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)


šŸ„³ Welcome, Oh Procrastination Pro! šŸ„³

Letā€™s be real: studying is not the dream. But what if prepping for exams could beā€¦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. Youā€™ve got thisā€”no panic needed. Letā€™s go!


Step 1: The Barely-There Warm-Up

Think about how much youā€™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 itā€”just a chill reminder youā€™re capable.)
Whisper it to yourself: "Iā€™m just doing a little at a time. Thatā€™s enough."


Step 2: Quick Draw Your Goals! šŸŽØ

Donā€™t feel like writing a huge list? No worries! Just doodle your top three study goals (even if itā€™s a stick figure holding a book and smiling). Hereā€™s the trick: this isnā€™t about being an artistā€”itā€™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 donā€™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 donā€™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. Thatā€™s it! Done. Reward yourself. If you feel like doing more, cool, but thereā€™s zero pressure.

Positive Vibes Prompt:
"I am just doing a mini-mission. No pressure, no rush. Iā€™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 itā€™s just head-bobbing). Getting your body moving jumpstarts your brain, so youā€™re tricking yourself into staying sharp without having to work too hard.


Step 5: The ā€œFake Deadlineā€ Hack

Tell yourself, ā€œIā€™ll finish this in 10 minutes.ā€ You might not (and thatā€™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 itā€™s break time. Iā€™m in control of this process."


Step 6: The Barely-There Study Game šŸŽ²

Letā€™s make it a game! Hereā€™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, thatā€™s what you do for a few minutes. Then, youā€™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 youā€™re in the library):
ā€œDoing a little is better than doing nothing. Iā€™m still learning something, and thatā€™s progress. I donā€™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 thatā€™s where a Pretherapy Box can come in. Imagine it as a DIY toolkitā€”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 youā€™re back to living your best life, the skills youā€™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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