What is the difference between procrastination and laziness and how to deal with it
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Health
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What is the difference between procrastination and laziness and how to deal with it

What is the difference between procrastination and laziness and how to deal with it
Source:  online.ua

Procrastination and laziness are the same at first glance, but they are pretty different. Procrastination is a dangerous problem that, unlike sloth, cannot be cured by a magic pendulum. The Online.ua Guide explains what procrastination is, how to detect and distinguish it from laziness, and how to overcome it.

What is procrastination in simple words?

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Procrastination is a psychological problem manifested by a person's tendency to postpone things for later, even if these cases are significant and need to be solved urgently.

As a rule, such behaviour becomes the cause of life problems, stress, reduced work capacity and productivity. It causes a feeling of guilt and negatively affects a person's self-esteem.

What is the essence of procrastination?

The essence of procrastination is that a person finds any excuse to postpone his affairs (work, business meeting, studying some material) for later. At the same time, the procrastinator does not rest - he spends a lot of energy on unnecessary actions instead of concentrating on essential tasks.

A procrastinator gets to work, usually only when all the deadlines start to "burn", which often disappoints people.

How to distinguish procrastination from laziness?

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The causes of laziness are inertia, indecisiveness and lack of initiative. A lazy person tries not to take responsibility, for example, if offered some additional project at work.

When procrastinating, a person does not abandon his duties but deliberately delays time. There is a discrepancy between intentions and actions in this case - "I plan to do it, but I can't start work."

There are several critical differences between laziness and procrastination:

  • Laziness occurs in the gap between the ideal moment to start work and the moment to decide. Procrastination occurs between the moment when a person makes the decision to start a job and finally starts it.

  • A lazy person is not going to do the work and does not do it. A procrastinator will do a job but put it off until later.

  • With laziness, a person rests and gains strength. When you procrastinate, you feel tired, lose energy, and anxious.

It should also be added that laziness is a personality trait everyone has occasionally, while procrastination is a temporary condition. External circumstances cause it, or the situation at the moment.

How does procrastination manifest itself?

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Procrastination has several characteristic symptoms, as evidence that a person has this problem of a psychological nature:

A person understands that a lot of work has accumulated and there is nowhere to waste time, but he feels so exhausted that he cannot get out of bed or a chair to start work.

  • Fear of taking the first step.

A procrastinator thinks for a long time about where to start work, how to start it correctly, and how to bring it to the end. At the same time, he/she is distraught. It is difficult for him/her to comprehend the entire volume of work, especially if it is a large-scale project.

  • Children's whims.

When procrastinating, the inner child often reveals itself, acting capriciously, like, "I don't want to do homework. I want to go to the movies!". Children do not like to do what they are forced to do, but this behaviour also occurs in adults.

  • The conflict between the task and priorities.

This happens when the task that needs to be completed does not fit into the person's plans or contradicts his principles. Sometimes psychosomatic problems may even arise - increased pressure, headache, fever.

How to understand that you have procrastination?

The following signs can detect procrastination:

  • It is difficult for you to switch between tasks quickly. After finishing one thing, instead of immediately taking on another, you'd rather talk on the phone or watch a TV series. As a result, you are distracted for a long time and start work very late.

  • Problems with planning time. You can make a long list of tasks that need to be done on the schedule — go to the store, read customers' e-mails, walk the dog, take your son to the pool, etc. As a result, all you have time for a day is to read a couple of e-mails... Such a disorganized and overly flexible schedule leads to stress and constant "jams".

  • You are always late. Due to constant pauses and spending time on things that are not clear, it is difficult for you to complete work on time and appear at meetings at a clearly defined time. Of course, you will be taken for an irresponsible person and will not be trusted with important matters.

  • You focus on small tasks instead of significant ones. Instead of filling out a table with a report for the year, you prefer to put documents in a neat pile on your desktop. After all, it's easier. And the report will wait. Of course, sorting documents is also beneficial, but it is incomparable to the problems that arise if the report is not made on time.

How to deal with procrastination?

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If you find that you have procrastination and want to overcome this problem, you can use the following tips:

  • Divide the work process into small tasks. This will help you get involved in work faster and enjoy achieving small goals.

  • Work for 25 minutes. You can also reduce anxiety from tasks seeming too tricky with the help of the "tomato method". This is a time management strategy, according to which you need to work in short periods.

  • Avoid temptation. Remove all things that distract you from work — put your smartphone away and put it on silent mode, close the window, and turn off the TV if it's noisy outside.

As a last resort, if you suffer from procrastination and the above tips do not help you, find yourself a "controller". It can be your wife, a colleague or a friend who constantly reminds you of the need to deal with this or that task on time.

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Magnetic storms today. Forecast and calendar of magnetic storms in Ukraine

Magnetic storms today. Forecast and calendar of magnetic storms in Ukraine

Tracking the forecast of magnetic storms

The first and most important step is to know about magnetic storms in advance .

Magnetic storms are a natural phenomenon that occurs as a result of the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. This can lead to disruptions in the operation of technical systems, as well as negatively affect human health, especially those who suffer from chronic diseases or are weather-dependent.

Sharp changes in our planet's magnetic field can last from a few hours to a few days. During periods of increased geomagnetic activity, people often experience headaches, increased irritability, sleep problems, and spikes in blood pressure.

Since the Sun is in a phase of increased activity, it is important to know exactly when they will occur in order to take the necessary measures to minimize their impact on health and daily life.

Next, we will look at how magnetic storms occur, what consequences they have, as well as a detailed forecast and calendar of magnetic storms for Ukraine.

If the forecast indicates a severe storm (G3-G5) , it is worth preparing and planning minimal activity that day.

How to prepare for magnetic storms?

