What are the effects of procrastination on mental health?

Procrastination is a common behaviour that affects people in different areas of their lives, including work, family, and personal goals. It is defined as the act of delaying or postponing tasks that need to be done, which can have a significant impact on mental health and overall functioning. According to research, up to 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators, and this behaviour can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Effects on mental health

Procrastination can have negative effects on mental health, leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. When people procrastinate, they often create a sense of urgency that can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of anxiety. This can lead to a cycle of negative thinking, which can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness.

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary, procrastination was found to be associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study surveyed 107 undergraduate students and found that those who procrastinated had higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not procrastinate.

Procrastination can also have a negative impact on depression. In a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, researchers found that procrastination was associated with increased symptoms of depression. The study surveyed 304 college students and found that those who procrastinated had higher levels of depression compared to those who did not procrastinate.

Effects on functioning at work

Procrastination can have a significant impact on functioning at work. It can lead to missed deadlines, poor performance, and decreased productivity. This can result in negative feedback from managers and colleagues, which can further contribute to stress and anxiety.

In a study conducted by the University of Sheffield, researchers found that procrastination was associated with lower job satisfaction and increased stress levels. The study surveyed 190 employees and found that those who procrastinated had lower job satisfaction and higher stress levels compared to those who did not procrastinate.

Procrastination can also have financial consequences for individuals and organisations. According to a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, procrastination was associated with increased absenteeism and decreased job performance. The study surveyed 103 employees and found that those who procrastinated had higher rates of absenteeism and lower job performance compared to those who did not procrastinate.

Effects on family and personal goals

Procrastination can also have negative effects on family and personal goals. It can lead to decreased motivation and a lack of progress towards achieving important goals. This can result in feelings of frustration and disappointment, which can further contribute to negative mental health outcomes.

In a study conducted by the University of Missouri, researchers found that procrastination was associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and higher levels of regret. The study surveyed 267 adults and found that those who procrastinated had lower levels of life satisfaction and higher levels of regret compared to those who did not procrastinate.

Treating and supporting procrastination

If you're struggling with procrastination, there are several treatment and support options available. Hopeful Minds Counselling Services offers counselling and therapy services to help individuals manage the symptoms associated with procrastination.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach used to address procrastination. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to procrastination. It can also help individuals develop strategies to increase motivation and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is another treatment approach that can help individuals manage procrastination. MBSR is a type of meditation-based therapy that helps individuals focus on the present moment and develop an awareness of their thoughts and behaviours. It can help individuals identify patterns of behaviour that contribute to procrastination and develop strategies to address these patterns.

In addition to therapy, there are several self-help strategies that individuals can use to manage procrastination. These include breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, setting realistic goals, and developing a schedule or routine to help stay on track.

It's also important to prioritise self-care and stress management when dealing with procrastination. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.

In conclusion, procrastination can have a significant impact on mental health and overall functioning. It's important to seek support and treatment if you're struggling with procrastination. There are several options available to help manage this behaviour. By seeking help and developing strategies to address procrastination, individuals can improve their functioning at work and in personal relationships, and move towards achieving their goals and improving their overall quality of life.