Top Procrastination Techinques

Hello my Lovelies!

Before we begin, this post is not to encourage you to avoid doing things that need to be done but rather to show you the most popular ways that people waste their time. If there's a task you need to get done then it's always better to do it sooner rather than later. That being said...

If you're anything like me, getting stuck-in to a piece of work is something you just love to avoid and you will do anything other than what you're supposed to be doing. Confusing, right? But hang in there, you'll understand where I'm coming from once you've seen my top ways to procrastinate.

1. Netflix!

This was both my best and worst investment in 2012 as it opened me up to a wider world of film and television but it also gave me a huge distraction when I don't want to do my work. My favourite things to watch in order to waste time are Disney films or horror films, after all, who doesn't love a classic or a good fright?!

2. Cleaning/Tidying

I hate tidying up (as I'm sure my parents would vouch), however, when I have essays to write or work to be doing I often find myself wanting to clean and tidy to an extreme. I'm not only talking putting things away, but also: arranging drawers, cleaning windows, moving furniture and sorting through clothes. It sounds crazy but it's amazing how much time can pass when you're doing mundane tasks.

3. Blogging

Yep. You've guessed right if you're wondering 'is Tamsin supposed to be doing some work right now?' because I am almost definitely, probably avoiding some. I find that on my study breaks or when I'm stuck on some of my work, if I go away and write a blog post, I can then go back to it later with a fresh mind and new ideas. It's a way of giving my brain an academic rest and filling that break time with something I enjoy.

4. Tumblr, Twitter or other Social Media

I can honestly spend hours scrolling through Tumblr and Twitter. There are times when I'll be taking a break from doing some work at about 9pm, I'll go on Tumblr and the next thing I know it's 2am! There's just something engaging about social media sites and they are so so good when you're looking to procrastinate.

5. Sleeping

Possibly my most popular go to activity after Netflix, this is something that can be done at any hour of the day and for any length of time. Got an hour between lectures? Half hour nap! Not going out for another 3 hours? 2 hour nap! It's 3am and you've been on Tumblr too long to go back to doing work? Go to bed for goodness sake! Lisa (@_lissssr) supports this wonderful method too and it's not surprising as it's just so good!

6. Cooking

Whether you're more of a baker or a meal maker, cooking is a really good way to pass the time. I find that if I make a whole bunch of meals at once and then freeze them, it saves me a lot of time throughout the week, so when I'm avoiding doing something else this is something I like to do. Not only is it incredibly useful, but fun too!

7. Make a cup of tea and read the paper

This one was suggested by Kevin on Twitter (@KevHochard) but it's something I very much enjoy doing once a week. It may be old school but sitting and having a cuppa with the newspaper on your knee can be incredibly relaxing and there are some super weird and wonderful stories in the papers these days. I tend to go for the local paper more often than the national but it's all down to your personal preference.

8. Work out/Have a dance break

You read correctly. That does say 'have a dance break'. Not everyone enjoys going to the gym or doing proper workouts so the next best way to de-stress in a form of exercise is to have a bit of a boogie. Stick your favourite songs on shuffle and go wild all in the comfort of your own room. It's amazing how refreshed you feel when you sit down to do some work after exercise.

9. Sing some karaoke

This is definitely something I do a lot - most of the time actually. I don't necessarily use it to procrastinate but it is certainly an activity that wastes away the hours and it's fun whether you can sing or not.

10. Get naughty (for the love of unicorns, if you're under age, don't do this to waste away the time, go play outside or do some painting instead!)

As many of you suggested it, I've included it! This one applies to the more mature of my readers, and maybe those of you with stamina. After all, a couple of minutes isn't exactly the greatest way to procrastinate. This isn't something I do, but I know it works well for some which is why it appears on my list. But please, be safe and use protection - if you're a student and reading this, there are soooo many horror stories that I could tell you.

11. Phone/Skype family/friends

It's always lovely to have a catch up with the folks but if you live at home, you could ring anyone else. I can chat away on the phone or on skype for hours with anyone and I don't know if that's just because I'm super chatty or because I've nothing else to do but it works for putting things off.

12. Buzzfeed

If you're anything like Philippa (@Philippaaro), you may be into online quizzes and articles on the very popular site Buzzfeed. There's always something hilarious or downright weird to capture your interest and spend your time avoiding that all important history essay or class marking that should probably be done before tomorrow.

If you've got something you'd like to add to the list then leave it in the comments or let me know on twitter! (@tammybecks) Or even on the brand new facebook page! (Tamsin Rebecca) Don't forget you can also get in touch through any of the means listed here.

Have fun procrastinating!

Love you all!

T

xxx