Procrastination, a common habit for many individuals, can have a negative impact on mental health.

Rather than the task itself, it is often the emotions attached to an activity that lead people to put things off.

The Psychology Behind Procrastination

According to Fuschia Sirois, a psychology professor at the University of Durham, procrastination is fundamentally about avoidance. Tasks that evoke feelings of self-doubt or uncertainty can be particularly daunting.

The lack of clear instructions or fear of making mistakes can trigger avoidance tendencies.

The Science of Chronic Procrastination

Chronic procrastinators struggle with managing their emotions effectively. Research conducted by Sirois and her team revealed that individuals with a higher volume of gray matter in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region linked to self-control, were less likely to procrastinate.

These individuals exhibited better emotional regulation, long-term focus, and task perseverance compared to those with fewer neural connections in these areas.

Why you procrastinate even when it feels bad

TED-Ed