[cwngfd]

There are some days when I go to the library, try to study, but end up getting NO work done over 12 hours. When it's time to leave, I feel so demoralized because of all the time I wasted. And this feeling makes it even harder to get work done in the future.

Has anyone else experienced this? What worked for you?

[Travelinglady]

Hello, cwngfd, and welcome to Psych Central! I have often gotten less work done than I had hoped, but I have gotten some work done. What are you doing instead of working? Daydreaming? Watching other people?

[hvert]

Yes, I have definitely done this. For me, it's sort of like I get overwhelmed with everything I have/want to do, can't pick out one thing to focus on, and waste my time instead. I could come up with a list of 20 productive things I could be doing today, but instead I'm cooking, reading novels, and fooling around online.

A few things help me in this situation.

1. I just do the first thing I think of doing. Like right now, I see that there is a bag on the floor and some slippers. I can put those away without thinking about it or wondering whether now is the perfect time to do that.

2. Set a timer for five minutes. Do whatever you are avoiding for five minutes.

3. Go for a walk. Exercise makes me more productive, don't ask why.

4. I give up and go do something else for a while. If you are not going to study anyway, no point in wasting 12 hours at the library, right? You might as well do something halfway worthwhile.

Those are just a few things that sometimes work for me -- I hope you get some studying in!

I used to do this all the time! Though usually the library was the place I ended up getting work done, procrastination happening at home... I'd get so anxious and panicky about what to do first that I'd freeze and end up playing games to distract myself, or reading fiction.
I definitely agree with the timer thing!!! Though I think maybe 10 to 15 minute chunks are better, 30 if you're trying to write a paper.
Also, write down things in order of highest urgency what needs to get done.
If you are studying for a test or just to cement the knowledge in your mind, you can break the time up too: Say 10 minutes flashcards, 15 minutes going through your notes, 5 min read an article, take break etc...
If you have to write something (which is always where I stalled), try handwriting whatever comes into your head about the topic. That will get the ideas flowing, and if you get a good chunk of writing down, you can come back to it after a short break and it may start to look like something useable.
Don't panic! If it's anxiety, drink some tea, calm your brain and avoid playing games or watching videos during breaks. Hope this helps