Procrastination might be one of the biggest issues college students face. Why? Maybe because it's so easy to do. Maybe because it doesn't even seem intentional. Maybe because you don't even realize when you're doing it. Luckily, the six stages of procrastination will help you check and see if you are procrastinating, and how much longer it will take to get out of the rut.

1. Denial

Procrastination is no different than most diseases, where denial is just the first of many stages. You go on Facebook for a few minutes, telling yourself that you'll just write the obligatory "Happy Birthday!" posts and then get off. But then you find yourself lingering just a bit longer, putting off that paper you said you'd start, but it's too late. Stage one is in effect.

2. Anger

At this point, you've wasted about 40 minutes browsing through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and even LinkedIn. You're angry with those websites, as they seem to exist for the sole purpose of distraction. You're angry with the blinking cursor on Microsoft Word on the blank page; it looks like it's mocking you. Your anger is boiling, preparing you for stage three.

3. Sadness

You now feel more sad over the wasted time than angry. You imagine all the failures your future is bound to face; with an F on this paper, you'll be put on academic probation, you'll drop out, lose inspiration, and never regain the confidence to pursue your dreams. But don't worry, Stage Three is relatively short compared to Stage Four.

4. Anxiety

More time has passed. You've made no progress. The reality of the situation is beginning to set in. You won't fail this class, but you're not going to do well. You don't want to disappoint your professor, and you have absolutely nothing to turn in. Stage Four, unfortunately, lasts the longest, if it ever goes away at all.

5. Despair

You've stopped trying to think of ways to start your paper. You've even stopped browsing the web. Your laptop is off, and you've laid your head down on it as tears make their way down your cold, barren face.

6. Resolve

Maybe your friend randomly texts you a word of encouragement. Maybe, by some miracle, an idea pops into your head. You realize that you can do this, that you no longer need to linger on Facebook, that all the ideas in the world seem to be flowing out of your fingers and onto the keyboard. It only took several hours, but you've finally made it to stage six.