Have you ever found yourself watching a video when you should be working or studying? You’re not alone, and surprisingly, this might not be as unproductive as it seems. Welcome to the concept of effective procrastination, where taking a break can actually enhance your productivity and creativity.
Research from the University of Melbourne suggests that a little bit of leisure browsing at work can make you more productive. Their study found that employees who spent less than 20% of their work time on fun internet activities were 9% more productive than those who didn’t. This kind of browsing acts as a mental break, helping to restore focus and autonomy.
Similarly, a study from the University of California titled “Inspired by Distraction” discovered that engaging in simple tasks can improve problem-solving abilities. When participants took on less demanding tasks, they performed better on previously encountered problems. This suggests that allowing your mind to wander can boost creative thinking.
Initially, scientists believed that mind wandering allowed the brain to rest and gain a new perspective. However, recent research indicates that while you’re engaged in simple tasks, your brain continues to process information unconsciously. This means that even when you’re not actively thinking about a problem, your brain is still working on it.
To procrastinate effectively, choose simple tasks unrelated to the problem you’re tackling. For instance, if you’re working on a math problem, avoid logic puzzles and opt for something like watching entertaining videos instead.
Avoid activities driven by ego, such as scrolling through social media. If you’re struggling with procrastination, try using a technique called implementation intention. This involves listing tasks you need to complete and addressing them one by one during breaks.
Another effective strategy is taking a walk. Studies show that daily walks can enhance creative thinking and productivity. The key is to find a balance between work and downtime, allowing your mind to unfocus for short periods.
Next time you find yourself procrastinating, remember that it can be beneficial. Engage in simple tasks to unfocus your attention, which can improve decision-making and creativity. Just like watching a video can be a great way to take a break, effective procrastination can be a valuable tool in your productivity arsenal.
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Take 15 minutes to write a reflective journal entry about your own experiences with procrastination. Consider how taking breaks has impacted your productivity and creativity. Share your insights with a classmate and discuss the potential benefits of effective procrastination.
Form small groups and discuss the research findings from the University of Melbourne and the University of California. How do these findings align with your personal experiences? Prepare a short presentation summarizing your group’s thoughts and present it to the class.
Participate in a mindful walking exercise around campus. Focus on your surroundings and let your mind wander. After the walk, gather in pairs to discuss any new ideas or perspectives that emerged during the exercise.
Engage in a workshop where you create a list of tasks using the implementation intention technique. Identify simple tasks you can do during breaks and practice addressing them one by one. Share your list with a peer and provide feedback on each other’s strategies.
Participate in a creative problem-solving challenge where you tackle a complex problem. Take scheduled breaks to engage in simple tasks, then return to the problem. Reflect on how these breaks influenced your problem-solving approach and share your experience with the class.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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This episode is supported by Squarespace.
You are watching this video, and let’s be real with each other—you might be doing something else right now. Maybe you’re at work, perhaps you should be studying, or maybe you should be focusing on that writing project you’ve been working on. The good news is that procrastinating by watching certain YouTube videos can actually be classified as effective procrastination.
There are several ways to effectively spend your time that can lead to a boost in problem-solving, productivity, and creativity. Scientific research supports this idea. Researchers at the University of Melbourne have published studies on workplace internet leisure browsing. In one study, they found that workers who surf the internet for fun at work, within a reasonable time limit (say, less than 20% of their total time in the office), were 9% more productive than those who didn’t.
From this and follow-up studies, researchers argue that workplace internet browsing serves as an unobtrusive interruption that enables restoration of mental capacity and fosters feelings of autonomy. Another study from the University of California, titled “Inspired by Distraction,” found that when participants engaged in a simple task compared to a demanding one, it led to substantial improvements in performance on a problem they had encountered before. Researchers concluded that allowing the mind to wander through simple tasks can enhance creative problem-solving.
Originally, scientists thought that mind wandering allowed the brain to rest, allowing for a fresh perspective on the problem. Now, some scientists believe that mind wandering might distract you from perceived obstacles, and brain imaging research shows that while you’re engaged in a simple task, the brain regions responsible for decision-making continue to work. Your brain is unconsciously processing information related to your decisions, which is quite fascinating.
There are many ways to distract yourself and procrastinate effectively. First, ensure that the simple task you choose is unrelated to the problem you’re trying to solve. For example, don’t do logic puzzles when you’re trying to solve a math problem; instead, consider watching entertaining videos.
Next, avoid ego-driven activities, such as checking social media platforms filled with friends and family. If you’re not trying to problem-solve but are struggling with procrastination, you can use a strategy called implementation intention. This involves making a list of tasks you need to complete and tackling them one by one during your breaks.
Additionally, going for a walk can be beneficial. Numerous studies show that people who take daily walks score higher on tests measuring creative thinking and productivity.
Of course, effectively applying these findings depends on finding the right balance between work and downtime. So, the next time you find yourself procrastinating, remember that it can have its benefits. Try to unfocus your attention for short periods by engaging in simple tasks, as this can positively impact your decision-making and creative thinking abilities.
Just like watching this video, which is a great way to take a break. Thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Whether you need a website or an online store, Squarespace can help you make your next move. They provide an all-in-one platform with templates that allow you to easily set up a website—there’s nothing to install, patch, or upgrade ever.
I use Squarespace for my personal website, where you can learn more about my journey. Start your free trial at squarespace.com and enter the offer code “braincraft” to get 10% off your first purchase.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thank you very much!
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This version maintains the core message while removing any inappropriate or distracting content.
Procrastination – The act of delaying or postponing tasks or responsibilities, often due to a lack of motivation or fear of failure. – Many students struggle with procrastination, which can negatively impact their academic performance and increase stress levels.
Productivity – The measure of efficiency in completing tasks or achieving goals within a set timeframe. – Implementing time management techniques can significantly enhance a student’s productivity, allowing them to accomplish more in less time.
Creativity – The ability to generate novel and valuable ideas or solutions, often by thinking outside the conventional framework. – In psychology, fostering creativity is essential for developing innovative approaches to problem-solving and research.
Focus – The concentration of attention or effort on a particular task or subject. – Maintaining focus during lectures is crucial for understanding complex psychological theories and concepts.
Mind – The set of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, judgment, and memory. – Understanding the workings of the mind is a fundamental aspect of psychological studies.
Wandering – The tendency of the mind to drift away from the current task or focus, often leading to daydreaming or distraction. – Mind wandering can be detrimental to productivity, especially when trying to concentrate on detailed psychological research.
Problem-solving – The process of identifying solutions to specific challenges or obstacles through analytical and creative thinking. – Effective problem-solving skills are essential for psychologists when developing interventions for clients.
Decision-making – The cognitive process of selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives, often involving weighing the pros and cons. – Decision-making in psychology often requires careful consideration of ethical implications and potential outcomes.
Strategies – Planned methods or approaches designed to achieve specific goals or solve problems. – Developing effective study strategies can help students retain information and perform better on exams.
Tasks – Specific activities or assignments that need to be completed as part of a larger goal or responsibility. – Breaking down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks can reduce overwhelm and improve focus.
