Wait, there’s no magic spell. Procrastination is part of almost everyone’s life, whether it’s founder, employee, or student! I still remember replying to my founder’s LinkedIn post, joking that procrastination was just part of my personality and that I always delayed things without a second thought. 

But did I get stuck there? Nope—because I didn’t procrastinate when it came to deleting that comment! That moment made me realize how easy it is to label ourselves as procrastinators and accept it as an unchangeable part of who we are. However, procrastination isn’t a personality trait; instead, it’s a habit that can be changed with the right strategies.

So, here we’ll discuss the causes of procrastination and share 7 tips to overcome it—these tried-and-tested strategies. We have curated them by some of our most productive team members. So, you’ll find practical insights to help you beat procrastination and make real progress!

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Causes of Procrastination

According to experts, procrastination is a self-defeating behaviour that brings short-term benefits at long-term costs. Besides, it most often results in stress. Based on a 2014 report, 20-25% of adults are chronic procrastinators. Here are 4 key causes of procrastination:

1. Lack of Interest: 

We often delay boring tasks or don’t feel excited doing them, regardless of difficulty level.

2. Self-doubts: 

Low self-esteem often causes us to delay the task as we avoid facing the consequences. Whether it’s a medical test or any new project, we try to run away from the responsibility. 

3. Chasing perfectionism: 

Fear of failure and judgment are common reasons behind procrastination. We either wait for the right moment or avoid the task with self-doubts, resulting in constant stress. 

4. Distraction: 

Everyone at least once sets time aside to complete specific tasks but spends time on other things like social media, playing games, texting, or in self-thoughts. These small yet impactful distractions take up time and lead to procrastination. 

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5. Struggling with time management: 

Not having a clear plan and proper time management can lead to doing low-priority tasks or taking up a sheer volume of work, making you feel overwhelmed. This causes delays in decisions and actions, as you are always pending with something or the other.

7 Actionable tips to beat procrastination 

As you know, the causes of procrastination. Now, let’s discuss how to stop procrastinating. Here are 7 actionable tips for beating procrastination and being more productive:

1. Set clear goals per day

Begin your day with realistic and measurable goals. Starting work without proper goals can overwhelm tasks and lead to procrastination. Set 2-3 primary tasks you want to achieve in the day.

2. Break tasks into smaller parts

Large tasks can feel intimidating, causing delays in starting. Divide them into smaller and achievable parts to reduce stress and increase focus. Rather than setting a task like “write a blog,” break it into smaller chunks like “Make blog outline and write introduction.” Small steps are easier to complete and boost motivation.  

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3. Make a to-do list before

Make a to-do list at night for the next day. Creating a task list earlier keeps your brain motivated and helps you prioritize tasks better for the next day. Besides, it eliminates decision-making time about what to do next. 

4. Use Pomodoro for time management

Working for long or uninterrupted periods is challenging and also leads to burnout. Use the Pomodoro technique to maintain focus and not feel tired quickly. In this technique, you need to set a small break of 5 to 10 minutes after each session of working 25 to 30 minutes.  There are various apps available to use this technique. 

5. Eliminate distractions

Whether it’s social media or siblings, try to eliminate distractions. Regarding phones, use different apps and in-built features like focus mode or Do Not Disturb to avoid wasting time on screen. Identifying and eliminating distractions can help you save time and be more productive. 

6. Use the two-minute rule

Small tasks are often neglected for later, leading to the piling up of several tasks, making them overwhelming. So, always do tasks that take 2 minutes or less time right away instead of scheduling them. This approach avoids adding up work and also boosts motivation. 

7. Understand your brain behavior

My sibling’s mind is most productive in the morning, while I can work better in the evening. Everyone’s brain functions differently throughout the day. By recognizing when you’re most productive, you can optimize your schedule to match your natural energy levels. This approach avoids procrastination, especially for tasks you might postpone due to emotional triggers like fear of failure or perfectionism.

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Conclusion 

Procrastination isn’t limited to professional life—it seeps into everyday tasks, like finding the best skin care products or decluttering a room. Beating procrastination starts with paying closer attention to your daily habits and making intentional changes. The tips above will improve your productivity and create a more balanced and fulfilling routine, freeing time and energy for what truly matters.

The post How to Beat Procrastination and Get Things Done appeared first on A2Z Lifestyles.

According to a report, 71% of people increased happiness from their self-care practices, whether sports or mindful exercises like meditation. Pick activities you could adapt to your routine, even when there’s too much work or holidays.

We’re sharing 10 self-care activities that anyone can do.

Whether you’re a student wrapped in studies, a retired citizen with free time, or a busy entrepreneur, you need only 10 minutes to boost your mood.  

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Different Areas of Self-Care Activities

Before we get into self-care activities, it’s important to highlight some myths around self-care activities. People think it’s just pampering or it is for those who are struggling with poor mental health. Your friends might say you’re spending “too much time” on yourself. Or, worse, that you’re being selfish. In reality, it’s none of these things.

Self-care activities go beyond fitness or getting yourself to a spa. It extends to managing your finances and building healthy relationships with your friends and yourself. Even the WHO recommends people incorporate self-care practices into their daily routines to improve overall health and well-being in two facets: self-care actions & self-care intervention. The latter narrows to a more specific approach to tackling health needs or conditions. 

10 self-care activities to boost your mood 

Self-care activities boost mood and improve mental health. Here’s a list of 10 self-care activities you can start right now:

1. Start your day with stretching & mobility exercises.
   

Waking up with a sore body is like standing on a stack of needles. Stiff and prickly. Mobility and stretching exercises can undo soreness, prepare you for the day ahead, and instantly boost your mind. Old or young, these exercises are for every age. You don’t have to take yourself to a crowded gym station that takes 10 minutes to find a parking spot. Find a mat. Sit comfortably. And get started. 

