Procrastination: an unhealthy life style?

[Disfunkshunal]

Im sure at one point or another you have heard someone say 'why do today, what you can put off till tomorrow'. I for one am a strong supporter of this and am sometimes criticized. I want you guy's opinion.

First let me define a couple words

Procrastinate: to defer action; delay
to put off till another day or time; defer; delay

Action: something done or performed

Ok, so when someone procrastinates they put off something that needs to be done untill a later day. This means someone who neglects to do something is not a procrastinator. Also according to the quote you put off what ever task and get it done before a deadline. this means if you do a task but its later than wanted you are not a procrastinator. You only fit the description of a procrastinator if you
1) put off a task
2) complete a task
3) have the task done before or at a deadline

I honestly think if someone is a 'true' procrastinator there is nothing wrong. Whenever i have an assignment that i think can be procratinated will be procrastinated. For example i had a month to do a book report. the book was approx. 256 pages and the teacher gave us an outline of what the final essay should look like. I had no intentions of starting it until atleast the week it was due. In the end i got it done and i dont think it was too bad (didnt get grade yet) so what's the problem?

Procrastinating even has some advantages! 1) if you procrastinate it can help you from feeling overwhelmed. if you put off some work, you have less to worry about and can in turn be less stressed.
2) While physically procratinating a task you can be mentally preparing for it. This can make all the difference because you'll do a much better job with something you know and are comfortable with then you would if you knew little or was uncomfortable.

these are only a few ways procrastination is beneficial.

What i am asking you is in your opinion is it wrong to live a procratinated life?

 

[KrazyGlue]

I think most people can agree that while procrastinating can work, it's usually better to get things done early and edit them later if you get ideas. I'm not saying you should never procrastinate, but if possible, getting things done is your best bet.

I'm a chronic procrastinator, so I can relate to this topic a lot.

 

[Miggz]

I'm with KrazyGlue on this one. I feel procrastination is very unhealthy. What is so fun about trying to complete something at the last minute? Its only going to produce a lot of anxiety and unnecessary pressure and anxiety.

The earlier you complete something, the more time free time you'll have to enjoy yourself. XD

 

[Disfunkshunal]

Like i said above procrastinating isnt always completely forgeting about work but you could be doing it mentally. While thinking of the task mentally you can also change and 'edit' your thoughts

the way i look at it is the later you complete something, the more immeadaite free time you have on your hands to enjoy yourself.
idk maybe im just wierd but the anxieties of knowing its due very soon encourages me to work more than anything else

i think that for most cases there is an equivalent effect of procratination that you could get from not procrastinating

thanks for the opinions guys

 

[Rogue Pit]

I am the biggest procrastinator I know, and I feel, like toondiddy, that you can mentally prepare for whatever you need to do, than do it later and I honestly live by that even though I don't want to. I not only put off things but I try to find other things to do instead of doing what I should and i think that is wrong. Rathering than doing it all at one point in time it would be better to break up the task mathematically and complete it over a long period of time. Although i dont think it should cause anxiety if you procrastinate intelligently and actually comprehend the task ahead. I find it relieves you of the stress of the present and you can enjoy yourself.

But doing things before hand if possible seems like the smarter choice so you dont swamp yourself.

@toondiddy: sticky says you shouldnt use sigs.

 

[Disfunkshunal]

my sig automatically comes on if i make a long post. sorry

feeling anxious depends on how long you put something off.
a last second procrastinator theoretically would feel a lot more anxious than a last minute one

 

[Miggz]

my sig automatically comes on if i make a long post. sorry

feeling anxious depends on how long you put something off.
a last second procrastinator theoretically would feel a lot more anxious than a last minute one

When you make an entry simply scroll down to the bottom and un-tick the "show your signature" box.

 

[Faithkeeper]

To properly address this, I think one would have to define "unhealthy". Perhaps "unwise" would be more relevant.


Unhealthy:
If we are speaking strictly in biological factors, putting things off can lead to anxiety, in what I am going to assume is the majority of people.

Spoiler

(If you have issue with this assumption, say so, this is not statistical or proven, merely an assumption gained from experience in procrastination, and speaking to others on the subject) I say the majority because it is important, I speak of the majority of people the majority of the time. To argue on the behalf of the minority of the people or the minority of the time would be counter productive. If the minority is significant, it should be acknowledged, but as more of a "in most cases" time of scenario.

Anxiety, (as any stressor) can have negative affects on the body such as:
* Headache
* Back pain
* Chest pain
* Heart disease
* Heart palpitations
* High blood pressure
* Decreased immunity
* Stomach upset
* Sleep problems

Stress (as caused by the anxiety of procrastination) can also have negative affects on one's "feelings" and/or behavior. [for more information, go here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D.]


