Procrastination, the sneaky time stealer or perhaps a sign instead?
Procrastination, our naughty friend. Our sneaky time stealer, the dilly dallier of the day, the ultimate enemy of our to do list. Or perhaps it’s a sign?
We are all searching for ways to cure our procrastination (hence why you’re reading this post!) and perhaps why I am writing this post … whilst there’s probably other pressing things on my task list.
So here we both are, what’s next?
Maybe it’s time we ask ourselves, WHY we are procrastinating in this very moment. Is it your body and brain asking for something else? Are you procrastinating because you have not recharged your body, mind and soul in other ways first?
Stick with me, let me explain.
Here’s a simple example I experienced the other day.
It was the start of my day, my task list ready to get working from my laptop in my home office. But I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and get stuck in. I was finding every other reason to wander outside … empty the compost, check the mail, water the garden. So what’s the common denominator here? The outdoors and sunshine.
In previous days, I had not spent enough time outside, nor gotten enough sunshine, therefore lacking in vitamin D which was affecting my focus.
So what did I do?
I went outside of course and gave my mind and body what it needed. I allowed myself 15 minutes of complete “procrastination” in the garden to wander, frolic and lay in the sun.
I came back inside ready to smash out my tasks - problem solved. If I had not done this, I probably would have procrastinated most of the day, slowly half doing tasks and getting no where fast.
It’s not always as easy as this however, if we continue to deprive ourselves of what we need the procrastination can get worse as our burnout gets worse.
Working in an office can make it difficult to recharge ourselves when we need. But there is ways around it.
Some other signs may be:
1. Snacking all day and staring at the fridge or continually topping up your coffee because you haven’t spent the time lately to make a really nourishing meal for yourself. Packing a lunch consisting of low GI foods (slower release sugars) such as nuts and some fruits to avoid sugar spikes and drops will help.
2. Perhaps you’re scrolling through online shopping for an instant dopamine hit from the excitement of something to look forward to. Why not spend some time journalling your dreams and making a long list of exciting things to come instead. You could prepare a small vision board to hang by your computer.
3. Or maybe you’re fidgety and can’t sit still. You’re wandering around the office aimlessly. Have you exercised and stretched enough lately? There’s some simple stretches you can do whilst at your desk, stay tuned for these.
Whatever your procrastination of choice is, ask yourself WHY. It may take a few goes, so dig deep.
A wonderful mentor once said to me in a conference, “Why chop wood with a blunt saw? Sharpen the saw!”
So go do whatever you need to do to sharpen your saw (I.e your mind, body or soul) and procrastinate away until you’re feeling fab to get stuck into those tasks. Feel free to tag me on social media in your stories @annamariacreative.
Have a beautiful day!
Anna Maria xx
