poorly; "If only I had started reading earlier, I would have done well on the exam."
Procrastination occurs most often with extensive tasks with long deadlines and when one is stressed. These two factors are particularly relevant when studying. Between 50 and 95% of students report that they procrastinate, while 15-20% of the general population say the same.
How to overcome procrastination
There are several ways to overcome procrastination. One of the simplest things you can start with is removing distractions. Put away your phone, disconnect notifications and email. These can be used as a reward afterward, once you've worked for a while.
Try to break the task into smaller parts with shorter deadlines. It will then seem more manageable, and motivation increases.
Find out what motivates you – is it getting a good grade, is it completing, is it the goal of a good job that drives you? Feel free to involve others in your goals – many find it easier to keep promises made to others than those made to themselves.
A reduction in stress levels will also make it easier to get started on a task –see the separate chapter on stress management.
You can also try to follow Nike's slogan –Just do it! Think that you will work for 10 minutes to see if you get into work mode. If you are then well underway, continue. If not, take a five-minute break before trying another 10 minutes. Many need extra time to get into the flow zone.
Ask for and accept help when needed
There is a lot you can do to take good care of yourself, but if you feel that the adversity becomes too heavy, know that help is available. Some students also have greater challenges and more difficult life experiences than we have described. However, we hope that most find something useful here. But maybe you feel you need something more?
The development goal for the study period is, as previously stated, "to manage on your own," but that doesnotmean you have to do it alone. Managing on your own also means collaborating with others and daring to ask for help.Here we have compiled a list of various support services. There are many who can help you, andSiS healthalso wants to be here for you as a student.
We are here for you if needed, and we wish you good luck with your studies and student life!