Magnetic storms can cause significant changes in the human body, especially in weather-dependent people, hypertensive people, people with cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant women. To minimize their impact, it is worth preparing in advance and following certain rules that will help maintain the body in a state of balance.

Stress management and sleep quality

One of the most common complaints during magnetic storms is increased irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue . This is due to the fact that changes in the magnetic field affect the functioning of the central nervous system.

How to reduce stress levels?

Ways to reduce stress:

  • Meditation and breathing practices help stabilize the nervous system.

  • Walking in the fresh air saturates the body with oxygen.

  • Relaxation music – classical music or nature sounds can reduce stress.

  • Aromatherapy – essential oils of lavender, mint, or orange have a calming effect.

How to improve sleep quality?

🛏️ To avoid insomnia, follow these tips:

  • Establish a clear sleep routine – go to bed and wake up at the same time.

  • Avoid gadget screens 1-2 hours before bedtime - the blue light from phones and computers suppresses melatonin production.

  • Drink soothing teas (chamomile, lemon balm, linden).

  • Ventilate the room before going to bed – fresh air improves sleep quality.

What products should you consume during magnetic storms?

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health during magnetic storms. Eating the right foods can help minimize the negative effects of geomagnetic fluctuations, stabilize blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress levels.

During magnetic storms, the following changes may occur in the body:

  • Blood pressure fluctuations , which can cause headaches and dizziness.

  • Impaired blood circulation , causing the brain to receive less oxygen and blood vessels to narrow or dilate.

  • Dehydration , which can cause general weakness, fatigue, and fluid and salt imbalance.

  • Increased stress levels , which negatively affects the nervous system.

By consuming certain foods, you can reduce these symptoms and make magnetic storms easier to bear.

1. Foods rich in potassium

Potassium is a vital trace element responsible for regulating heart rate, fluid balance in the body, and blood pressure stability . During magnetic storms, blood vessels can constrict or dilate, causing headaches and pressure drops, and potassium helps regulate them.

Foods rich in potassium:

  • Bananas – improve blood circulation, normalize heart rhythm, and prevent cramps.

  • Avocado – helps lower cholesterol levels and improves the condition of blood vessels.

  • Potatoes (especially baked) – contain a large amount of potassium, which helps stabilize blood pressure.

  • Beans and legumes – help cleanse blood vessels and normalize heart function.

  • Spinach is rich in potassium and antioxidants that support normal blood circulation.

How it works: Potassium reduces the negative impact of magnetic storms on the cardiovascular system, helps avoid sudden jumps in blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing arrhythmia.

2. Foods containing magnesium

Magnesium is another important trace element that helps reduce fatigue, eliminate irritability, and stabilize the nervous system . During magnetic storms, it also helps relax blood vessels, which helps reduce headaches .

Foods rich in magnesium:

  • Buckwheat groats – improves blood circulation and normalizes blood glucose levels.

  • Nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts) - support the nervous system, reduce stress.

  • Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) – contains magnesium and antioxidants that improve brain function.

  • Sea kale – helps improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates energy and stress levels.

  • Avocado is not only a source of potassium, but also magnesium, which helps improve your emotional state.

How it works: Magnesium reduces blood vessel tension, relaxes muscles, reduces headaches, and helps normalize the nervous system during magnetic storms.

3. Products that improve blood circulation

Magnetic storms can cause circulatory problems , leading to malaise, dizziness, and headaches. It is important to consume foods that dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.

Useful products for blood circulation:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna) – contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels.

  • Olive oil 🫒 – reduces bad cholesterol levels and helps strengthen blood vessels.

  • Beets – help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve oxygen flow to the brain.

  • Red grapes – contain flavonoids that strengthen blood vessel walls.

How it works: These products help blood flow evenly, saturate the brain with oxygen, and prevent headaches, dizziness, and weakness.

4. Products that calm the nervous system

During magnetic storms, people may experience increased irritability, anxiety, and even sleep problems . Therefore, it is important to include foods in the diet that have a calming effect.

Products that help you relax:

  • Chamomile and mint tea – contains natural sedative components that help relieve stress.

  • Honey – contains glucose, which supports brain function and promotes relaxation.

  • Valerian or motherwort tincture helps stabilize the nervous system.

  • Bananas are not only rich in potassium, but also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes the production of serotonin (the hormone of joy).

How it works: Such products help avoid stress, improve emotional state, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep during magnetic storms.

Conclusion

During magnetic storms, it is important to follow a proper diet to minimize their negative impact on the body. Including foods rich in potassium and magnesium in your diet will help regulate blood pressure, reduce headaches, and improve blood circulation.

Nutrition tips during magnetic storms:

  • Eat more vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts.

  • Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and reduce your coffee and alcohol intake.

  • Avoid heavy foods that can overload the body.

Following these simple rules will help you endure magnetic storms more easily and feel much better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Magnetic storms can occur from a few times a month to several times a year, depending on solar activity.

Yes, people can experience anxiety, depressive moods, irritability, and insomnia due to changes in the magnetic field.

Some people, especially those with diabetes, may experience fluctuations in glucose levels during magnetic storms.

It is worth following the forecasts of magnetic storms on specialized websites of NOAA, NASA, and FIAN, or downloading mobile applications for monitoring space weather.

Yes, especially in people prone to migraines or with hypertension. Changes in atmospheric pressure and blood circulation can cause headaches and dizziness.

During storms, there is an increase in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and arrhythmia.

Yes, especially for infants and teenagers. Children may be more excitable, moody, and have trouble sleeping.

There are no specific medications for magnetic storms, but doctors recommend taking magnesium, drinking herbal teas, and avoiding stress.

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