Procrastination is a common habit that many of us struggle with. It’s easy to put off tasks or projects until the last minute.
But for people who procrastinate regularly, this bad habit may have some surprising consequences on your health.
The Link Between Procrastination and Health Issues
A new study published in January 2023 analyzed the data of 3,525 students enrolled in another comprehensive health study.
The researchers found that college students who are chronic procrastinators were more likely to experience physical and mental health issues such as:
● depression
● anxiety
● stress
● disabling pain
● poor sleep quality
● physical inactivity
● tobacco use
● alcohol use
● loneliness
● economic difficulties
● high blood pressure
● heart disease
Although it is not entirely clear why procrastination is associated with health issues, the researchers suggest that persistent stress or worry associated with procrastination may be a leading factor.
Also, chronic procrastinators may not be fully engaging in hygiene and wellness habits or responding in a healthy way to life’s daily challenges.
It should be noted that this was a relatively small study, and the correlation between procrastination and health issues was fairly minor. This research only suggests that procrastination traits may be an additional contributor to health issues like heart disease, depression, and anxiety, on top of other established risk factors.
Breaking the Cycle of Procrastination
The good news is that procrastination can be addressed.
One effective method is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that helps people identify and address the root causes of their mental and emotional issues.
Through CBT, you can learn to recognize your triggers for procrastination, develop better decision-making skills, and improve your self-image so that you can handle difficult tasks in a more productive way.
It can also provide an opportunity to build healthy lifestyle habits and self-care practices that can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall health, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, better sleep hygiene, and healthier eating habits.
If you find yourself procrastinating regularly and noticing the effects on your mental or physical health, it may be worth speaking to a professional about strategies to break the cycle.
