Our world is faced with an epidemic: Procrastination. Procrastination is defined as delaying something until a later time, namely the last minute, simply because you don’t want to do it.

As a whole, procrastination affects over 20% of the population and has more than quadrupled in the past 30 years alone due to increased possibility for distraction. For students, surveys suggest that 95% of students suffer from procrastination. Part of the 95% is made up of Ashland High School seniors dreading their senior projects.

The major effects of procrastination include increased stress and a decline in individual health. A study of college students suggests that procrastination is the leading cause of immunodeficiency. In addition, procrastination leads to insomnia. Procrastination is also linked to the development of addictive tendencies.

Procrastination is not a trait people are born with, but something picked up from those around them. This can come from your parents, friends, etc. Procrastination cannot be avoided simply by eliminating distractions, but with retraining of your brain and time management.