Each participant completed measures of trait mindfulness (using Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory), attention (using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1 Symptoms Checklist) and procrastination (using Lay’s General Procrastination Scale). An analysis of the data showed, unsurprisingly, that trait mindfulness was associated with less tendency to procrastinate. What was new, mediation analysis showed that attention skills might explain this relationship between mindfulness and procrastination. A possible conclusion might be that mindfulness promotes sustained attention which then leads to less procrastination.

Since the study looked at brief, 3-minute mindfulness exercises, it would be of interest for future research to study the effects of more in-depth mindfulness training. The authors explain, “Such research might help determine the optimal length and format of mindfulness interventions intended to assist those who procrastinate and might explore approaches to increasing engagement with mindfulness exercises, possibly through innovative technologies, such as use of virtual reality.” Previous studies have suggested that greater mindfulness is linked to less procrastination. One explanation may be that mindfulness leads to certain cognitive benefits like heightened awareness and ability to sustain attention. These abilities decrease a person’s chance of exhibiting low self-control, possibly protecting against procrastination.

We procrastinate when:

We lack a clear deadline We have inadequate resources (information, time, money, etc.) We fear potential negative consequences or failure The activity doesn’t link adequately with our governing values The task feels overwhelming or uninteresting

The Best Way to Beat a Bad Mood, According to Psychology: The 3Ms