Does anxiety cause procrastination, or does procrastination cause anxiety? 

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Procrastination and anxiety are two commonly experienced phenomena that can be interrelated. Procrastination is delaying or postponing a task or activity, often due to various reasons such as feeling overwhelmed, being easily distracted, or lacking motivation. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

It is not uncommon for people to experience both procrastination and anxiety simultaneously. Anxiety can often be a contributing factor to procrastination. When someone is feeling anxious about a task, they may find it challenging to focus on the task at hand and may begin to procrastinate as a result.

There are many possible reasons why someone procrastinates when feeling anxious. One reason is that they may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the task, which can lead to a sense of helplessness, which can cause them to put off the task. A student anxious about an upcoming exam may feel overwhelmed by the amount of material they need to study and put off studying until the last minute.

Another reason why anxiety can lead to procrastination is that it can cause someone to become easily distracted. Concentrating on the task at hand may be difficult when someone feels anxious, and focusing on other things provides temporary relief. For example, someone anxious about an upcoming deadline may spend time checking social media or watching television instead of working on the task.

In some cases, procrastination can lead to increased anxiety. When someone procrastinates, they may worry about the consequences of not completing the task. A sense of guilt or shame can result, which in turn can increase feelings of anxiety. For example, someone procrastinating on a work project may start to worry about the consequences of not meeting the deadline, which can lead to increased stress.

It is important to note that not all procrastination causes anxiety. Some people may procrastinate because they enjoy the thrill of working under pressure, while others may procrastinate because they feel bored or unmotivated. However, if anxiety causes procrastination, it is essential to address the underlying issues to break the cycle.

One way to address procrastination caused by anxiety is to break the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Breaking down a task reduces feelings of overwhelm and makes the task feel more achievable. For example, instead of trying to study for an entire exam in one sitting, a student could break the material down into smaller chunks and review one section at a time.

Another strategy is to identify the specific sources of anxiety and address them directly. For example, suppose someone is anxious about an upcoming presentation. In that case, they could practice the presentation in front of a supportive friend or family member to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Finally, seeking professional help can also be beneficial for addressing both procrastination and anxiety. A therapist or counsellor can work with an individual to identify the underlying causes of their fear and help them develop strategies for managing their symptoms. They can also help the individual develop coping skills for dealing with anxiety, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.

In conclusion, procrastination and anxiety are two experiences that can be interrelated. Anxiety can lead to procrastination by causing feelings of overwhelm, distraction, and worry. Procrastination can also lead to increased anxiety by inducing feelings of guilt and shame. Addressing the underlying causes of procrastination and anxiety is vital for breaking the cycle and improving overall well-being. Breaking tasks down into smaller pieces, addressing specific sources of concern, and seeking professional help are all strategies that can help manage both procrastination and anxiety. 

People with anxiety or procrastination cope by avoiding what they think is, or will be, unpleasant. Through hypnosis and being guided by the Gordian Pillars, your therapist will give you strategies for the life you want. If you can relate to any of this, please contact us, and together we can help you reset unhelpful patterns.