Image: Shutterstock/Amirul Syaidi
You might be one of those who like to postpone doing their work and use their time to do something unimportant instead. You might even wonder why you keep on doing it even though you know the deadline is near and you will be so overwhelmed at the end.
This is known as procrastination which is the act of postponing works even though you know it might give you bad consequences. You know what you need to do and you know when the deadline is but still you don't feel the need to start it soon since you are sure that everything is under control.
You have the feeling of fake security, feeling that all of these things can be done in short time even though at the end you will be in hurry since you do not have much time to do it.
But, do you know that there are reasons why one chooses to procrastinate?
Psychological reasons why you procrastinate.
1. You are stressed
When you feel stressed because of the work that you have to do, you tend to avoid or delay doing it. Unfortunately, not matter how strong you are trying to avoid it, you will still have to finish it at the end and it only makes you feel more stressed since your tasksare pilling up.
Stress can make ithard to sleep, difficult to focus, and even give you headache or muscle tension. Otherwise, when your body and mind are calm, you will be more confident, ready to face challenges and you will be less likely to postpone working.
Tips: To avoid stress, you have to keep your mood stable by meditation, regular exercise, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep and if necessary, telling what you are experiencing to your friends or a doctor.
2. Your body or mind is tired
When you feel tired, you might delay your doing your tasks. Fatigue might be caused by sleepless nights, which might makes you find it hard to concentrate or focus on what to do, feel sleepy more often during activity and makes you easily offended.
Tips: To avoid fatigue, you need to get enough sleep. Try to avoid caffeine which might make you stay awake and do not take heavy meal before sleeping.
3. The work makes you worried
Worry is a fear of something that hasn'thappened yet. As a result, a worried person tends to spend time worryingabout things that have not happened yet. It makes onehard to do activity and works that he/she needs to finish. Worry can also cause muscle tension, insomnia, fatigue andemotional instability.
Tips: To avoid worry, you can exercise regularly, eat on time and get enough sleep. When you start worrying, you can take and hold your breath for few seconds, then exhale it slowly while shifting the negative thoughts into positive ones.
4. You are depressed
Depression might make you feel helpless, and later, it will make you be more silent, introvert and want to do nothing.Symptoms of depression are prolonged sadness, abnormally decreased or increased appetite, anxiety, tendency to get offended and suicidal thoughts.
Tips: Talk to your parents, friends, or anyone you trust, or consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
5. You have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
People with ADHD tend to have problem in making decision or solving works before the deadline. They find it hard to focus and get distracted easily by other activities around them. As a result, they find it difficult to plan their own future and are easy to give up or frustrated.
What do you need to do if you keep procrastinating?
Inthe end, you have to be honest to yourself about what actually makes you procrastinate or waste your time. You also need to make peace or forgive yourself and then commit that you will not postpone your works anymore.
However, if the cause is serious health issue, you need to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
The article was previously published inHellosehat.com and all medical data has been reviewed by a licensed medical doctor.
(brl/red)
