We're all prone to a little procrastination sometimes, and while it may put off stressful things that you'd rather not do, chances are having it gnaw at you in the back of your mind is just as stressful.


Psychology Today explains one of the best ways to just get up and cross that item off your to-do list:

Yesterday, I finally went to the dentist. I was due for a check-up in July, and for the last eight months, I've been moving the reminder card around my office and coming up with new excuses about why I couldn't make an appointment. Procrastination is itself draining. That reminder card cluttered up my office and cluttered up my brain. Repeatedly thinking "I should...no, I'll wait...but I really should...but not now...I'll do it later..." etc. just weighs me down. Just do it! Or decide when I'll do it, and then do it when that time comes.


When you've got things hanging over your head, it just makes everything else seem more stressful, including supposed relaxation. And, in cases where the task we're putting off is as quick and easy as a dentist appointment (you know, root canals aside), the stress of procrastination is probably worse than just getting it done. Hit the link to read more. Photo by Christopher.

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Two Important Lessons from My Much-Procrastinated Trip to the Dentist | Psychology Today

You can contact Whitson Gordon, the author of this post, at whitson@lifehacker.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.



