Have you ever wondered why some people take forever to finish their tasks and wait until the last minute to fulfill their responsibilities? This kind of behavior is known as procrastination.
WebMD shared some of the causes of procrastination. The proper interventions to stop these poor habits are also included.
The first probable cause of procrastination is stress. "When you're facing something you don't want to do, it can make you feel tense. Putting off that dreaded chore is a way to get some short-term relief," WebMD shares. Getting adequate rest and sleep as well as having regular exercise are some of the best ways to lessen your stress levels.
Another probable cause is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Symptoms of this condition include constant daydreaming, forgetting and losing things, being impulsive and fidgety. Medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy are some of the best treatments for ADHD.
Being too tired is another possible cause of procrastination. Getting a good night's sleep and getting rid of some of the daily extracurricular activities can help procrastinators finish their tasks on time. "Don't smoke, and steer clear of alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals for a few hours before bed, since they can disrupt your Zzz's," WebMD shared.
Next on the list is depression, which changes the brain's chemistry and hormone production. This leads to having little energy even for hobbies and easy tasks. Sadness, extreme weight loss or weight gain, restlessness and thoughts of suicide are also symptoms of depression. Therapy, counselling and antidepressants are common treatments for depression.
Lastly, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is also one of the most common causes of procrastination. People with OCD are perfectionists and they could get too hung up on doing things perfectly which leads to unfinished tasks. Having family therapy can help family members understand the disorder better and avoid conflicts with each other. Hence, group therapy can help provide the emotional support and encouragement for people with OCD, according to Help Guide.
