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Our best tips against procrastination

Do you keep postponing important tasks again and again? You’re not alone.

Everyone knows the feeling: you’re supposed to read, write, or send an important email, but instead you end up cleaning, scrolling, or baking. This is called procrastination, and it’s very common.

What is procrastination?

Procrastination means postponing tasks you know you should do, even when you know it may have negative consequences. It’s rarely about a lack of willpower, but often about stress, uncertainty, low self-confidence, or fear of not performing well enough.

You are far from alone. Research shows that around 50–70% of students regularly put off important tasks, and about half experience that it negatively affects their studies. Student life involves a great deal of freedom, flexible days, and many choices — a perfect breeding ground for procrastination. It’s not a sign that you’re not suited for studying, but a signal that you may need better structure, support, or breaks.

7 steps you can take yourself

Remove distractions
Find a quiet place and put your phone away. A tidy environment makes it easier to get started.
Keep your energy up
Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and short breaks improve focus and motivation.
Become aware of your thoughts
Postponing is often linked to thoughts like “This will not work” or “I don’t feel like it right now.” Aim for progress, not perfection.
Start with something you’re good at
Start with a simple part of the task. A quick success makes it easier to move on to the more challenging parts.
Create simple rules for yourself
Decide in advance what you will do, for example: “After I’ve read, I’ll test myself.”
Establish regular work routines
Work at fixed times and places. When you do the same thing regularly, you use less willpower to get started.
Reward progress
Associate work with something positive, like coffee, music, or a break after reaching a milestone.

And be kind to yourself. A little progress is better than none.

When should you seek help?

Seek help if procrastination affects your studies, sleep, or motivation. The Student Counselling Centre offers free and confidential support. Here you can speak with a counsellor or psychologist who is experienced in working with students. Get in touch with us at Student Counselling. The service is free and confidential. You do not need a referral and can book an appointment yourself.


Updated 20.02.2026

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