Whimsy

Stop and smell the flowers

April 15, 2015
Pink peony

Pink peony

If you’re like me, procrastination is a stylized art. As ridiculous and hypocritical as it sounds, I almost feel like I need to procrastinate in order to get things done. It’s a long-standing ritual I have to carry out to prepare my mind for rapid task completion.

I like to think that I don’t procrastinate to the point of frustrating others. It’s a weird secret thing I do to myself…it’s unhealthy, I know!

What I’m trying to get at is, sometimes you just need to take a second to do something random. Take your mind away from the stress of having to achieve something. A quick moment to recharge before pumping out the goods.

Daffodil

Daffodil

The quirky thing I enjoy doing in my allotted procrastination time is shoot and edit close up photos of flowers. I literally and figuratively decide to stop and smell the flowers.

It may not be a unique idea, but taking a close look at the intricate beauty that exists in nature can be hypnotizing and – most importantly for procrastination – relaxing.

Focusing in on the colours, the shape of the petals and unique structures within the blossoms, your mind wanders in to appreciation of the simple things in life. It’s the perfect mesmerizing activity for productive procrastination.

Of course I end up watching trashy TV, eating junk and other not so artistic activities in between, but the moment of focused creativity definitely pays off.

Lilacs

Lilacs

The dedicated distraction time is the break I need to get back on the unending race track that is life. Cue dramatic music.

What do you do to “productively procrastinate”?

Feel free to share in the comments section below!

 

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3 Comments

  • Elisha June 12, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    I didn’t know you do this! Very cool.

  • Emma P May 29, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    This is interesting! I love that you do this. There is something about the details of flowers, their structure, colour, everything that makes them appear really miraculous and nature’s work of art. I can see why this would be a nice relief to the rush of the day to day.

    My favourite thing to unwind is to find a really nice sunny spot and just sit with my eyes closed. Sounds weird but there is something about the smell and the warmth of sun on my face that is incredibly relaxing and recharging, even if it’s just for a few moments. And of course, dog snuggles when the sun isn’t available 🙂

    • Michelle Seto June 10, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Emma! Love your relaxation regimen 🙂 Another one in the arsenal is friends…and wine…and jenga haha!

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