School has started again, so you probably have a pile of homework to finish, laundry to do, and events to be at. When I get busy, the only thing I get accomplished is procrastination -- and that's what I'll help you with today. Here's a list of 10 things I do when procrastinating homework, laundry, and even life.
1. Netflix and Procrastination
So simple, yet so effective. If you can look me in the eye and tell me you've never binge-watched a show instead of doing something productive, you're either lying or a saint. This is my favorite method of procrastination -- it's easy to do, and I don't have to leave my bed. If you don't have a Netflix account, of course you can use Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO-GO, or just see what's on cable. If push comes to shove, start a Harry Potter movie marathon, or watch all of the MCU movies in one sitting.
Some shows on Netflix I recommend: The Flash, Daredevil, Stranger Things, Parks and Recreation, and F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
2. Read -- but not the book you have to
While this procrastination method may not be for everyone, especially the non-bookworms out there, this is also a great way to do something easy and not think about all the stuff you have to do. As an avid reader, I always have books I want to read, but unfortunately as an English major, I have books I have to read. The key to this tip is to not read anything you have to read -- whether that be contracts, articles, or novels. Go to one of your favorite spots, bring some snacks, and curl up and read for fun.
Some books I recommend: A Song of Ice and Fire (the GoT book series), the biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, and any of the Star Trek novels.
3. Dance, Dance, like you're procrastinating
Have a random dance party in your room -- put on your favorite tunes and jam! Or if you want to take it up a notch, put in the newest Just Dance into your gaming system and jam to pre-picked moves. Maybe you want to challenge a friend to a dance battle, or spin in circles until you pass out. Whatever you do, just make sure you dance to the Cha Cha Slide at least once.
4. Play with animals
Even if you don't own a pet, I'm sure you know someone who does. If you don't, you need to do two things: 1) Get new friends and 2) Go to the nearest animal shelter and volunteer. Even just sleeping with an animal will suffice -- why? Because to them you can do no wrong. They don't care you aren't writing that 10 page paper. They only care if you love them or not.
5. Eat
Food is delicious and deserves to be consumed every moment of every day. So give food a moment of your time rather than your laundry pile. This takes even more time if you're making something -- cookies, grilled cheese, bacon...the list is endless. This procrastination tip might not be for you if you're on a diet but we won't tell you cheated if you don't.
Some food I recommend: pie, popcorn, chocolate of any kind, fresh fruit, and string cheese (these are the staples of my diet)
6. Mess around on Snapchat instead of researching
Oh Snapchat: one of the greatest inventions of mankind since the cellphone. Instead of researching that obscure topic for class on Monday, take 5 minutes (or an hour) to fully immerse yourself into Snapchat. Use all the filters. Snap all your friends. Draw your bestie a masterpiece. Update your story to say: "Procrastinating". Go on -- do it. Snap away.
7. Find your fellow procrastinators
This one is so easy to do, yet people rarely do it. Why? I have no idea. What I do know, is that some of the greatest procrastination comes out of group procrastination. Grab friends who aren't working on their homework anyway, and go shopping or to a movie. Better yet, do something together that's on this list. Better than that, take a collective nap in a blanket fort -- you can't regret that.
8. Procrastinate using the Internet
The Internet has a plethora of cute and fun things. All you have to is utilize it. Want endless scrolling and sarcastic/fandom related stuff? Tumblr is your game. Want to start a Twitter war over a shady subtweet? Go for it. Want to take random personality quizzes that have no merit but you have to know what you are? Buzzfeed is for you my friend. Pinterest is always a good option, as is Reddit. If you're feeling particularly brave, maybe check out some fanfiction on Archive of Our Own (AO3). Want some instant cuteness? Check out this gif:
9. Sleep on it -- literally
What's a better way to procrastinate than be unconscious for a few hours? Nothing, my friends, absolutely nothing. Push all that work off your bed, and out of your mind, and sleep blissfully unaware of time ticking away. Don't even bother setting an alarm -- deadlines are just suggestions anyways.
10. Do the Procrastination Walk
"What's that?" you're probably asking, thinking I'm just making things up. I'll tell you what it is -- it's walking/running/exercising as a form of procrastination. Easy right? Correct! Don't feel like swimming, jumping rope, or kick boxing? That's okay too -- you can always play Pokemon Go! or ride your bike under the beautiful fall foliage. Don't feel like actually moving? Take a blanket and lie out in the sun, and soak up the rays.