Overcoming Procrastination And Anxiety
Start writing a post
College

Overcoming Procrastination And Anxiety

Why this combination is a double-edged sword?

80
Overcoming Procrastination And Anxiety
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

This time of the year is considered crunch time for college students. Final exams, final projects, and final assignments. For those who naturally struggle with anxiety, this time of the year is a time full of tension and a constantly worried mind. The key to reducing this anxiety is getting assignments done early and planning ahead so you don't feel like you're falling behind. But what happens when your anxiety is so distracting, it causes you to procrastinate and delay your homework until you can fully focus on it, and then because of your anxiety, you struggle to get the work done due to an assignment overload?

Well, the answer isn't simple, but the problem is common. So as someone who personally has this struggle, I must say the best thing one can do is eliminate the timeline. Throw out the due dates, and just start. No, this does not mean that I condone turning in assignments late, do not do that. But I find that the reason I procrastinate is that I feel like I have so much to do by a specific date. I have to have four essays done by next week on Tuesday at 4 p.m., and a project due at 5. It's so much at one time.

However, if one takes a step back and just writes essay number one until it's done, then moves on to essay number two, and attempts to complete them all as soon as possible, a little bit of pressure is taken off your shoulders. The work doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to get done, and then once it's done, take your time to go back in and relook it over. This allows you less stress and less anxiety moving forward with the assignments and will allow you to finish up the year with a clear and focused mind.

If you notice that this is something you struggle with, take a step back and ask yourself why? It is because you are overwhelmed, you can't focus, or you're distracted? Identify what's causing your issue and address it. For me, I tend to procrastinate when I feel like whatever I am doing will take a certain amount of time, or I know I will struggle to focus on it and complete it. If you notice yourself doing the same, just take a step back, and breathe, and realize that although you do have a due date, the assignment shouldn't dictate your life. Start now, and don't stop until it's finished. You can't finish something you never began! It will help both your grades and your mental health in the end.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42793
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26855
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951904
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

140544
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments