How to Maximize Your Procrastination Time

Some days you’ve got laser focus and you get everything done on your to-do list. Other days aren’t as good—you have a big task that you just can’t get focused on to complete, no matter how hard you try. Instead of staring at your computer screen, or staring off into space, here are some tips for maximizing your procrastination time. If you do these things, just think, you will no longer be procrastinating.

·        - Check your email. You probably have a lot in your inbox, so this is a way to make your time a lot more productive.

·        - Take your dog for a walk. After all, your dog is  probably staring at you staring off into space and  he’s probably wondering why you don’t just go outside already! The exercise will do your dog  good, and it might clear your mind and help you get that task done. If you don’t have a dog, take a walk anyway. It will get your blood pumping and the creative juices flowing.

·         -Do the dishes. You may feel better when your kitchen is really clean.

·         -Return phone calls. Maybe you have a list of people you need to call back, so this might divert your attention just enough to be helpful.

·        - Clean your office. Organize your papers, clear away clutter, and finally wash that coffee mug. If your work area is more organized, maybe you’ll think more clearly and be more productive.

·        - Set goals. Review your goals for a bit. Are you accomplishing them? What are your setbacks? Add a new goal: Stop procrastinating!

·         -Pay bills. We’re not sure if this will make you feel better or make you feel worse, but it might be nice to knock a few of these out of the park.

·         -Watch TV. Decide that you’re going to take a quick break and watch 15 minutes of TV just to clear your mind. Then it’s back to the task.

·        - Read. This is the same concept as watching TV. Read a chapter, a magazine article, or a couple of online news articles. It might be just enough to give your brain something to focus on so you can later return to your task.

·        - Exercise. Maybe a few sit ups or push ups, or maybe a few jumping jacks will get you going!

·        - Meditate. Try to push every nagging thing out of your mind and just focus on your breathing for 5 or 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised how well it works to clear your head.

·         -Power nap. Take a short 15-20 minute snooze, but don’t forget to set an alarm. You’ll wake refreshed and ready to conquer that task.