The Totally Low-Key Procrastination Playbook: Exam Edition!

The Totally Low-Key Procrastination Playbook: Exam Edition!

(A No-Sweat Guide to Actually Doing Stuff Without All the Pressure)


🄳 Welcome, Oh Procrastination Pro! 🄳

Let’s be real: studying is not the dream. But what if prepping for exams could be…kind of fun? Or at least less cringe? This playbook is here to help you slide right past that wall of stress and make studying feel like a low-key chill session. You’ve got this—no panic needed. Let’s go!


Step 1: The Barely-There Warm-Up

Think about how much you’ll rule after exams. Imagine it: the freedom, the naps, the endless Netflix marathons. Take a deep breath and just think: "I can handle this." (No need to get all "motivational speaker" about it—just a chill reminder you’re capable.)
Whisper it to yourself: "I’m just doing a little at a time. That’s enough."


Step 2: Quick Draw Your Goals! šŸŽØ

Don’t feel like writing a huge list? No worries! Just doodle your top three study goals (even if it’s a stick figure holding a book and smiling). Here’s the trick: this isn’t about being an artist—it’s about giving your brain a little visual snack so it knows what to work on.
Example: Draw a brain with a graduation cap. Why? Because, obviously, your brain is on its way to ace that test!

Remember:

"I don’t have to do it all at once. One tiny step is still a step."


Step 3: The 5-Minute Mini Mission šŸš€

When you don’t feel like doing anything, try this: Set a timer for 5 minutes (yes, only 5). Pick up your notes, read one paragraph, or scan over a topic. That’s it! Done. Reward yourself. If you feel like doing more, cool, but there’s zero pressure.

Positive Vibes Prompt:
"I am just doing a mini-mission. No pressure, no rush. I’m inching my way to success, and that totally counts."


Step 4: The ā€œDance Breakā€ Dopamine Boost šŸ•ŗšŸ’ƒ

Energy lagging? Time for a 2-minute Dance Break. Play your favorite song, stand up, and bust a quick move (even if it’s just head-bobbing). Getting your body moving jumpstarts your brain, so you’re tricking yourself into staying sharp without having to work too hard.


Step 5: The ā€œFake Deadlineā€ Hack

Tell yourself, ā€œI’ll finish this in 10 minutes.ā€ You might not (and that’s fine), but giving yourself a pretend ā€œend timeā€ can kick your brain out of sloth mode. If you make it through 10 minutes, reward yourself with something nice (a snack, a high-five, or a quick scroll through your feed).

Positive Vibes Prompt:
"I can do anything for 10 minutes! Then it’s break time. I’m in control of this process."


Step 6: The Barely-There Study Game šŸŽ²

Let’s make it a game! Here’s how:

  1. Throw a dice or use a random number generator.
  2. Each number corresponds to a different study task (see below).
  3. Whatever number you roll, that’s what you do for a few minutes. Then, you’re done! (Or keep going if you feel like it, but zero pressure.)

Dice Guide:

  1. Skim one page of notes
  2. Solve one practice question
  3. Quiz yourself on 3 random facts
  4. Read one summary online
  5. Make one flashcard
  6. Draw a (bad) picture of a concept you just studied

Bonus: If you finish the roll, reward yourself with another Dance Break. šŸ•ŗ


Step 7: The Anti-Perfect Pep Talk

Say this out loud, quietly (or in your head if you’re in the library):
ā€œDoing a little is better than doing nothing. I’m still learning something, and that’s progress. I don’t need to be perfect to do well.ā€


šŸ’” Need a Study Buddy in a Box? šŸ’”

Sometimes even tiny steps like these can feel like too much. And that’s where a Pretherapy Box can come in. Imagine it as a DIY toolkit—full of tricks, tools, and tactics to help you learn how to handle things when they get tough. The Pretherapy Box is for anyone who could use a little extra help learning how to cope before things feel totally overwhelming. Think of it as preparing before you need to repair.

When exams are over and you’re back to living your best life, the skills you’ve picked up can stay with you, helping you tackle bigger challenges with the same easy-going vibe. Remember, every step forward is one closer to that freedom

Reading next

Building Emotional Resilience: A Reflective Journaling Activity for High School Students
The Feelings Garden: A Creative Project to Cultivate Emotional

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