It is common to procrastinate, and we all do it from time to time. Sometimes, however, anxiety can be the reason you procrastinate.
Procrastination is too often marked as laziness or something that could easily be resisted by putting in a little more effort. However, feeling sluggish, unmotivated and exhausted is often a characteristic in people with anxiety disorders.
When Does Procrastination Become A Problem?
- You regularly struggle to get things done on time and blame your performance on not having enough time to complete the task.
- You suffer more severe outcomes because you are putting things off and not meeting your deadlines, like eviction notices, lower grades, or poor work performance.
- You have to lie to cover up your procrastination.
- Your procrastination affects your relationships because you are unreliable to your friends and family.
Reasons For Anxiety-Fueled Procrastination
- You are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be completed.
- You are not willing to compromise on your high standards when completing a task. Also read: Perfectionism Can Destroy Your Inner Peace
- You have insecurities about your ability to do the task.
- You are worrying that something negative may come out of the task at hand (e.g. expecting the worst outcome from a medical check-up)
- You believe that you always perform better at the 11th hour. You may feel that you need the rush of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) to complete the task at the last minute. This routine may have worked for you before but is harmful to your mental and physical health in the long run. Also read: Time Management Is Vital For Your Mental Health
Procrastination Is A Vicious Cycle
Anxiety-fueled procrastination is caused by anxiety yet can create even more anxiety. The inability to start the task at hand can sometimes grow to the point of being disabling. It can be severely damaging to your mental health.
Many people are not aware that their anxiety is the cause of their procrastination issues. Believing that they are merely lazy while being unable to fix it can become an additional source of anxiety. Therefore, it is crucial that people with anxiety disorders first recognise the underlying issues of their procrastination.
Getting Help For Anxiety-Fueled Procrastination
Consider the help of a Mental Health Professional if procrastination affects your life. They can help you identify the causes of your procrastination and better manage your mental health.
For assistance with your mental health, call Life Path Health’s 24/7-Helpline on 072-7900-506.
Read More:
Perfectionism Can Destroy Your Inner Peace
Time Management Is Vital For Your Mental Health
What is High-Functioning Anxiety?
The Positive and Negative of High-Functioning Anxiety
What People With High-Functioning Anxiety Want You To Know