Okay, let's be honest here, how many of you procrastinate?
We all procrastinate from time to time. It can be for mundane things like sorting your files or crucial things like exercising.
Of course, the bigger things need commitment and continuous effort. When you don't get to such tasks, it can make you feel lazy, and emotionally weigh you down.
4 Ways Procrastination Affects Your Health
1. Stress & weight gain: Putting off crucial tasks can lead to rushing before deadlines, and building stress. Stress is one of the reasons for unexplained weight gain. Stress can lead to overeating and eating to ease the sense of guilt, which can cause weight gain.
2. Increases blood pressure: Dawdling away at work, or putting off chores increases blood pressure. Researchers agree that procrastinators are likely to reach for stimulants like coffee. Some may even resort to drugs and other stimulants which disrupt health.
3. Risk of anxiety and depression: Postponing tasks can cause poor self-esteem. Studies show mood changes, increased anxiety and risk of depression are high when procrastinating.
4. Poor immune health: Research finds that procrastinators fall sick more often than non-procrastinators. The restlessness that follows procrastination can lead to poor sleep. This can also impact immune health.
There is no doubt procrastination affects your work, health, and personal life.
So, why do we procrastinate?
There are many theories as to why we may procrastinate, some of them include:
- Fear of failure
- Thrill of last minute rush
- Indecisiveness
- Poor self-discipline
Whatever the reason, there are ways to end this self-sabotage with simple rules. So, here's what you can do about it!
5 Ways to Beat Procrastination
1. Set your goals: If there is too much on your plate, rank them in the order of importance. Set a reasonable target to reach your goal. 
2. Accountability: Make a commitment to a friend and be accountable to him/her. Be sincere in your efforts and take your friend's help to get on the task.
3. Break into chunks: A huge task may seem daunting. Break them down into smaller chunks or short goals leading up to the end goal. Set milestones as you reach your short goals.
4. Make the future seem close: Think of a deadline as the number of days rather than months. This will make the future seem immediate or coming soon.
5. Avoid distraction: Create an environment that is free of distractions. A messy room, the constant ringing of gadgets can all be a contributing factor to diminish your focus. Clean out distractions to improve your productivity.
I used to procrastinate, but I was quick to wake up. Had I given into procrastination, I may not have been able to have this platform to talk to you about this right now.
The above strategies have not failed me, and you can follow them too. You'll notice when you stop procrastinating that the world will open up to manifest your biggest goals and wildest dreams!
Yours in health and happiness,
Danette
P.S. Please don't put off sharing this information with your friends and I can't wait to hear from you in the comments below. What hacks have you used to stop procrastination in your own life?
