What is an effect of procrastination?

The phenomenon of procrastination is generally associated with negative outcomes, one of which is heightened stress levels. When individuals delay tasks, they often find themselves rushing to complete everything at the last minute, leading to a stressful situation. This stress can stem from the fear of not meeting deadlines, the anxiety of incomplete work, or the pressure of having many tasks pile up. As a result, procrastination often disrupts a person's ability to manage time effectively and can lead to a cycle of stress and anxiety.

In contrast, increased productivity, improved focus, and an increase in self-esteem are typically not associated with procrastination. Productivity tends to decrease as tasks are postponed, focus can diminish due to last-minute rushes, and self-esteem may actually suffer due to feelings of guilt or inadequacy that accompany the failure to complete tasks on time. Thus, heightened stress levels is the effect of procrastination that aligns with the reality many students and individuals experience when they put off important tasks.