These two lifestyle issues may be the root cause to your persistent procrastination …

It was Benjamin Franklin who was attributed as saying, “You may delay but time will not … Lost time is never found.”

More recently, American entrepreneur, Victor Kiam, was quoted as saying, “Procrastination is the assassin of opportunity.”

It appears that increasingly more people are discovering that reality today. The issue of procrastination has been a stated struggle for many over the last few years, but at Scott Free Clinic we are hearing an increasing number of reports of trouble from people whose lives are suffering because of their battle with procrastinating.

You might say more people would agree with the American psychologist and philosopher of the late 19th century, William James, who noted, “There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.”

Procrastination isn’t just the inaction of a lazy person, it can be a habitual approach to life that creates a variety of troubles (for anyone), and certainly loss of opportunities. Because procrastinating can impact a person’s life in serious ways, I’ve written on the topic before (you can find some of those blog posts here, here, and here), but today I wanted to highlight two lifestyle issues that could be root causes for procrastination that some people may not have seriously considered when dealing with this subject.

When counseling people for their mental health (or counseling in general), and as part of the brain health coaching provided by Scott Free Clinic, I emphasize how healthy nutrition and regular (a lifestyle of) physical exercise directly and significantly impact our overall well-being — meaning not only our physical health, but also our mental and emotional health, our brain health, and even our spiritual health.

In addition to this, it needs to be noted that poor nutrition and a lack of exercise can be root causes for procrastination, or heightened procrastination. Here’s how:

Poor nutrition
When our diet lacks essential nutrients, it affects our brain function and overall well-being. Malnutrition or inadequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and reduced cognitive abilities. Thus, poor nutrition can result in low energy levels, making it harder to focus and complete tasks. It may also impact mood and motivation, leading to procrastination. Let’s get a little more specific:

• • Balanced blood sugar levels – Consuming a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar remains steady, you experience fewer energy crashes and mood swings, which can reduce the temptation to procrastinate.
  • Brain function and focus – Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins support brain health. Foods such as fatty fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration. When your brain is nourished, you’re better equipped to stay on task and avoid procrastination.
  • Hydration – Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased mental clarity. Staying hydrated ensures optimal brain function, which is essential for productivity and avoiding procrastination.
  • Avoiding sugar and processed foods – High-sugar and processed foods can cause energy spikes followed by crashes. Opt for whole foods instead, as they provide sustained energy without the rollercoaster effect.

Lack of physical exercise
Sedentary lifestyles without regular physical activity can affect mental health. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and improves overall energy levels. Without adequate exercise, our mental clarity and motivation suffer. Procrastination may increase due to lack of energy, decreased focus, and heightened stress.

If you’re serious about overcoming a struggle or habit of procrastinating, addressing your nutrition and exercise may be necessary to overcome some of the root causes to what impedes your productivity and fruitfulness, and reduces the positive opportunities available to you.

Scotty