Procrastination can be a tough habit to break. Everyone, at some point or other, has faced productivity problems and it can be worse when you’re studying from home as an online student.
There are so many distractions, and when you have studying to do all of them can sound more enjoyable. Loading the dishwasher... hoovering the carpet... just quickly catching up on the latest episode (or ten) of the newest tv show. You promise yourself you’ll get to it after this last distraction, but then it’s the next day and all you’ve written is the title. Sound familiar?
The good news is that procrastination can be overcome. With the right strategies, you can take control of your time and boost your productivity. Here are our top 5 practical tips to help you beat procrastination as an online student:
Strategies to overcome procrastination
1. Break tasks into smaller steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, which makes it easier to put them off. Our best advice is to break them down into smaller, manageable steps and focus on completing one at a time. This makes progress feel more achievable and less intimidating.
Putting this into practice
If you’re writing an essay for an assessment, you can break it up into chunks to help you:
Understand the question. Think about what it’s asking and what information you might need to answer it.
Research some key points. Gather/make a list of the sources you’ll need to use. Highlight information you want to reference and organise them into relevant arguments.
Plan the essay structure. Using the information above, structure your essay into a clear plan, creating rough headings and topics for each paragraph.
Write the essay in stages. Using the plan and information you’ve already gathered. You can break this up into sections too.
Edit and refine. Make sure all your sources are referenced, you’re within wordcount and your grammar is correct.
2. Use a timer
Sometimes, the hardest part is getting started – especially after a long day. That’s where setting a short timer can really help.
Committing to just 20 or 30 minutes feels achievable. It’s a gentle way to ease into study without pressure. And by being intentional with that time – whether it’s reading a few pages, jotting down ideas, or finishing a short task – you’ll often find you’ve done more than you expected.
Once the timer’s up, you can check in with yourself. If you’re in the flow, great – carry on. If not, that’s fine too. Either way, you’ve made progress. And that’s what matters.
3. Set clear deadlines
One of the best things about studying online is the flexibility – you can shape learning around your life. But with that freedom comes a little more responsibility too. Without clear structure, it’s easy for tasks to keep slipping down the list.
Setting your own deadlines can make all the difference. It gives you a sense of direction and helps you stay on track, especially when there’s no one else chasing you for progress.
Be realistic. Break your work into chunks and give each one a date. Even a soft deadline can help you feel more focused – and ticking things off feels great too.
Students often tell us how much they value the flexibility we offer. Whether you choose to study part-time or full-time, you’re in control – from when you start to when you sit your assessments. And with dedicated support on hand to help you manage deadlines and plan around real life, flexible learning means progress on your terms.
See how our degrees fit around your life
4. Remove distractions
We all get distracted sometimes – and that’s completely normal. The key is figuring out what’s pulling your attention and finding small ways to refocus.
If your environment’s a bit chaotic, don’t stress about fixing it all at once. Try switching locations instead – maybe a quiet café or local library. If your phone’s calling your name, pop it in another room for a bit. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress without pressure.
And if the distraction is more mental than physical? A short walk can work wonders. Giving your mind some space can help reset your focus and make it easier to come back refreshed.
5. Reward yourself
Rewarding yourself for making progress is an essential part of staying motivated and maintaining a positive mindset. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, by taking breaks, enjoying treats, or engaging in fun activities after completing tasks. This helps reinforce good habits and keeps you focused on your goals.
For instance, after finishing an assignment, enjoy a short break and a cup of tea. When you've wrapped up a study session, treat yourself to your favourite snack. Completing a big project or acing an exam calls for a special reward, like a movie night, spending time on your hobbies, or a relaxing bath with a good book and a refreshing drink. By appreciating your efforts and valuing self-care, you'll foster a balanced approach to productivity and well-being.
Practice makes perfect
Overcoming procrastination takes time and practice. Experiment with various strategies to find what works best for you and remember – the goal is to make progress and adapt as needed, not to achieve perfection. Be kind to yourself throughout your journey, don't forget to celebrate your achievements, and best of luck on your academic journey!
Study online with Walbrook
At Walbrook, our 100% online degrees offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to study on your terms. Learn from experienced professionals and engage in course materials at your convenience. With our dedicated support network and future-focused degrees, you'll develop the skills and confidence to excel in your career.
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