How to Stave Off Procrastination through Aromatherapy

With back to school season now in full swing, and the appeal of reuniting with friends and catching up on all of the summer’s gossip behind us, the long tedious nights of studying and coffee have set in. Procrastination will undoubtedly become a coping mechanism for the stress; after all, the appeal of a night out with friends to forget the stress of grades is much more appealing than studying for Algebra or Criminal Procedure. (Those who are past their school years, this is for you too! After all, whether your in school or not, the end of summer seems to denote a different type of work environment, as well as a tendency to procrastinate on other responsibilities.) While it is easy to get caught up in the lure of procrastination, it is a slippery slope and a bad habit. Luckily, with the use of essential oils and life management tips, you can fight procrastination and increase productivity.

If you are the type of person that sets your alarm earlier just so that you can hit snooze 10 times before getting out of bed in the morning, try this technique instead. Set you alarm earlier, and get up immediately to work out. Although that task may seem daunting at first, it will quickly become part of a routine. (Studies say it takes twenty-one days to form a habit, so if you can manage to pull yourself out of bed for twenty-one straight days to work out, by day twenty-two this should be a breeze.) Why should you work out instead of stay in bed? Small but consistent workouts in the morning will provide natural energy for the rest of the day. The endorphins released by working out not only cheer you up, but also help focus your mind for the day ahead. Before getting started on your workout, diffuse or topically apply Peppermint Essential Oil; this minty oil provides energy, as well as stimulates motivation and focus in your brain.

For many students and adults, it is necessary to proactively plan. While hour-by-hour is not always feasible, it can be incredibly beneficial to start the day by writing down where you need to be at what time, and tasks you strive to complete in the day. This simple task will help focus your mind on the day ahead and help you remain accountable for the tasks you need to complete. Although it may seem daunting and stressful, it is incredibly rewarding when you are able to cross things off your list, keeping you motivated to complete the rest. While writing out your to-do list, diffuse a citrus oil, such as Grapefruit Essential Oil. Grapefruit Essential Oil provides enhanced motivation because of its ability of elevate mood and enhance positivity.

Often times we procrastinate because the task that needs to be completed is a source of anxiety. Pushing off tasks that create stress, worry or anxiousness may alleviate those feelings for a short while. However, procrastinating on a stressful task does not make that task go away and in all likelihood the stress will be even greater when you have no choice but to get it done. Because of this, it is very important to fight the worry and anxiety and accomplish the task earlier. At bedtime the night before you need to complete your anxiety-causing task, diffuse Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender Essential Oil will provide you will a restful and stress-reducing sleep, that will allow you to wake feeling refreshed and motivated to tackle the day.

Procrastination can be caused by many factors - from worry, to fear, to lack of focus, or even a general disdain for the task at hand. The feeling of accomplishing a task, however, is rewarding and relieves stress caused by that task so that it is no longer a worry. With a few “life hacks” and aromatherapy, the thought of tackling a day and a task without procrastination is much easier. Remember, “don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what can be done today.”