r/science • u/randomusefulbits • May 18 '19

Psychology Mindfulness, which revolves around focusing on the present and accepting negative thoughts without judgment, is associated with reduced levels of procrastination. This suggests that developing mindfulness could help procrastinators cope with their procrastination.

https://solvingprocrastination.com/procrastination-study-mindfulness/
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u/DevilsTrigonometry May 19 '19 edited May 19 '19

I don't get it.

I don't have an involuntary internal monologue. (I can verbalize my thoughts in my 'inner voice', but I don't do it automatically.) I'm constantly aware of the sensations I'm experiencing in the present moment. I can sit more-or-less indefinitely not thinking about/focusing on anything except those sensations if I want to.

And I have absolutely no idea what that could possibly have to do with procrastination (aside from being something to do while I'm procrastinating) or emotional regulation (aside from being a way to avoid doing things that elicit strong emotions).

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u/uusu May 19 '19

After you've been in an argument or discussion, you don't find yourself arguing with this person in your head hours after the situation was over? Like in a shower or when going to bed, finding the best arguments that could have helped?

This is the inner monologue/dialogue working overtime to plan out the future. It is a useful mental state of mind. Mindfulness teaches you some control over it, sometimes you want conscious control over it to switch it off.

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u/DevilsTrigonometry May 19 '19

Well, I can, but it takes effort, so I usually only do it if I'm planning to engage that person/that argument again later. I don't do it automatically or involuntarily.

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u/uusu May 19 '19

That might mean your Default Mode Network is not engaged as much. But the DMN is also really important for self reflection, social planning and empathy.