Unwise:
I think during the majority of the time it is unwise to put off work. other than things such as "the satisfaction of getting it done" or "having free time" once you get it done, I believe that one of the greatest assets of not putting something off is that it gives you flexibility. If something were to come up, this flexibility gives one more choices. [examples include forgotten work or last-minute requests] When the time is already available, it is wisest to do it right away because of this added flexibility.


toondiddy:
"the way i look at it is the later you complete something, the more immediate free time you have on your hands to enjoy yourself."

This free time can be just as easily spent after it's done, and would be arguably more well-spent, as one does not have the anxiety of knowing it must be done.


Rouge Pit:
"Rathering than doing it all at one point in time it would be better to break up the task mathematically and complete it over a long period of time."

I personally wouldn't consider this procrastinating, I would consider it "planning". I see the difference in that for one to plan, one must develop a schedule early on for it to be effective. One is purposefully dividing the work, not simply ignoring the work until a later date. If this IS considered procrastinating, I think the defined term is too restrictive for productive discussion. While this may be a good definition to win a debate with, I hardly think that is the most important factor in these boards.

 

[KrazyGlue]

I don't think there's really any benefit to procrastinating, and there are certainly possible drawbacks. While many people are experienced at procrastinating and know how to limit stress, it's never really beneficial. However, if you just happen to manage your time wrong or if something comes up, you could certainly be in a bad situation.

So, I don't really think there is a real argument that it is a "healthy" lifestyle. Generally, if something has no benefits and potential drawbacks, it's generally unhealthy. So there's not really much of a debate here, unfortunately.

 

[Rogue Pit]

I don't think there's really any benefit to procrastinating, and there are certainly possible drawbacks. While many people are experienced at procrastinating and know how to limit stress, it's never really beneficial. However, if you just happen to manage your time wrong or if something comes up, you could certainly be in a bad situation.

So, I don't really think there is a real argument that it is a "healthy" lifestyle. Generally, if something has no benefits and potential drawbacks, it's generally unhealthy. So there's not really much of a debate here, unfortunately.

I understand where your coming from, but procrastinating doesn't necessairly mean putting it off to the last minute. As stated in the first post, you can just put it off to another day if you are stressed for the moment. If there's a party that you want to go, and there's a paper due next week. Sorry but going to a party is less stress than writing a paper I don't feel like doing. Just my opinion though.

Rouge Pit:
"Rathering than doing it all at one point in time it would be better to break up the task mathematically and complete it over a long period of time."

I personally wouldn't consider this procrastinating, I would consider it "planning". I see the difference in that for one to plan, one must develop a schedule early on for it to be effective. One is purposefully dividing the work, not simply ignoring the work until a later date. If this IS considered procrastinating, I think the defined term is too restrictive for productive discussion. While this may be a good definition to win a debate with, I hardly think that is the most important factor in these boards.

I completely agree with you, but it clearly states in my sentence "it would be better to break the task....." I was saying that although I procrastinate that it would be more benefitical to Plan as you said. I wasn't giving the definition of procrastination at all.

 

[KrazyGlue]

I understand where your coming from, but procrastinating doesn't necessairly mean putting it off to the last minute. As stated in the first post, you can just put it off to another day if you are stressed for the moment. If there's a party that you want to go, and there's a paper due next week. Sorry but going to a party is less stress than writing a paper I don't feel like doing. Just my opinion though.]

That's true. I'm not saying it's always a bad thing, it's just that it's not really helpful. Like I said before, I procrastinate a lot as well. But I also recognize that it never really helps. What you mentioned before (breaking up a task and doing small amounts on many different days) is almost always a better option.

 

[Faithkeeper]

I completely agree with you, but it clearly states in my sentence "it would be better to break the task....." I was saying that although I procrastinate that it would be more benefitical to Plan as you said. I wasn't giving the definition of procrastination at all.

I see and agree, sorry for the misread.

"So, I don't really think there is a real argument that it is a "healthy" lifestyle. Generally, if something has no benefits and potential drawbacks, it's generally unhealthy. So there's not really much of a debate here, unfortunately."

I agree.

 

[t3h n00b]

I used to be a very good procrastinator, then AP classes and family stuff piled up, and now I'm in the "neglects to do something" category. So I think that procrastination is fine as long as you actually get things done, but sometimes things that are out of your control turn procrastination into not doing things, so starting early is almost always a better idea.

