Monitor Your TimeThe key to using productive procrastination to your advantage is to keep it under control. Keep the miscellaneous tasks under half an hour.

Controlling Productive Procrastination

Take BreaksTake the time to recharge and completely turn your mind away from your obligations once or twice a day. This helps reduce stress and improve your outlook on the day.

Sometimes the best use of your time is to do nothing

Productive procrastination is a quality tool when used in moderation. But don't give “meaningless” tasks the role of being productive just because you want to feel better about how you’re using your time. It’s a good practice to adjust your productivity shortcomings and acknowledge the procrastination traps you commonly fall into. Stay structured, find a system that works for you, and be honest about your mental capacity each day.

A Word of Caution

Keep Tasks Simple<ul><li>Stick to a routine</li><li>Keep your focus on a relevant area</li><li>Find accountability partners</li><li>Avoid falling into old habits</li></ul>

Don't get started on a whole new project!

Procrastination is that urge to distract yourself from important tasks. Productive procrastination is a nice way to tell yourself that you're not really procrastinating because you're still being productive in some way.

Can Productive Procrastination Be A Useful Tool?

<ul><li>Smaller Tasks: Break your project into bite-sized pieces using <a href="https://monday.com/blog/project-management/task-analysis/#:~:text=Task%20analysis%20is%20important%20because,streamlines%20processes%2C%20and%20increases%20productivity">task analysis</a>. Re-ordering your tasks or jumping between can help to move the process along.</li><li>Establishing Structure: "Unnecessary" but important tasks help you stay motivated without forcing your attention on something you just can't focus on.</li><li>Reducing Stress: Procrastination leads to stress, which takes a toll on mental health and, in turn, productivity. If you feel like you're still being productive because you're at least checking off something, you're helping to reduce the risk of heightened stress.</li></ul>

Using Procrastination to Your Advantage

Here are a few key take-aways from my latest article!

What is productive procrastination? Use these "secondary tasks" to your advantage and avoid procrastination traps.

Controlling Productive Procrastination

Similar ideas to Controlling Productive Procrastination

19. Conquer Procrastination

Schedule 'Procrastination Time'

Manage your time