Why You’re Procrastinating at Work (Especially in Summer) — and How to Fix It

Let’s be honest: you didn’t open this tab to finish that report. Welcome to the world of procrastination, where your to-do list is a suggestion and your browser has 17 unrelated tabs open.

So, What Is Procrastination?

Procrastination is when you delay doing something even though you know you’ll regret it later. It’s not laziness, it’s avoidance. And when it hits at work, suddenly reorganizing your desk feels more urgent than sending that client proposal. 

Why Does Summer Make It Worse?

  1. Heat Brain: Your body’s busy trying not to overheat, which zaps your energy and focus. Ever tried writing a report while slowly melting in your chair?

  2. Summer FOMO: You're typing emails while your friend’s Instagram shows beach views and frozen cocktails. Hard to stay locked into spreadsheets when the world looks like a travel ad.

  3. Disrupted Routines: Half your team’s on vacation. Meetings get moved. Your daily rhythm? Chaos. That’s prime real estate for procrastination to move in.

What Does This Have to Do with Stress?

Blame cortisol, your brain’s stress hormone. When you're hot, tired, or overwhelmed, cortisol spikes. Your brain freaks out and says, “Let’s do literally anything else but work.” 

Ironically, procrastinating raises stress, which raises cortisol, which makes you procrastinate more. It’s a loop. A sweaty, unproductive loop.

How It Hurts Your Work

  • You rush, and your work suffers.

  • You stress more, sleep less.

  • Your boss notices, and not in the good way.

5 Quick Ways to Snap Out of It

  1. Start Tiny: Tell yourself you’ll just write one sentence or do five minutes. It’s the professional version of tricking a toddler to eat vegetables.

  2. Cool Off: Literally. Grab ice water, step into the AC, or run your wrists under cold water. It wakes up your brain.

  3. Time Block Like a Boss: Set a 25-minute timer, focus hard, then earn a break. Instagram will still be there in 25.

  4. Move Your Body: A quick walk or a few stretches can calm cortisol and boost brainpower.

  5. Reward Yourself: Finish a task? Grab a popsicle. Watch a funny video. Scroll guilt-free. Bribery works—you’re human.

Final Thought

You’re not broken. You’re just human… in summer. But with a few small shifts, you can beat the heat and the procrastination. Now close this tab (unless this is your break—then carry on) and knock out that task. One small step for you, one giant leap for your productivity.

 

Note: Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this web page and blog are my own and do not reflect the position of my employer.

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