5 Ways to Reduce Procrastination as a Student

Breaking the Cycle of Procrastination: 5 Ways to Stay on Track as a Student

As a student, procrastination can be a constant nemesis, threatening to derail even the best-laid plans. Whether it's putting off a looming deadline, avoiding a difficult assignment, or simply struggling to get started on a new project, procrastination can be a major obstacle to academic success.

But there is good news: with the right strategies, you can overcome procrastination and develop the habits and skills needed to achieve your academic goals. In this post, we'll explore five ways to reduce procrastination and get back on track.

1. Break Down Big Tasks into Smaller Chunks

One of the main reasons we put off tasks is because they seem overwhelming. When faced with a large project or assignment, it's easy to feel like we're staring up at a mountain, unsure of where to start. But here's the thing: even the biggest tasks can be broken down into smaller, manageable chunks.

Try using the Pomodoro Technique: work in focused, 25-minute increments, followed by a five-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. By breaking down your work into smaller, more manageable tasks, you'll be able to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Procrastination often thrives in environments where there's no clear plan or structure. When we don't have a schedule, it's easy to let the day slip away, without making much progress on our goals. To combat this, create a schedule that outlines your tasks and deadlines, and stick to it.

Use a planner, calendar, or app to stay organized and on track. Set specific times for studying, working, and relaxing, and try to avoid multitasking (it can decrease productivity by up to 40%). By creating a schedule and sticking to it, you'll be able to make steady progress on your goals, without getting bogged down in procrastination.

3. Eliminate Distractions and Create a Productive Environment

Distractions are a major contributor to procrastination. Whether it's social media, email, or a noisy roommate, there are countless things that can derail our focus and productivity. To combat this, eliminate distractions and create a productive environment.

Try using website blockers like Freedom or SelfControl to limit your access to distracting websites. Use noise-cancelling headphones or find a quiet study space to minimize background noise. And eliminate multitasking: close unnecessary tabs, turn off notifications, and focus on one task at a time.

4. Reward Yourself for Progress

Procrastination often thrives in environments where there's no sense of reward or motivation. When we're working towards a goal, it's natural to want to reward ourselves for progress. To combat procrastination, try using a reward system to motivate yourself.

Set small rewards for achieving specific milestones or completing tasks. This could be something as simple as taking a break to watch a funny video, going for a walk, or enjoying a favorite snack. By rewarding yourself for progress, you'll be able to stay motivated and engaged, without getting bogged down in procrastination.

5. Practice Self-Compassion and Reframe Negative Self-Talk

Finally, it's essential to practice self-compassion and reframe negative self-talk. When we're struggling with procrastination, it's easy to beat ourselves up over our lack of progress. But this kind of negative self-talk can be a major obstacle to motivation and productivity.

Try reframing your negative self-talk by using kind, encouraging language. Instead of saying "I'm so lazy," say "I'm feeling overwhelmed, but I can break this down into smaller tasks." Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that it's okay to make mistakes and that you're doing the best you can.

In conclusion, procrastination is a common problem that affects many students. But with the right strategies, you can break the cycle of procrastination and develop the habits and skills needed to achieve your academic goals. By breaking down big tasks into smaller chunks, creating a schedule and sticking to it, eliminating distractions and creating a productive environment, rewarding yourself for progress, and practicing self-compassion and reframing negative self-talk, you'll be well on your way to achieving success.If you're looking for a powerful, student-friendly note-taking app, look no further than Oneboard. Designed to enhance your learning experience, Oneboard offers seamless handwriting and typing capabilities, intuitive organization features, and advanced tools to boost productivity. Whether you're annotating PDFs, organizing class notes, or brainstorming ideas, Oneboard simplifies it all with its user-focused design. Experience the best of digital note-taking and make your study sessions more effective with Oneboard. Download Oneboard on the App Store.