Have you got a deadline coming up but just can’t bring yourself to start? Well, you've come to the right place! If you're looking for tips on how to procrastinate like an expert, you've found your guide. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow (or next week right)? Keep reading to learn how to waste your time like an expert. (P.S. you’ve already started by reading this instead of working!)
And try to fill in the bingo at the end of this article to see if you are an expert procrastinator!
1. Mentally prepare yourself
You just got a new assignment, and wow, it’s a big one! Before diving into this task, take at least 30 minutes to ‘’mentally prepare.’’
What does that mean? Well, here’s what you should do:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Imagine all the possible ways your assignment could fail
- Open YouTube to watch some videos of people doing things you could be doing, but definitely won’t
The goal is simple; think about doing your assignment a lot without actually starting. Pretend that you’re getting ready for it, bonus points if you open your textbook and just let it sit there, pretending like you’re already getting started.
2. Organize your study space
Got a messy desk? You can’t possibly focus in that kind of environment, so obviously, it’s time to rearrange your pens, notebooks, and that pile of random stuff you've been avoiding for weeks.
Just try to be as productive as possible. .. by doing completely other things than you actually need to get done.
After all, no one can work in chaos… so might as well create some order before you get back to doing nothing.
3. Your phone needs attention
Your phone just buzzed. Maybe you got a message? You should probably check it out. Social media, the black hole of productivity. If you need a break (and you definitely do after all that cleaning), give yourself permission to;
- Scroll through Instagram, like some posts. Hey, maybe even post something yourself!
- Open Tiktok and tell yourself ; ‘’just one video.’’
(it’s never just one video) - Play that one game that has been on your phone longer than you’ve been thinking about doing this assignment and try to beat your highest score.
Remember, taking a break is good for your mental health and the perfect excuse as to why you haven’t started yet.
4. Try the pomodoro technique... but with a few more breaks
Have you heard of the pomodoro technique? It is a time management method where you work in focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by a short break of 5 minutes. These intervals are called "Pomodoros." The goal is to stay focused and productive without burning out.
Well, what if we tweak it a bit. Here’s a better version:
- Work for a whole 5 minutes (very productive!)
- Then reward yourself with a 20-minute snack break.
- Repeat! Not only are you avoiding work, but you’re also getting more energy for even more procrastination.
5. Start a new hobby
I see that you still have that YouTube tab open. Well, why not use it to find a fun new hobby that you can practice while thinking about starting your assignment… later
Some hobby ideas worth considering are;
- Paint your nails in fun designs
- Try to learn a new language (so you can greet people in different languages but still not finish your assignment)
- Follow a dance tutorial and attempt some cool moves
Not only will this feel super productive, but you’re also exploring your interests, which are super important (unlike your grades… right?)
6. Take a power nap
After all this ‘’work’’, you definitely deserve a nap. Don’t set an alarm, let your body tell you when it’s had enough. Wake up in a panic, check your phone, and then go right back to napping because you’re so close to falling asleep now.
After all, who can possibly focus on an assignment when they’re this tired? Trust us, the assignment will look way easier after a good nap.
7. Create a to-do list
Okay, you’re well rested, you’ve had your snacks and phone time, it’s time to start doing this assignment. But before you do anything, you need to create the ultimate to-do list. Because how can you possibly start without knowing exactly what’s on the agenda? Let’s write it all down to make sure you won’t forget anything when you start… eventually… maybe… probably not today.
8. Start a new series... and binge-watch it all
Have you heard about that new show that everyone is talking about? You haven’t seen it yet? What, too busy with this assignment? Just watch one episode… and then another… and another, until suddenly you’ve binge-watched an entire season and it’s 3 a.m. What happened to that assignment? Well, at least you made a to-do list for it. But don’t worry! You've learned everything about the fictional world you're now living in, and maybe the show has given you some inspiration for your assignment.
9. Color-code your email inbox
You know that feeling when you open your inbox and it’s a chaotic mess? Unread emails, notifications, and other messages you will probably never read. Let’s organize it! Go though your inbox and assign a color to each type of email, create new folders as well and add labels to all of your emails. Take a moment to admire your work that you will definitely use in the future!
Now, are you ready to prove that you are an expert procrastinator?
Keep track of how many of these procrastination habits you can check off in the next week! Can you get a full house? If so, give yourself a gold star (or just keep ignoring your responsibilities).
Share your bingo with us on Instagram!
Congratulations! You’ve read the whole article and have spent 8 minutes of your valuable time learning how to be an expert procrastinator! Now, take that knowledge and put it to good use… later.
