I really do believe procrastinating is good, if done in moderation. We all need a break from constantly running to complete the demands from work, school, and just life in general. Nobody should ever feel guilty from taking a break, and most importantly, we should always prioritize our health. Looking and feeling your best can also help you perform at your best!

1. Know yourself and why you procrastinate.

In order to complete work required of you, you need to know what’s holding you back from getting started. Are you scared that when you start an assignment you won’t be able to stop? Are you scared of the time commitment? You are ultimately in control and have to hold yourself accountable for the things asked of you.

2. Know your inhibitors.

Your inhibitors are things that keep you in this bad habit. It could be anything, from Netflix to flat out sleeping. Are you tired of working as much as you do? Do you just need to relax, or do you just want to? Do you not want to get started until you feel better prepared to handle the challenges ahead? These are just a few questions that can pop into your mind as you contemplate why you choose to postpone things in your schedule.

3. Set goals for yourself.

Set goals for yourself, no matter how little they can be. Believe me, getting started on an assignment and completing part of it still feels good, and you’ll have less work to do in the future.

4. Due dates are vital.

Be aware of due dates and try to accomplish parts of assignments before they are due. Sometimes working ahead pays off in the long run. Due dates won’t change for you, no matter how much you wish you could have more time. The longer you have to do something, the less likely you are to jump-start things and move forward with greater things in life.

5. Actually take breaks.

It is very important for you to take breaks. Take a break to listen to your favorite music or read your favorite book. Take a break to eat a snack or a meal- your body needs nutrients to keep going! Take any kind of break, but be mindful of the time you have.

6. Pace yourself.

No matter what, try not to overwork yourself. Sometimes we’re involved in too much and it can become overwhelming. Do what you can do and if it’s too much, reevaluate your commitments.

7. Turn any doubts into achievements.

The goal here is to make any negative reinforcement positive. For example, my roommate told me “You’re not going to print your homework tonight. You look so comfy.” Having her doubt that I would do something so simple as printing out my homework actually motivated me to go do what I needed to do despite how comfortable I was in my bed. As long as you tell yourself that you can do something, nothing will be able to mentally stop you from realizing your full potential.

8. Work hard to procrastinate hard.

Think quality over quantity- you get what you give. You’ll feel your best when you know you’ve given 100% rather than just trying to make it by.

9. Reward yourself.

Treat yourself for working as hard as you do every single day- you deserve it.

10. Don’t stress about the future.

Don’t worry about future exams or assignments that are months away. Take everything one day at a time.

11. If possible, work ahead of time.

The faster you finish your work (with effort), the longer you can have fun!

"How soon not now, becomes never" - Martin Luther