Meditation trains our minds to focus on a single thing while letting go of thoughts and feelings that arise. This is a perfect practice for learning to focus on tasks and avoid distractions. With practice, meditation gives us greater control over, and understanding of, our minds. It is a powerful tool for overcoming procrastination.

Meditation can be as simple as focusing on a single breath. There are countless apps, websites and classes for practicing meditation. If you are new to meditation, find one that is easy, accessible and feels right. The apps Headspace and Bhuddify have some simple mindfulness meditations for beginners.

A simple, quick meditation you can try is:

• Sit up straight.
• Close your eyes.
• Focus on the sensations that arise from your breath, for example: the feeling of air moving through your nostrils, and your chest expanding and contracting.
• When thoughts about other things arise, note them mentally as a ‘thought’ and bring your attention back to the breath.
• Do this for ten breaths.

We can also use meditation to respond to procrastination in the moment by calming our minds, allowing us to rest and providing separation from difficult feelings.