 

[Vickey]

I used to be a very good procrastinator, then AP classes and family stuff piled up, and now I'm in the "neglects to do something" category. So I think that procrastination is fine as long as you actually get things done, but sometimes things that are out of your control turn procrastination into not doing things, so starting early is almost always a better idea.

Procrastinating every once in a while but not casually is acceptable and also varying on the work needed accomplished.

"Everything in moderation – that's the key to ensuring that your procrastination is healthy"

(source: http://www.gaebler.com)


You have to be careful, however. Procrastination can build bad habits. It honestly depends on the individual person and how well they can manage under the stresses and pressure of procrastination. If one is completely able to do the necessary (usually the most difficult or important) work on time and responsibly, and procrastinating for work that is not as important or just repetitive and tedious, then that person is entitled to work as he sees fit. The outcome is what matters, if getting things done under pressure works for you, then by all means, procrastinate away.



Additional Sources:

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stop-unhealthy-procrastination-423564.html

 

[Spoonbob]

I'm a very bad procrastinator, I procrastinate on almost everything I do until the very last moment possible. It's very unhealthy (for me) since I generally end up pulling repeated all-nighters (this is set to be my second one two nights in a row). I have procrastinated all my life and I'm pretty much incapable of sitting down and doing work ahead of time. It's one of my major flaws. I'm actually putting off several essays I have to write before tomorrow in doing this post.

In terms of school work, I don't really see any positives in procrastinating on anything. Unless you have a huge workload and put off, say, an essay due in a week in favor of an essay due the next day. But that's just prioritizing.

 

[|RK|]

Procrastination is bad. It is very unhelpful when you have to stay up all night because you didn't feel like doing your project. However, it is addictive (I'm procrastinating right now), so when you start it's really hard to stop. Procrastination is definitely an unhealthy lifestyle. I've gone to bed after 3AM and I have to get up for 6AM. Procrastination voids you of the necessary amount of sleep you need, and this procrastination can translate to your school work. However, it can be argued for, since I still get good grades, but that doesn't make it any healthier.

 

[kingdomofthehearts_snucas]

Procrastinating can also be bad for certain situations. One instance I procrastinated until the week that the project was due and then my Girlfriend broke up with me. In a slump-I had no idea what to do with the project seeing as it had to be 5 pages long and I haven't even started the research-I got a D- on the project and failed the semester. The only time I see procrastinating a good thing is when you believe that there is something more important on the way. I don't mean a date or going out with friends, I mean a funeral, even a wedding. Hold the assignment off so that you can do the things that have more meaning. If you become to much of a procrastinator and you go into a job, the results can be disastrous. Just think if you were a chronic procrastinator your whole life, went to work at swimming pool, and then procrastinated to change the filters, people could get sick from the bacteria, and you can get fired for loosing money. The possibilities are endless. These are my thoughts on Procrastination.

-KOTH

 

[KrazyGlue]

This has gotten increasingly repetitive, in my opinion. It seems most people agree that there are potential problems with procrastination.

It's true that sometimes you need to procrastinate to go to some more important event. This is completely understandable and is absolutely what you should be doing. However, even in these cases, procrastination provides no positives.

Therefore, procrastination is something with possible negatives and no positives. So is it an unhealthy lifestyle? In my opinion, yes. If you are doing something with no benefits and possible problems, then it is generally safe to assume that it's "unhealthy".

Even if you are an "experienced" procrastinator and are good at not letting your grades suffer from putting off work, you are still running the risk that you may mess up and not finish or not do as well. And since you're never going to benefit from it, it's not your best option. The best option is always to spread it out over many days with manageable amounts of work per day.

The "mental preparation" factor has also been argued for. While this seemingly makes sense, it's probably better to jot down your ideas or use them to start whatever assignment you are doing. Plus, it's debatable whether this is even procrastination. If you are "mentally" preparing, it's kind of like doing work on the project, just not physical work.

 

[Eor]

There is no trouble with procrastination. It might not fit what society wants you to do, but if someone wants to delay things they don't find important, then why should we label them unhealthy? It makes them happy, and that's what's important.

 

[Faithkeeper]

There is no trouble with procrastination. It might not fit what society wants you to do, but if someone wants to delay things they don't find important, then why should we label them unhealthy? It makes them happy, and that's what's important.

Delayed gratification.

 

[KrazyGlue]

There is no trouble with procrastination. It might not fit what society wants you to do, but if someone wants to delay things they don't find important, then why should we label them unhealthy? It makes them happy, and that's what's important.

We're not labeling the person as unhealthy, just the lifestyle. There's no possible benefits, and there's definitely possible drawbacks. I don't see how this equates to being healthy.

