P.S. Short on time? Scroll to the bottom for a quick summary!
Why do we procrastinate?
Before we fight it, let’s understand it. Procrastination isn’t laziness!It’s often a mix of:
- Overwhelm: The task feels too big.
- Perfectionism: You want to do it just right, so you delay starting.
- Fear of failure: What if it doesn’t go well?
- Low motivation: You’re just not feeling it.
- Distraction: So many shiny things keep pulling you away.
These feelings are completely normal.Everyone procrastinates sometimes! The key is figuring out why you're stuck so you can choose the right strategy to get moving again.
Strategies
The 5-Minute Rule:
Commit to doing just five minutes of the task. That’s it. Often, the hardest part is starting. Once you begin, you’ll likely find it easier to keep going. This rule helps trick your brain into starting by lowering the barrier to entry. Even if you stop after five minutes, you’ve made progress, and that’s a win!
Try this: Set a timer for 5 minutes.Count yourself down (3-2-1) and then go.When the timer rings, you can stop.
Adjust Your Environment:
Getting started on a task when you're at home and close to so many distractions can be tricky. Try adjusting your environment to fight procrastination. Whether it's finding a café you love, heading to a spot on campus, or simply moving from your bed to a chair and table, changing up your space can help transfer you from a relaxing to a working mindset.
Tip: can’t leave the house? Even small changes, like clearing your desk, opening a window, or putting on study music can help shift your mindset.
Body Doubling
If you're struggling to get started with a task or to stay focused while working, body doubling is a great strategy for you! The idea is to have someone work at the same time as you to help stay focused (if they're working, they won’t distract you), and to help keep you accountable to stay off your phone and on task. The best part is that you can do this in person or virtually!
Try this: Text a friend: “Want to study together for 30 mins on FaceTime? No talking, just good study vibes.”
Eat Your Frogs First
Your “frog” is your hardest or most dreaded task; it’s what you’re most likely to procrastinate on. Plan to do it at the very beginning of your day or work session. By getting it out of the way early, you build momentum and reduce the mental load of having it hang over you all day. It’s a confidence booster and a productivity win rolled into one.
Try this: Write down your “frog” the night before. Wake up. Eat it. (Metaphorically.)
Pomodoro
To reduce overwhelm and anxiety over a large task, use the Pomodoro method. Put away all distractions, then set a timer for 25 minutes, during which you will only focus on the task at hand. Then, take a five-minute break. Rinse and repeat for a total of 4 times, then take a longer, 15-to-30-minute break. The timer helps build up a bit of urgency, and the five-minute break can allow you to build in some small rewards for all your hard work. Over time, this method helps you strengthen focus and build consistency.
Tip: You can adjust the timer to suit your focus style.Try 50 minutes of work with 10-minute breaks if 25 feels too short.
Tools
Study Bunny: Link
This adorable productivity app lets you track study time, earn coins, and care for a virtual bunny. It’s gamified motivation at its finest. You can set timers, log tasks, and even take breaks with your bunny. Perfect for students who want a little fun with their focus.
Forest: Link
Forest helps you stay off your phone by growing a virtual tree while you work. If you exit the app to scroll social media, your tree dies. It’s a visual reminder of your commitment to focus, and over time, you can grow an entire forest of productivity.
Noisli: Link
Need background noise to concentrate? Noisli lets you mix ambient sounds like rain, wind, and café chatter to create your ideal soundscape. It’s great for blocking out distractions and getting into a flow state.
Tomato – Pomodoro Timer: Link
Based on the Pomodoro Technique, Tomato timers break your work into 25-minute focused intervals followed by short breaks. This method helps prevent burning out and keeps your brain fresh. There are many Pomodoro apps out there; find one that suits your style.
Mix and Match
You don’t have to pick just one strategy. Try combining:
- Body Doubling + Forest App
- 5-Minute Rule + Noisli
- Eat Your Frog + Pomodoro Timer
Find your flow. Customize your combo.And don’t worry if something doesn’t click right away.Productivity is personal. Experiment until you find what keeps you motivated.
Conclusion
Procrastination happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to run the show. Whether you’re facing a mountain of tasks or just trying to start that one dreaded assignment, remember: small steps lead to big progress. Try out a few strategies, mix and match your favourites, and be kind to yourself along the way.
You’ve got this!And if you ever feel stuck or unsure where to start, the Mentoring Centre is here to help. Drop by and chat with a student mentor. We’d love to help!
TLDR:
Effective strategies:
- 5-Minute Rule: Start with just five minutes to build momentum.
- Adjust Your Environment: Change your space to change your mindset.
- Body Doubling: Work alongside someone to stay accountable.
- Eat Your Frogs First: Tackle your hardest task early.
Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break, repeat 4 times, then take a longer break.
Useful tools:
- Study Bunny: Gamify your study time with a virtual pet.
- Forest: Stay off your phone and grow trees while you focus.
- Noisli: Customize background sounds to help you concentrate.
- Tomato: Use Pomodoro timers to structure your work and breaks.
Combine and experiment, and come chat with the mentors for help!