Benjamin Franklin once said, “Never mistake motion with action.” Much in the way a rocking chair moves back and forth but remains in the same place, we often exert energy without actually accomplishing anything, which doesn’t really help us progress on whatever assignment, task or goal we set out to achieve. However, by actually doing something, literally anything, that may or not be related to whatever responsibilities we desire to avoid, we can still be productive. Just because an activity doesn’t necessarily help us finish something that really needs to get done doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some value. Here are some ways to procrastinate and be productive at the same time:
1. Make a to-do list.
Got a million things to do? By making a list, you lay out exactly what you need to get done in order, help yourself come up with a way to work through everything you haven’t finished and once your list is done, you can cross making a to-do list off your new to-do list. Even if you really haven’t done anything, crossing something off the list is a rewarding feeling, and when you’re fighting an uphill battle with your responsibilities, every small victory counts.
2. Call your family.
Have a really important assignment that you should probably be working on, but have no motivation to start whatsoever? Now’s the perfect time to call your grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and whoever else you can think of to tell them that school has been going well, you’re working hard, and you’re staying on top of your studies by being proactive. Maybe not the last one, but hey, at least you remembered to call your family.
3. Eat everything.
This is a great way to buy yourself some time, and it doesn’t take much to justify doing. Everyone has to eat, right? Plus, you can’t really accomplish much on an empty stomach, so obviously you can’t start working on your shiny new to-do list on an empty stomach.
4. Go for a run.
It’s funny how life works that, as soon as you have so much to get done, you suddenly remember that New Year’s Resolution where you promised to get in the best shape you’ve ever been in. Running is a great way to pass time, because, as you will eventually discover, you can run incredibly far when you’re running away from your responsibilities.
5. Clean your room.
Like Albert Einstein once said, “A cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind.” I have never been, nor will I ever be, someone who understands anything about science. But, hey, who am I to argue with Albert Einstein? Long story short, clean your room, even do it right after making your to-do list. Just imagine how proud your mother will be when, during your procrastinating phone call, you tell her that your room is spotless.
6. Write an article online.
Hey guys, let me tell you about all the homework I’m not doing right now just so I can write this. I’ll give you a hint: a lot.
7. Take a nap.
Okay, so maybe this isn’t exactly productive, but it is definitely a viable option. Life got you feeling overwhelmed? You might just be tired. While taking a nap might not help you get anything done, it does help you put off responsibilities a little bit longer because you can just deal with it later. Even if you have still have a lot to do, at least you’ll be well-rested and ready to take on the world when you wake up. And, on the off chance (read: high chance) you’re not emotionally ready to deal with everything life is trying to throw your way, you can always call your parents again.
Procrastination is a beautiful, never-ending cycle.