 

[Hence]

Consensus suggests that certain personality types tend to be procrastinators. According to Dryden, procrastination is a behavioural way of protecting oneself from experiencing an unpleasant, emotional state. These factors make actually settling down and starting a task the hardest part for me. When I do so, I am often distracted by non-priorities, (i.e. talking to people). Once I get distracted, or put things off, it becomes even harder to start again. If I leave a task for time, or until I know a deadline is pending, I find that it becomes mentally harder to return.

This procrastination is called the “comfort of discomfort” paradox: one seeks a non-productive state because it is familiar and safe because of the feared consequences associated with change and possible failure. From a managerial or professional perspective this prevents personal development and can be potentially highly damaging.

 

[t3h n00b]

^ That's intense, I agree.

Although I think if you do things before the deadline, even the night before or whatever, procrastination is fine as it doesn't put pressure on you earlier. I'm talking about one-person things, obviously delaying someone else's project is unfair to them. Procrastination becomes a problem when it turns into the "comfort of not doing anything at all".

 

[BluePeachy100]

I can honestly say I procrastinate a lot. I even agree it's unhealthy(for a lifestyle choice, anyway), I said I would get out of it... but... maybe later...

 

[L666]

Procrastination can be categorized into two types: emotional and rational.
Emotional is the lazy type--the one that consistently screws me over.
Rational is the calculated type--the one that consistently works for me.

 

[BluePeachy100]

I thought that was the case. Sadly, it's almost always the emotional type for me. =/

 

[BOB SAGET!]

Procrastination can lead to stress and can prevent stress aswell. Say for example You have a project due in a month. Procrastination can lead to stess if you start working on the project the day it's due. However, procrastination can prevent stress because if you don't procrastinate at least a little bit, you'll have to finish the project the day it's assigned. So procrastination can be good and bad.

 

[Disfunkshunal]

according to this article there are two types of procratination and both have benefits.

*someting to note
dont just look at procrastination as putting off a task until when you have barely enough time to do it and get stressed. you can procrastinate for any amount of time. procrastinating just means putting sometihng off


Structured Procrastination

Productive procrastination falls into two categories, structured and unstructured. With structured procrastination (via pmarca, via via 43F) you use the desire to avoid an important task as motivation to crank out dozens others. Anything to postpone what you really need to do, right?

Whenever I need to avoid something important, I turn to a few tasks that rarely get the attention they deserve.

Get Organized - There’s no better way to feel productive while avoiding the inevitable than organizing your home or work space. Without procrastination my desk would be perpetually cluttered and the dishes would never get done.
Network - Have a bunch of contacts you should really touch base with but don’t have the time? Procrastination is a great opportunity to politely reply to nonessential email. Taking the time to stay in touch with people pays dividends in the long-run.
Plan Ahead - The only thing better than actually doing something is thinking/talking about doing something. Take the time to identify, record, and schedule all your tasks, obviously leaving the most important for last.
Odds and Ends - Procrastination is the best time to find closure for everything that’s on your mind. Use it as an excuse to investigate and resolve issues that have been nagging you.
Meetings - If you’re not going to be productive, you might as well take other people down with you.
Errands - Need to schedule a dentist appointment? How about that oil change? Procrastination is capable of making the most tedious and trivial errands appealing.
Get Up To Date - Have a bunch of dull reports and memos you should probably read? They’re starting to look a lot more interesting.
Assist Others - If you’re not going to do your own work, you can at least deliver on the help you promised your colleague last week.
Unstructured Procrastination
Structured procrastination is a great way to keep busy, but sometimes that doesn’t cut it. When you’d rather not do anything work related, unstructured procrastination is the way to go. It might seem like laziness, but what’s wrong with that?

Unstructured procrastination is essential for recharging creative energy and allowing the unconscious mind to work on difficult problems. These are 6 productive ways to avoid work completely.

Go to Lunch - You need to eat, might as well do it now so you can’t use it as an excuse later.
Exercise - Same as lunch, with the added benefit of increased alertness.
Take a Walk - A casual walk is a great way to unburden your mind and allow great ideas to come to you.
Relax - If you feel a strong desire to procrastinate, there’s probably a reason behind it. Relax ation is important for a healthy productive lifestyle, why not do it now when you can’t get anything else done?
Come Up With a Great Idea - This one can’t exactly be completed on demand, but studies have shown that entrepreneurs and other creative people tend to get their best ideas during down time.
Read a Good Book - If you’d rather not think for yourself, you might as well absorb the great ideas someone else took the trouble to record.