It’s that time of year again: the one where far off-projects and term papers suddenly appear around every corner. If you’re a Procrastinator Extraordinaire, you might be looking for new ways to blow off steam and avoid that workload for a teensy bit longer. Sure, blazing through Netflix and endlessly refreshing Facebook or tumblr can be fun, but the procrastination hangover always hits the second you step away from the computer. Why not try something a little different?
Here’s a list of productive procrastination options so that your gut-clenching anxiety is accompanied by a smidgen of satisfaction at a job well done:
1. Clean Your Room
If your clutter is gaining sentience, a deep cleaning might help you to feel in control and ready to take on the world. Or, if you’re not one for a major overhaul, try doing a two-minute chore: wash a mug, take out the trash, or hang up the clothes that live on the back of your desk chair (yes, I do that, too).
2. Make Something
Draw a picture, knit a hat, fold an origami swan, whatever makes you happy! Having a tangible product makes you feel accomplished, and it reminds you that you spent your time productively.
3. Go for a Walk
Lounging in you room can be tempting, but sometimes, getting some fresh air really will help. (My sincerest apologies to friends with allergies!) Go at your own pace, bring along music or a friend to accompany you, and enjoy!
4. Give a Friend Some Love
Odds are you know someone who’s having an equally rough time as you, if not worse. If you know someone in particular who could use a hug or a kind word, go for it! Both of you will feel less alone, and you get to feel all warm and fuzzy after being nice.
5. Read for Pleasure
Some of you may recoil at the idea of more reading, but hear me out. Books offer the escapism of TV without the threat of getting zombie-stare from looking at a screen, and you might find yourself more centered and calm after doing some reading. Old favorites work especially well; my go-to is the third Harry Potter.
6. Make a To-Do List
This may sound like work, but organizing everything on a single piece of paper/word document/app can help orient you to what needs to be done without actually doing any of it. Best case scenario: you aren’t as busy as you thought and can procrastinate guilt-free. Worst case scenario: you should really hang up your Procrastinator Pants and get cracking, or else.
7. Hunt for a New Favorite Study Spot
Maybe your usual workplace has been defiled by one-too-many Netflix breaks, or maybe a chatty group has camped out nearby and doesn’t appear to be moving anytime soon. No matter – a change of venue may be just what you need!
8. Take a Shower
Yeah. It’s pretty straightforward. But it’s important, you'll feel delightfully fresh afterwards, and hey – you can’t do homework in there!
Now, go forth and procrastinate!
P.S.: Yes, I wrote this piece as my own form of procrastination.
