To procrastinate is to put off actions that we could do right away, in everyday life. It is often harmful. Inserm researchers have explained the origins of this reflex in the brain. Decryption and advice.
Are you a born procrastinator? Or a born procrastinator? Always put off until tomorrow what can be done right away can be good, for example for alleviate his mental loadbut also bad when this habit is too systematic. Where is she from ? According to researcher Mathias Pessiglione of theInserm, “it can be explained by the tendency of our brain to count the costs more quickly than the rewards”. His team, accompanied by Raphaël Le Bouc, neurologist at AP-HP, within the Brain Institute, conducted a study at the end of 2022 with 51 participants, in order to decipher procrastination behavior. “The imaging data revealed the decision-making activation of a brain region called the anterior cingulate cortex. This region has the role of performing a cost-benefit calculation by integrating the costs (efforts) and the benefits (rewards) associated with each option..” THE brain also takes into account the deadline of the task to be carried out. The further away it is, the less costly the effort and the less rewarding the reward.
Procrastination is a term used in psychology, which refers to a person’s habit of postponing priority tasks or activities, and replacing them with activities of secondary importance. It may be a sign of an underlying psychological disorder, although this correlation is still subject to debate.
Different studies suggest a possible causal link between procrastination and the following disorders and behaviors: anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, boredom and apathy, as well as impulsivity. Other factors can also be associated with procrastination: fear of failure or difficulty, fear of success, lack of motivation or difficulty concentrating, professional overwork (burn-out). Lack of immediate pleasure and reward can also be a factor.
The disorder can be interpreted by those around you as laziness or a lack of ambition.
The consequences of procrastination are increased stress, a constant feeling of guilt, a loss of productivity, a social judgment related to the gaze of others and the avoidance of one’s responsibilities (for example at work), as well as stigmatization. The disorder can be interpreted by those around you as laziness, or a lack of ambition.
If you suffer from procrastination or a related disorder, it is advisable to seek advice from a psychologist. Some time management techniques help fight procrastination:
- Develop lists of tasks to be carried out, with an estimate of the time required to complete them by identifying priorities.
- Set aside enough time for contingencies.
- Opt for a distraction-free work environment, and schedule time slots conducive to productivity.
Procrastinating a little, from time to time, has no impact on the normal course of things and even helps to improve the quality of life because a large number of problems resolve themselves when they are not taken care of.