How Online Therapy Can Boost Your Productivity and Time Management

No one really procrastinates or underperforms consistently by choice. Yes, occasionally we may choose to delay work and extend a deadline or hold back and not give a task 100 percent, but that’s usually conscious choice based on sound rationale. In many cases and for many people, however, procrastination, poor time management, and low productivity go hand in hand and are part of a vicious cycle. All of these issues are connected with our mental health, making it important to address them with the help of a mental health professional. This can include in-person sessions with psychiatrists, behavioral therapists, and psychologist, or it could involve online therapy exclusively.

Online therapy is ideal for a variety of reasons, the most obvious being accessibility and convenience – with time management already being a problem, you don’t want to spend more time traveling to a therapist’s clinic or trying to fit sessions into your schedule. Since the COVID pandemic hit us four years ago, online therapy has become a lot more effective, accessible, and accepted, so you won’t have to worry about out of pocket expenses. Today, some of the best online therapy platforms have insurance coverage.

Why Low Productivity and Poor Time Management Are Mental Health Issues

Low productivity and poor time management can often be symptoms of underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions can affect cognitive function, concentration, motivation, and energy levels, making it difficult for individuals to stay focused, organized, and productive. Additionally, high stress and burnout, associated with demanding jobs can exacerbate mental health issues, worsening productivity and time management by impairing decision-making, problem-solving, and task completion.

Procrastination and low energy levels are often a result of problems regulating emotions. People with chronic stress, anxiety, depressive, and traumatic stress disorders can have trouble focusing on tasks requiring their attention and instead may indulge in behaviors that serve as a distraction and provide pleasure. Unfortunately, this behavior only increases stress and anxiety as deadlines become harder to meet. For many individuals, failure to adhere to timelines and avoidance behaviors can stem from low self-esteem and self-confidence. In such cases, you might be procrastinating and avoiding certain tasks because of the fear of failure.

While all of these causes may seem unlikely to be the problem for you, it’s impossible to get to the root of the problem and find a satisfactory resolution without the help of significant behavioral changes. For most of us, it’s almost impossible to make such changes without some help and guidance. That’s what makes therapists so important in any strategy to improve time management and boost productivity.

How Online Therapy Can Help Improve Productivity and Time Management

• Identification and Management of Underlying Issues: Online therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which can significantly impact time management and productivity. By identifying and addressing these issues, individuals can learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and stress management techniques to better regulate their emotions and focus on tasks.
• Development of Goal-Setting Skills: Therapists can help you set realistic and achievable goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, and creating action plans to accomplish them. By clarifying priorities and establishing a structured approach to tasks, you can improve your time management and allocate your resources more effectively.
• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Online therapists often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help patients challenge negative thought patterns, overcome procrastination, and develop more adaptive behaviors. This is critical for better time management and productivity, as it’s impossible to cultivate a more positive mindset without identifying and modifying negative beliefs and habits.
• Stress Reduction and Relaxation Strategies: Online therapy sessions may include relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation to help you calm your mind and manage stress effectively. This will allow you to keep your cool in high pressure situations, allowing you to avoid distractions and maintain and maintain optimal performance.
• Accountability and Support: You can think of an online therapist as an accountability partner who will provide you with encouragement, feedback, and support to stay motivated and focused on goals. Therapy typically involves regular check-ins and progress assessments, forcing you to confront problematic behaviors and deal with them.