Does procrastination sound familiar? If it does, you probably know that it can be a big obstacle to timely completion of assignments. Procrastination is an act of avoidance. It results in wasted time, more stress, more overwhelm, and missed opportunities. To address it, it might be helpful to ask yourself: “What am I avoiding?” Does the task in front of you seem too big and overwhelming? Are you afraid to fail? Are you a perfectionist hesitant to approach the project because you may not meet your own expectations? To confront procrastination, start by reframing negative perceptions about the task and/or yourself. Break down larger assignments into smaller chunks and focus on starting the first step. Create a reward system for yourself for completed tasks. When you take a break, set a timer so a 10-minute break does not turn into a 30-minute one, and refrain from surfing the internet or social media during the breaks.
If you are interested in learning more about reducing study stress and improving focus, contact Agne at abolsakova@miracosta.edu for information about upcoming workshops.
Just like most people entering therapy, trans, non-binary and many more non-cis folx are not only entering therapy to address and/or explore gender/identity. We are often looking to build coping skills, learn to regulate, unlearn internalized harmful messages, stop self gaslighting, find the power we possess within, differentiate between systematic oppression versus self-blame, and so much more. Knowing what creates a little more safety for us is important: this can literally be finding foods and beverages that are comforting, safer people, safer clothes, safer spaces, comforting temperatures, supportive textures, or regulating noises. Lean into the sense that tends to be soothing for you, and expand on that to have a working list that you can utilize to regulate.
