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Procrastination

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Procrastination

Page written and resources collated by Cath Peppit, Wellbeing Practitioner

Note: we hope that the resources below are useful, we do not endorse the opinions expressed by other parties.

Procrastination is when we avoid doing something we need to do or have committed to do and instead do something of lesser importance, often despite negative consequences. Everyone procrastinates to some extent, but it can become quite problematic if the consequences are serious or if you find yourself unable to manage it.

There may be underlying reasons for your procrastination such as stress, anxiety, low mood, feeling unmotivated or avoiding doing something that you don’t want to. It might be helpful to think about what is causing you to procrastinate and address any underlying difficulties. Some of the resources on the Wellbeing website might help you with this.

You might also consider how you procrastinate to help you work out how to change your behaviour. 

Cartoon with different types of procrastinators

The Pomodoro technique is one way that might help you to get started.

Group Sessions

Motivation and Me

Exploring motivation and looking at some practical steps to improve it.

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The Skills Centre has a range of interactive, one-hour webinars on core academic skills topics. Attend live, online sessions or watch recordings on-demand.

Self compassion tips for Productivity

An interactive online session with tips to encourage self-management involving a more self-compassionate approach. We’ll discuss effective time management, ways to develop healthy study habits and tips for managing stress

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Browse a range of online resources to support you with core academic skills, research and writing including Skills Guides, playlists, podcasts and reading lists.

Time management

Learn how to plan and organise your time effectively, with techniques and strategies that will benefit your studies and beyond.

Podcasts and audio resources

The Psychology of motivation and procrastination

From BBC's 'All in the mind' radio 4 programme. 

Downloads

Self-help materials you can print, or download and save.

Resource Description
A range of modules to improve your understanding of how procrastination takes place, identify your own issues and develop some approaches to manage it.


Organisational apps 

Resource Description
Create boards to organise life including projects, assignments, to do lists. This app can be used to help prioritise work, organise what needs to be done by when and can be used as a day to day activity planner. Works on and syncs between multiple platforms, PC/Mac/Android and iOS phones and tablets.
Mind mapping tool which allows mind mapping on the go. Drag and drop topics, colour coding and easily adaptable appearance. Great to organise thoughts, generate new ideas and to remember things. The paid premium version can be exported and have additional functionality, including Mac and Windows versions.
Mindview  A professional mind mapping software that can help you visually organise your essays, presentations or projects. Offered by Hallam's Assistive Technology team. 


Productivity apps

Resource Description
Cold Turkey blocker, blocks access to websites. Cold Turkey writer means that you can't exit until you have reached a predefined number of words typed or duration of time taken, these are auto saved.
This app helps improve productivity and allow you to detox from technology. The app can block calls, texts and notifications whilst being able to send out custom auto-replies. The app can restrict use of apps and the internet.
An alternative pomodoro (see video above) timer app. Time management application which boosts productivity by breaking down work periods into 25 minute slices. Application uses a timer, a clock, and an activity log and a widget; the app can be configured for such as timers, behaviour, colours, sounds, style, and more.


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