So, among the breaks and some time out (of course!) I found myself working - and more often than not - procrastinating. This very piece is a product of procrastination...
I started trying to devise key ways to procrastinate that would a) serve as a suitable break from work, but was not going to take up hours of time, which I really need to spend essaying and revising b) be something away from the screen and computer (in some cases!) c) did not just comprise eating out of sheer boredom.
You may be aware of my love of lists, and this felt like a suitable time to utilise them in my 'Top 5 Procrastination Tips' -
1. Making cookies.
I know I said about avoiding eating out of boredom, but this is different as you actually have to put effort into making them, which serves as a suitable way of focusing your attentions away from work, so giving you head-space away from your work.
2. Thinking up future schemes and projects.
I love a good scheme - I like planning things, especially now I am at the stage in my life where I am doing a degree but have no idea what I want to do after. So I peruse websites, prospectuses, travel books...anything that could give me ideas for the future. Surprisingly this actually helps increase my motivation to do my Easter assignments, as I have found that I think: 'Ok so I want to do x, but to achieve this, I need to push on through my university course, and course is currently sat in the form of this essay plan which desperately needs writing up...'
3. Blocking Facebook, or turning off the internet and listening to your favourite piece of music instead.
It stops you from procrastinating during your most productive periods (no more 'oh I'll just pop on Facebook mid-sentence), so then you build up a bank of time which you can actually usefully use when you have a break. Instead, I'll listen to music during and after work - it provides a perfect distraction whilst on a break from work, but can also help make work more bearable whilst you're actually doing it!
4. Reading a chapter of a good book (but then stopping...no I must not let myself get carried away...)
Probably one of the oldest entertainment methods in the book (no pun intended!) - but everyone needs a bit of escapism, a bit of distraction - reading provides both, as well as (usually) a break from the computer screen. It also, I think, makes you a more interesting person, as your mind is being filled with creative ideas from someone else - which could prompt ideas you hadn't really considered before, which is technically an education within itself!
5. Planning your next travel extravaganza (!).
Not that I'm saying I'm going on an extravaganza, but this one I have most enforced this Easter. Any form of planning, mulling over ideas for where you can go once exams/assignment due dates/term dates are OVER! This way is highly effective as a) it makes you excited about something b) is something you can look forward to regardless of how well the work goes c) still feels productive - after all, this holiday needs to get planned, so may as well do it now...making it feel that even though you're not working, you're still being productive.
So whatever you're doing, working for school/university/masters/at work (although please don't let your boss catch you - and not that I'm condoning any kind of slacking behaviours!)...these methods are applicable to all ages, all stages. Let's face it, no one is invincible, no one is able to keep on going for hours and hours, so there's no need to feel guilty about a bit of procrastination, but it's best to make the time you're not working enjoyable (and it's a bonus if this is also productive!) - you owe it to yourself!
Ax
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