Procrastination and Its Connection to Trauma

Procrastination, is a common human behaviour, often appears as an enigma rooted in our psychology. Its underlying causes extend beyond laziness or lack of discipline. Procrastination is the trauma trapped within our body. Unresolved emotional distress manifests into procrastination..

Trauma, be it a significant life event or a series of distressing experiences, has profound effects on an individual’s emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. 

When trauma stays  unprocessed or unresolved, it has the potential to become trapped within the body, resulting in a range of cognitive and behavioral responses. Procrastination can serve as a coping mechanism to avoid facing and addressing these unresolved emotions. In essence, procrastination becomes a defense mechanism, shielding individuals from the discomfort associated with confronting their trauma.

Escaping Emotional Discomfort

Procrastination can involve delaying tasks that induce potential stress, anxiety, or emotional discomfort. This avoidance behavior can be traced back to the body’s instinctive response to shield itself from distressing stimuli. Folks grappling with unresolved trauma subconsciously associate certain tasks with emotional pain, triggering a strong urge to procrastinate as a means of self-preservation. This response allows them to temporarily escape the discomfort associated with their traumatic experiences.

Time Perspective and Procrastination

The concept of time perspective; your unique orientation toward past, present, and future events, plays a crucial role in the procrastination-trauma dynamic. Trauma distorts your perception of time, making it challenging to envision a future free from emotional distress. Consequently, the present moment becomes overwhelming, leading to procrastination as a way to avoid reckoning with an uncertain future tainted by unresolved trauma.

Shifting the Cycle

Acknowledging the connection between procrastination and trapped trauma is a crucial step towards redirecting your cycle. Engaging in self-reflection, therapy, or other healing modalities can facilitate the process of addressing and processing unresolved emotional wounds. Gradually, as individuals begin to untangle the emotional knots associated with their trauma, the grip of procrastination loosens, enabling them to approach tasks with renewed focus and motivation.

Procrastination, often viewed through a lens of personal inadequacy or time mismanagement, can take on a deeper meaning when seen as a response to trauma trapped within the body. Understanding this intricate relationship shines a compassionate light on individuals struggling with procrastination, offering a fresh perspective that goes beyond surface-level judgments. By addressing and healing from the underlying trauma, individuals can gradually overcome their procrastinatory tendencies and move towards a more fulfilling and productive life.

You have not done anything wrong. You are not lazy. You are healing and working your way back from layers of trauma. Take some small steps today and celebrate you ! Feeling calm today. Even if only for a moment.