5 reasons why it's time to end procrastination

1. Constant procrastination can cause heart problems

Researchers have found an indirect link between procrastination and hypertension, as well as other cardiovascular diseases. It's about the stress we get when we postpone meaningful tasks. It has a negative psychological effect on the body, increasing vulnerability to disease.

Stress also provokes various unpleasant consequences for chronic procrastinators - insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, colds or flu.

2. People who are prone to procrastination cope with stress worse

For procrastinators, procrastination is a way to avoid unpleasant situations, to distance themselves from problems. Instead of coping with them, they turn on the defense mechanism and withdraw.

This is an example of an unhealthy coping strategy - a technique that a person uses to overcome difficulties. This approach makes dealing with stress less effective and exacerbates stress, the researchers said.

Procrastinators understand that they create problems for themselves and feel guilty about it, engage in self-criticism, which provokes even more stress, which they are again unable to cope with. It turns out a vicious circle.

3. Chronic procrastinators neglect overall health concerns

Instead of making an appointment with a doctor when they feel unwell, or simply undergoing a routine medical examination, they drag on to the last. And they turn to a specialist only as a last resort or in an already critical condition. It is obvious what consequences this can lead to.

4. Procrastination hurts career and income

Procrastinators earn less, and there are more of them among the unemployed. They also find it harder to quit their jobs, even if they don't like it and offer no growth prospects in their current position. The reason for everything is the fear of failure and self-doubt.

5. Procrastination affects student achievement

The study found that procrastination has a negative impact on students in the long term: their grades and general condition deteriorate by the end of the year.

Unforeseen circumstances, obstacles and other factors can prevent the project from being completed until the last moment, which impairs performance and - again - provokes stress.

This applies not only to coursework or thesis at the university, but also, for example, the quarterly report that you submit to the manager at work. If you often start to complete a task conditionally an hour before the deadline, then you risk your efficiency and health.