Is depression a cause of procrastination?

[Lifehack.org]( Procrastination is a Coping Strategy Procrastination can be an unconscious strategy to deal with difficult emotions, offering short-term relief. [Share today's tip with a friend.]( Hi there, Have you ever had those days when you just don't feel like doing anything, especially when you're in a slump? We all do, and that's okay. Research confirms what you're feeling…. Procrastination, that tendency to delay or avoid tasks, isn't just about being lazy. It's closely tied to our moods and emotions, especially how we handle them. Think about it: depression, a health challenge that at some point has affected 13.5-21.2% of us and that around 5% of us are grappling with now, shares a lot in common with procrastination. They're more intertwined than we may realize. Depression can mess with your ability to focus, remember things, make decisions, and even adapt to new situations. And it gets in the way of completing tasks. It's like trying to navigate through a foggy maze. Depression doesn't just alter our mood, it changes how we process information and perceive ourselves, others, and the world. If you're feeling down, it may be harder to shift your focus away from negative information and focus on reaching your goals. It can feel like you're stuck in a revolving door of unhelpful thoughts and feelings. And here's where procrastination comes into play: It can be an unconscious strategy to deal with difficult emotions, offering short-term relief. It's a bit like hitting the snooze button on your emotional alarm clock. This form of avoidance, a hallmark of depression, goes hand in hand with procrastination. It's no wonder that for every uptick in our procrastination score, we're 13% more likely to experience depression. That's right, a study found that a staggering 20% of adults worldwide are chronic procrastinators. This constant delay creates a cycle of guilt and shame, fueling negative emotions even further. It's hard to know which came first - the depression or the procrastination? It feels like a chicken-and-egg situation. But we can learn to stop procrastinating. We all can: ✏️If there’s an overwhelming task that makes you want to put it off, chunk it down into smaller, manageable ones. It's easier to tackle a molehill than a mountain. 🗓Fear is often at the root of procrastination. Instead of letting it rule you, try making a plan to deal with worst-case scenarios. This could help bring you peace of mind. 🏅Don't forget to practice self-compassion and belief in your own abilities. Simple actions like daily affirmations or journaling can go a long way. 🙌And never underestimate the power of a solid support network. That's where we come in…. At LifeHack, we're not just a company, we're a community. We're here for you. If you want to connect with others who understand what you're going through, and get advice from our productivity coach, [join our LifeHack Membership](. Becoming a member also grants you access to our time-smart toolkit filled with courses, downloads, and exclusive time management strategies to give you more hours in your day. [Join Membership →]( Cheers, Leon Founder & CEO@LifeHack LifeHack Membership A time-smart toolkit filled with courses and exclusive resources [Find Out More →]( [Share This Email With a Friend]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( [Pinterest]( Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Lifehack, Unit 33554, PO Box 6945,, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom