15 Ways to Procrastinate

I don't know who decided that the week before finals should be called "dead week," but this past week has been anything but dead. With four papers, two projects, a speech, end of the year Gryphon Circle events, and finals looming over my head, this week has been more alive and busy than any other week of the semester; and I know the whole school is in the same boat. However, despite all of the stress associated with the last two weeks of school, I have made plenty of time for procrastination.

1. Play iPhone games.
2. Read the news.
3. Start reading a new novel. (Freedom by Johnathan Franzen)
4. Stalk people on Facebook.
5. Search for recipes to try this summer.
6. Search the internet for interesting and artistic pins for Pintrest.
7. Read blogs. (My two favs= Ordinary Courage by Brene Brown and Shauna Niequist)
8. Write blogs.
9. Skype with friends.
10. Call my mom.
11. Read magazines. (National Geographic and Marie Claire)
12. Make a summer reading list.
13. Write in my journal.
14. Watch TED talks.
15. Read Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, Ph.D, which my mom so relevantly sent me for my bday:)

Normally, I would curse at myself in my head and get worked up and more stressed because I spent so much time wasting precious study hours away. However, this is the first time in my academic career that I am going into finals week calm and level headed without adding unnecessary pressure on myself. Why? Because of procrastination technique #15.

This cute little pastel green hardcover book that my mom sent me (I'm beginning to think she's a prophet), has opened up a world of wisdom about stress and anxiety for me. I am the type of person who holds myself to unattainable standards and believes that I can do everything my world is offering me at the same time while staying sane and true to my character. However, I can't; no one can. One of the chapters in this book titled, "Wish Wonder Woman Good-bye," even told me I can't; but that's ok.

There is only so much a person can handle without losing control and there is only so much a person can control. It's ok to say "no." In fact, it's healthy to say "no." Today I had to say "no" to a bonfire at the beach so that I can study, but I feel great! I am way less stressed knowing that I actually have time planned out to crack some textbooks. However, I can't plan out everything. Ultimately, my the grades I receive on papers and projects are up to my Professors and there is no need worrying about them after I turn them in.

I am letting go, doing my best, and trusting God that everything will turn out ok, because it will. In the book, Richard Carlson suggests asking yourself if what you're stressed about will be important in a year from now. Will my grades matter? Ya maybe, but I'm not in risk of failing, so there's no need to worry!

So good luck everyone with finals and don't stress yourselves out. Enjoy these next few days because in two months, none of this will matter:)