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Procrastination¹ is often seen as the enemy of productivity. Images of lazy people with feet up on desks or wasting time to dodge² work spring to mind at the very mention of the word. And there are many things which indicate that procrastination is a problem which needs addressing. But could there be some benefits to it too?

 

We live in a high-octane world – always on the go, racing³ from one task to another. And at times, duties, be it work or personal, can feel relentless⁴ – with our nose constantly to the grindstone. Sometimes we just need to switch off, chill out and reboot. A little procrastination can help detach us from the pressures of modern life. According to psychotherapist F Diane Barth, watching TV, taking a long bath or listening to music can help us to ease off.

 

And it’s possible that procrastination has become more prevalent during the pandemic. With many countries going through lockdowns, some of us have suddenly found ourselves with more time – not having the hours of commutes⁵, or options of social activities we once took for granted. Being at home, many of us quickly discovered that it is impossible to be productive 24-7. That extra relaxation⁶ can help us to be more productive or creative in the long run, allowing us to clear our minds and focus better.

 

The issue is that many of us see that time not working as lost time. And we almost develop a sense of guilt⁷ related to not making the most of every moment. German sociologist⁸ and economist⁹ Max Weber says that we’ve almost got to the point of believing that the busier we are, the better, and that there is a sense of morality connected with time usage. It seems important to remember that taking a little time away from yourself is not just slacking off.

 

So, while being productive is important, it seems that some amount of downtime and procrastination can help us to relax and become more focussed. The next time you feel really stressed, why not try wasting a little time? You might just like it.

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