Do you find yourself in task purgatory whenever you see a meeting coming up on your calendar?
You have waiting brain.
Here’s how to deal.
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Experts in This Article
Emily Sterns, LMSW is an associate therapist at Manhattan Wellness.
So, you justthinkabout all the things you have to do, without actually doing them.
Emily Sterns, LMSW is an associate therapist at Manhattan Wellness.
Why is it that we put ourselves through this productivity-squashing cognitive torture?
And more importantly, how can we combat it?
A very annoying brain feature I have is what I call Waiting Mode.
Like today, I have to leave for an MRI at 2:45.
First, know that the brain doesntlovewhen things dont go according to plan.
According toJennifer Teplin, LCSW, we often have an ideal scenario for getting a task done.
When something interrupts that routine or expected schedule, we short circuit, in a sense.
Thats because certain folks thrive off looming deadlines so you can finish things.
That said,research suggestsprocrastinating rarely helps folks finish tasks as well as they could if they didnt procrastinate.
Emily Sterns, LMSW is an associate therapist at Manhattan Wellness.
Want more specific tips for how to show your waiting brain whos boss?
Check out expert advice below.
Making a priorities to-do list
List your top priorities in terms of whatmustget done today.
Teplin encourages you to ask yourself what, exactly, youre waiting for.
Find out the why behind your idle moments, because it actually might help you make moves.
One would do this by setting a weekly calendar with specific times for specific responsibilities, says Sterns.
Self accountability and time management is crucial for success in combating waiting mode.'
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