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2. Connect with your inner self.

Remember the last time you had a conversation with yourself? A time when you could be real with yourself. One-to-one. Yes, the same way Christine (Saoirse Ronan) did in the film Lady Bird. Filmy, isn’t it? But talking to yourself is one of the best ways to cultivate self-care and manifestation.

Dr. Doty, a neuroscientist and NY Times bestselling author, demonstrates this through decades of research. He says, “People need to be compassionate to themselves and cut off the inner self-critic. Instead, connect with your inner self by activating love mode and achieve your goals.”

We speak to our inner selves every second, alone or in a metro station where everyone gets squeezed like lemons; your brain is always thinking. How you do it is important. Treat yourself with compassion, regardless of the situation in life. Going on a nature walk and journaling are beginner-friendly ways to build compassion with your inner self. Dr. Doty recommends jotting down your feelings on paper and manifesting the change you want to bring to your life. 

3. Declutter your space
   

The space you live in has a direct impact on your emotional well-being. See it this way: a clumsy room mirrors the clutter of your life, and it feels messy and uncontrollable. Take time to put things in order and take charge. You don’t have to scrap every spot in the room. Start small. 

For instance, you could fix your working table or arrange your bed. Be mindful of things you no longer need: old clothes, paper, or anything recycled. Hand it over to someone you can find helpful.

4. Cook with your loved ones.

Whether you’ve had a rough day or need to feel cheerful, a warm, healthy meal can recharge your batteries. Cook comfort food—maybe rice and curry, pasta, or fried chicken—a dish that truly satisfies you. 

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Why not invite a friend over to share it? There’s something special about connecting with friends over a delicious, healthy meal, making it the perfect ambiance to unwind and talk about your day.

5. Pursue lost hobbies

We all have something(s) we always wanted to do but couldn’t. Call it a twist of fate or “I lost touch with it. The best time to do them is now. Though everything is acceptable, keeping as long as you’re happy, be open to exploring your quirks. Go beyond the usual hobbies like dancing, singing, or playing an instrument.

When I was younger, I collected chocolate wrappers (which are no longer in production now). Hobbies aren’t about public approval but about what brings joy to your mind and body. If you’re unsure what to pursue, embrace the freedom of being like a wanderer, exploring what relaxes your mind, no matter how odd.

6. Go to a retreat with your friends.

For most people, “taking a break” is packing backpacks and heading to mountains or beaches. After 3-4 days, you’re stuck in the same loop and routine. Do it differently next time. Join a retreat with friends.  Retreats offer fresh experiences with lessons you can keep for the rest of your life.

For example, you could go on a wellness retreat, a weight loss retreat, or a mindfulness retreat. Put in an effort, even if it’s going to the farther end of town. Some retreat programs might ask you to leave your digital devices behind, which may initially seem challenging. However, making the effort to disconnect can have remarkable benefits, as it will help you and your friends share an experience like never before.

7. Read and write a page every night.

Reading regularly has a relaxing impact that improves mental health overall and can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. You don’t have to make it feel like a chore. Start with reading what interests you.

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Look out for local reading and writing communities in your areas. Many such communities have weekly get-togethers or monthly discussions, welcoming people from all spheres of life. When it comes to writing, don’t stress yourself. Don’t worry about grammar; nobody’s getting a grade. Write for yourself—an interesting event, a lesson you learned, maybe an encounter with a stranger. 

8. Take care of money

Money problems often come unannounced—rising energy bills, a tough time, or a desire to buy the latest iPhone or clothing; your finances could go all red if not managed. Having control over your finances can solve many of these issues, and, above all things, it provides you with a sense of security. 

Maintain a clear view of your priorities and what matters most to you. Saving or investing, do so with a clear goal in mind.

9. Shatter your limiting beliefs

“I can’t do this.”

“I’m not good enough.”

“I don’t have enough qualifications.”

We all say it to ourselves, often without even realizing it. But the truth is, these thoughts are not facts. They’re merely passing thoughts.

Take that first step towards something you’ve put off because you thought you couldn’t. New language? Waking up at 6 a.m.? Or saying “hello” to an old friend.  Reframe your thoughts with cognitive restructuring. Next time, don’t tell yourself, “You can’t.” Instead, “I’m fully capable of doing this.”

10. Ground healthy boundaries
    

We all have someone to answer to: work, family, or social obligations. Under all this pressure, we neglect ourselves and often commit to requests, even if we don’t want to. 

Know when to say no, when to step back, and when to prioritize your needs. Often, people have a hard time declining requests from close people. Here, you need to be firm and assertive. Before you answer, think about how it will impact your well-being.

Self-care activities shouldn’t break the bank. 

No doubt, the need for self-care activities is important in a time when everybody has digital access to you 24/7. You’re a text or a call away. There is pressure to do this or that. However, note that self-care activities shouldn’t empty your pockets. 

A $500 spa treatment might bring joy to one person, but for another, the happiness could come from saving $500 by cutting unnecessary expenses. Pursue activities that unload stress, not add it to your life. If you’re someone like me who goes on a spendthrift sprint, add a self-care budget to your finances so you know when to spend and when not to spend. 

Summary

The self-care activities we discussed demand only 10 minutes of your day. Which one to start is a challenge. Start with one that’s easiest for you. Remember, you need to be consistent. Take help from digital tools like Headspace, Calm, Pocket Guard, etc., to keep tabs on all facets of self-care. 

The post 10 Self-Care Activities to Boost Your Mood appeared first on A2Z Lifestyles.