{"id":366,"date":"2023-01-20T14:31:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T14:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sensa.health\/?p=366"},"modified":"2024-01-23T08:25:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T08:25:51","slug":"4-simple-tips-for-breaking-the-procrastination-cycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sensa.health\/blog\/4-simple-tips-for-breaking-the-procrastination-cycle\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Easy Tips for Breaking the Procrastination Cycle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Procrastination is something that everyone experiences once in a while. Piling up tasks, chores, and activities can make anyone uncomfortable hence, the procrastination.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although similar at first glance, procrastination and laziness are not the same. When lazy, people avoid doing anything, while procrastinators only avoid working on the tasks that make them feel discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you tend to procrastinate and notice the quality of your life suffers, do not fret \u2013 there are ways to overcome it!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Is Procrastination Manageable?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer \u2013 yes, it is! However, you should keep in mind that some planning, dedication, and effort are definitely required.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, procrastination is caused by emotional dysregulation. Avoidance happens because the task appears threatening or unaccomplishable. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing your emotions, getting in touch with what you’re feeling, and making changes to your lifestyle can help you eliminate procrastination for good.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ready to overcome this issue, below are the 4 best techniques to help you become more productive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Break it down<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some tasks feel more straightforward than others; usually, it comes down to how time-consuming they are. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, imagine that you need to build a house. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s a big task that can sound quite overwhelming \u2013 where do you start, and how do you do it properly?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the house-building analogy, you would probably design the house first, then move on to clearing and evening out the land, laying the foundation, building walls, installing plumbing and electricity, painting the walls, and so on. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the thing is, you break the house-building task into smaller, more manageable chunks while still working toward the final goal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking about the end product can be daunting when you’re yet to start, so instead of stressing out, make a to-do or a priority list.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timer, timer, timer<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We often expect complete focus and an incredible amount of motivation from ourselves. However, that’s not how our brains work \u2013 motivation and productivity fluctuate, so some days you might feel like moving mountains, while others are more easy-going.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some assignments must be completed even during the “lazy” days. So, how to get things done when you’re not feeling like it?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer: try using a timer. Set a timer for a specific amount of time and focus on the task at hand. When the timer goes off, take a break and then set the timer again.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can look at the Pomodoro technique or develop your own system that works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promise yourself a reward<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Getting a bonus at work for outstanding performance or a gift when you go the extra mile to do something always makes us feel appreciated and valued. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, you don’t need someone to reward you for your hard work because you can do it yourself! Promise yourself something pleasant or enjoyable after you accomplish a task.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go on a coffee break, have something sweet when you finish a smaller assignment, and use more prominent rewards for tasks that require more effort and time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rewards create a positive association and can be exceptionally motivating.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a distraction-free environment<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it might not appear so, clutter, music, and other background noise can be very distracting. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid getting stuck in the procrastination loop, try to create a workspace that is calm, quiet, and clutter-free. Here’s what you can do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n