Best ways to beat procrastination INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — While putting off difficult tasks can provide temporary relief, studies show procrastination can increase stress in the future. Dr. Danielle Henderson, a clinical psychologist with Indiana University Health, appeared on News 8 to disc uss strategies for overcoming procrastination and its emotional toll. Henderson said procrastination often triggers a range of difficult emotions, including anxiety, stress, shame, guilt and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. “So often emotions that we can experience with procrastinating, or when we’re thinking about a task that we need to be doing that we’ve been putting off — anxiety, stress, shame, guilt, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness — can be very common emotions we experience,” Henderson said. To overcome procrastination, Henderson recommends creating a clear plan and identifying what obstacles stand in the way. Enlisting friends or family members for accountability can also help, whether they assist directly with the task or simply provide company while someone works through it. “Sometimes just having company or having something else to take our mind off of the task that we’re doing can help us get through some of these tasks that we’ve been putting off,” Henderson said. For overwhelming tasks, Henderson suggests breaking them into smaller sections and working in timed increments — such as 15 minutes at a time. She also emphasized the importance of letting go of perfectionism. “Just reminding ourselves it doesn’t have to be perfect,” Henderson said. “Sometimes that can get in our way too — I’ve got to get it done just this right way, or it’s got to be completely together for the task to be done, and that gets in our way too.” She also recommended rewarding yourself after completing tasks and using online guides for structure and support. Elliott shifted the conversation to flood victims, noting that those affected may be focused on cleanup while putting off processing trauma. Henderson said emotions often surface after the immediate crisis passes. “In the busyness of things, while I have things that distract me, I might not be able to experience my emotions, and they may come on later — so how can I just try to be ready for that, just to see what happens?” Henderson said. She advised flood victims to monitor their physical, mental and emotional responses to future inclement weather and to seek help if anxiety or hypervigilance increases. Henderson also noted that grief anniversaries and difficult calendar dates can resurface emotions, and encouraged people to prepare for those moments. “This time next year, this may be a time on the calendar that I want to be sensitive to and take care of — that this is a reminder of what has happened to me this year,” Henderson said. Elliott drew a connection between the two topics, encouraging flood victims not to put off seeking help. “You’ve dealt with something very traumatic, and we need each other and expertise in certain areas,” Henderson said. Mental health resources Wellness Council of Indiana Indiana Suicide Prevention Indiana Department of Child Services’ Children’s Mental Health Initiative National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255 More resources ...read more read less