"Procrastination" is a word I like to avoid when I find myself doing other things besides my four hours worth of homework. It has such a negative connotation to it. I would rather just simply note that I am working on other aspects of my life that don't include academics... nope, still procrastination. There comes a time for every college and high school student, where we truly cannot get ourselves to submit to the list of things we must get done. There are a slew of things that I do and think to myself while I endure this incredibly lazy mindset of mine, and I bet you can relate too:
1. "What's there to eat?"
Here you are, on hour three of staring at your blank word document. There has to be something to munch on while you try and find something to include in your essay on American history. Maybe the taste of pretzels will spark your imagination. So, you get up and search the refrigerator – for the fifth time might I add – in hopes that something magically delicious has appeared in the crevices of the fridge.
2. "I wonder what's going on tonight?"
With a textbook spread open across your desk and blank flash cards ready for your notes, the only thing you can think of is what fun things there are to do later in the day. Maybe if there is some fun to be had tonight, then it will motivate you to get your work done quicker. Maybe it will even refresh you so it'll be easier to complete your 'to-do' list the next day. Ummm, no. Bad idea.
3. *Calls mom*
Trust me, the last thing your mother wants to hear is how long you've been sitting on Instagram instead of studying for your exam tomorrow. However, you'll call her anyways and decide that right now is the best time to have an in-depth conversation about the meaning of life.
4. "Maybe if I nap just for an hour..."
NEVER. Not an option. You'll wake up more tired than before, and your grade on that Spanish quiz won't seem like such a big loss anyways. Stray away from those 'I give up' naps; they aren't good for making progress.
5. 3-mile run: ready, set, go!
For some odd reason, any time I can't get myself to focus on the tasks laid out before me, I tend to think that now is prime time to build my "perfect body." Not a week ago, and not after my homework – but right this second. Maybe I'll even go meal prep and plan what to do for the next week at the gym. Literally anything but focus on my statistics homework.
6. *Cleans entire room, top to bottom*
There is something that is just so appealing about cleaning your entire room or organizing your drawers when you know that there are other things you need to be doing. Too often, I find myself organizing my make-up or hardcore dusting and vacuuming my room because I have a theory that if my surroundings are organized, my brain will be organized. Then, I'll really be able to get some stuff done.
