We've all been there. You're supposed to be working on that big project for work/school, but for some reason, you can't seem to get started. Surely, there's something else you could be doing with your time—something, anything that would be more productive than what you're currently doing. Or is there? So you start scrolling through social media, checking your email, or reading articles on the internet instead. And before you know it, an hour has passed, and you haven't accomplished anything. Sound familiar? We like to think of this phenomenon as "productive procrastination."

The truth is, sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. But, in what may seem like counterintuitive advice, researchers have found that taking a break can actually help you be more productive in the long run. One study found that participants who took regular breaks were likelier to stay on task than those who didn't.

What is Productive Procrastination?

Productive procrastination is when you avoid doing something by doing something else that is ostensibly productive. For example, let's say you're supposed to be writing a school paper, but you can't seem to get started. So instead of sitting in front of a blank screen staring at the blinking cursor, you decide to do some research on the topic. Or maybe you need to start studying for that big exam but you're finding it hard to focus. So instead of hunkering down and cracking open the textbook, you declutter and organize your study space.

While neither of these activities is directly related to the task at hand, they are both productive in their own right and can help you indirectly prepare for what you need to do. In other words, by doing something else productive, you are actually helping yourself achieve your goal—even if it doesn't feel like it at the time.

The Benefits of Productive Procrastination

There are quite a few benefits to engaging in productive procrastination. For one, it can help reduce stress levels. When a big project looms over our heads, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. By taking a break from the project and doing something else productive, we can give ourselves a much-needed mental break and return feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the task with a clear head.

In addition, productive procrastination can also help increase our creativity and problem-solving abilities. When we force ourselves to take a break from a problem we've been stuck on, we often find that the solution comes more easily when we return to it with fresh eyes. And lastly, by engaging in productive procrastination, we can save time in the long run. This may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out—by taking a break from a project and coming back feeling refreshed, we often find that we are able to work more efficiently and thus get the job done faster than if we had tried to power through it while feeling burnt out.

Getting Things Done by Putting Them Off

So, how can you make sure that your procrastination is productive? Here are a few tips:

Find a balance between structured and unstructured time: Too much structure can lead to rigidity and burnout, while too much unstructured time can lead to aimlessness and feeling overwhelmed. Find a happy medium that works for you and stick to it.

Don't beat yourself up: Guilt is not a productive emotion. If you find yourself engaging in some productive procrastination, don't beat yourself up about it. Accept that it's part of your process and move on.

Schedule breaks: If you know you'll need some time to recharge, schedule it into your day so that it doesn't throw off your entire schedule. And when it's time for your break, make sure to take one—no working through your scheduled break!

Conclusion:

The next time you find yourself avoiding a project by doing something else "productive," don't beat yourself up about it—you may be onto something! Instead, take a step back and ask yourself if maybe—just maybe—the best thing you can do is nothing at all. By taking breaks and giving yourself time to engage in other activities, you may feel more creative, refreshed, and ready to tackle whatever it is you're supposed to be working on.

Productive procrastination may seem like an oxymoron, but it's a real thing—and it just might be the key to unlocking your inner workhorse. So go ahead and put off that project for a little bit longer—you may find that it's precisely what you need to get started!