As college students, we all know the struggles of finding motivation to finish our homework. And in this absence of motivation, we search for any possible way to justify avoiding our homework for as long as possible. So here are a few weird, fun, strange, perfectly normal procrastination techniques that so many students rely on.
1. Sleep
Because everyone loves a good nap, and it's pretty easy to justify getting some sleep over starting your homework. Even if that nap might occur at strange hours of the day. There's also always the sleep tonight, finish my homework in the morning argument, which can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.
2. Eating
It's like the eating-because-you're-bored phenomenon. Homework can always be pushed back because you tell yourself you're hungry. A quick trip to the dining hall for a snack can turn into an hour long search for more things to eat, just so you don't have to start your homework. Don't deny it, we all do this. This is one of the reasons so many people gain weight in college. Procrastination eating.
3. Cleaning
This is one way you know the procrastination has gotten really bad. Instead of writing the paper you have due tomorrow, you start cleaning your room. Maybe your desk hasn't been organized for a while, or you just need to clean out your closet right this second. You need to do your laundry or wash your sheets even though you definitely just did both those things. Even cleaning has become more appealing than starting your homework.
4. Working Out
Heaven forbid you decide to go work out instead of doing your homework. It's so easy to justify. It seems like a good choice to go for a run or go play volleyball with friends, but when you have a seven page paper to start and finish before tomorrow morning, that might not be the best idea. But we've all done it.
5. Netflix
The classic go-to procrastination technique for students everywhere. Netflix and it's similar evils, like the black hole of YouTube, are reliable time-wasters. Just one more episode and then I'll start my homework, but wait there was a cliff-hanger, I guess I can put it off for one more episode. But it never means just one more episode. Don't fall into the pit. Or do. It's just a struggle to pull yourself out once a show has sucked you in.
6. Wandering
Is your stack of books laughing at you? Is your laptop screen becoming fuzzy? Is your brain telling you to take a break? Then a good wander is probably a way you know how to procrastinate. Walk down the hall, see if there are any people around to distract you. Go for a walk around campus, no matter the weather. It's a great, if not always practical, way to procrastinate.
7. Literally Nothing
Sometimes literally doing nothing is more appealing than doing homework. Laying face-down on the floor, staring at the wall or your stack of books, or any other form of being completely and utterly unproductive are ways we can procrastinate when we are truly desperate.
But you know what? Procrastination is real. We all do it. And the homework will get done eventually. So embrace whichever technique works best for you, and go ignore your responsibilities for a while.
