Procrastination Unmasked: How Busy Women Can Reclaim Their Energy and Get Things Done

Procrastination.

It’s the sneaky habit that tricks us into thinking we’re taking a break, but in reality, it’s draining our energy, increasing stress, and keeping us stuck. For midlife women juggling work, family, and hormones, procrastination feels like a safety net—but it’s more like a trap. In this post, we’ll explore why procrastination happens, how it impacts your mental and physical energy, and actionable steps to break the cycle. By the end, you’ll have a game plan to tackle tasks with confidence and reclaim your energy.

Why Procrastination Feels So Easy 

Procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s a coping mechanism. When a task feels overwhelming, boring, or stressful, your brain looks for an escape. That’s why suddenly cleaning the pantry feels like a priority over tackling your work emails. For women managing careers, family life, and self-care, avoidance becomes second nature. But here’s the kicker: procrastination doesn’t erase the task. It just adds it to an invisible to-do list that weighs on your mind all day.

The Mental Load of Procrastination 

Every time you see that unfinished task, your brain gets a little reminder of what you haven’t done. This mental clutter takes up space in your mind, burning energy even when you’re not actively working on the task. Add the hormonal changes of midlife, and it’s no wonder you’re exhausted.

Real Life Example

Let me paint a picture for you: I absolutely despise folding laundry. I can wash and dry clothes all day, but the clean pile always ends up on the couch, growing bigger and more intimidating by the minute. The bigger it gets, the more I avoid it—until it’s like the laundry is staring into my soul every time I walk past it.

It’s the same with scooping my chicken coop. In the winter, when my chickens spend more time indoors, the chore feels endless. Every time I step outside to feed or water them, they’re staring at me like, “Are you going to clean this up or what?” It’s that mental weight of an unfinished task that feels so familiar, right?

How Procrastination Impacts Your Stress Levels 

When you avoid a task, it doesn’t just sit quietly in the background. It’s like an alarm going off in your subconscious. This triggers your body’s stress response, releasing cortisol. For midlife women, high cortisol levels are particularly problematic because our bodies don’t process stress like they used to. The result? Fatigue, brain fog, and an even stronger urge to avoid.

Breaking the Procrastination Cycle: 3 Actionable Steps

1. Break Big Tasks Into Tiny Wins Big tasks feel impossible, so break them into manageable pieces. Instead of “clean the house,” start with one counter or one drawer. Each small win builds momentum and makes the next step easier.
2. Use the 10-Minute Rule Set a timer for 10 minutes and focus on the task. Once the timer is up, you can stop—but often, you’ll find that getting started was the hardest part, and you’ll want to keep going.
3. Delegate or Defer When Possible Ask yourself, “Does this task need to be done by me, or can someone else handle it?” Delegation isn’t a cop-out; it’s a strategy for conserving energy. If it’s not urgent, schedule it for a later date and free your mind in the meantime.

Procrastination isn’t about being lazy. It’s often tied to fear, perfectionism, or overwhelm. But with small steps and a little self-compassion, you can break the cycle. Start with one thing today, even if it’s just a 10-minute task, and watch how it shifts your energy. You’ve got this.