We all do it, and if you don’t then something’s wrong with you. With Facebook, Twitter, and every other website in the world, it’s hard not to be enticed into the terrible realm of procrastination. But don’t worry, because I’m here to tell you that not all procrastination is bad. In fact, certain forms of procrastination are probably at least one million times more useful than your degree. So here’s my expert guide to procrastinating, telling you when it’s okay to forget about your dissertation and exam prep for just a little while.
Foreign Films
Watching just any film could be considered a waste of your time. You’re not going to write your essay sitting in front of that superhero movie you’ve seen at least seven times. Foreign films, on the other hand, are a different matter. Why? Because unless you’re gifted with the capacity to speak more than one language, you don’t just watch them: you have to read the subtitles as well. How can reading be a waste of time? I’m sure if you told Shakespeare or Hemingway that reading was a waste of time they’d tell you to back off. Reading, coupled with the fact that anything foreign is cultured (duh), makes watching foreign films a totally legitimate form of procrastination.
Cooking, Eating
We are told daily to eat a balanced diet: don’t forget to have your three meals a day; ready meals are bad; cook your food from scratch. Well, if the government is telling me to eat proper meals that I’ve prepared myself, who am I to argue? An intricately planned and painstakingly long dish it is. Everybody loves a good cook, and a rushed meal is a bad meal. Take your time. You need fuel, after all, to be able to work productively.
Exercise
This isn’t something I’m partial to, and I usually stay away from it at all costs. But when exam season hits it’s time to whack on those trainers and hit the gym. A healthy body equals a healthy mind. What’s the use in getting a degree if you’re just going to pop your clogs at 26? There’s no reason at all. Your work can wait a little while as you head out for a run or off to the gym. This isn’t procrastination, guys, it’s responsible thinking.
Calling Home
We’re young adults and we’re past the point of waiting for our mothers to call us. These are the years we become truly close with our siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, and second-cousins twice removed. Revision is important, obviously, but these people are your family. Put down that pen, move your textbook aside, and spend a little time catching up with your kin.
Reading Exetera
Whether or not it’s exam season, reading Exetera is the best possible use of your time. There’s nothing you can do that will impact your life as much as reading this website – apart from writing for it.