Why Do I Want to Study but Also… Don’t? A Scientific (and Slightly Dramatic) Investigation

Exams are creeping up like a horror movie villain, my syllabus is staring at me like an abandoned pet, and yet… I have not touched a single page. Why? Why does my brain say, "You need to study!" while my body says, "What if we just lay here and stare at the ceiling instead?" If you, too, are experiencing this struggle, let’s dive into the (completely scientific, totally logical) theories behind this bizarre phenomenon.

1. The Procrastination Paradox

Procrastination is the brain’s way of protecting us from stress… while also ensuring we will experience even more stress later. It’s like your brain is both the villain and the hero in this tragic story. Studying is hard, so instead of facing it, our minds trick us into doing something “less stressful,” like organizing our desk for the third time or suddenly deciding to clean our entire room.

2. The Illusion of Plenty of Time

There’s a little voice in my head whispering, "You still have time, don’t worry." This voice is a liar. It convinces me that watching just one episode of a show won’t hurt, that I can start tomorrow, that somehow, magical motivation will appear later. But guess what? That “later” is now, and I am still scrolling through memes instead of opening my textbook.

3. The Overwhelming Reality of Too Much to Study

Sometimes, the sheer volume of material is so terrifying that my brain short-circuits. Instead of tackling a little at a time like a sensible human, I stare at my notes in existential dread. Why start when it feels impossible? Might as well eat a snack and hope for a miracle.

4. The False Sense of Productivity

Ah yes, the classic trap: "I’m preparing to study." This includes making elaborate color-coded notes before actually reading anything, watching 10 “Study With Me” videos on YouTube, and browsing aesthetic stationery online. By the time I’m done, I feel productive—but have I actually studied? Absolutely not.

5. The Fear of Failure

What if I study and still don’t do well? What if I realize I don’t understand anything? Sometimes, avoiding studying feels safer than facing the possibility of struggling through the material. But, unfortunately, avoiding it only makes things worse. (Trust me, I know.)

6. The ‘Reward-Seeking’ Brain Issue

Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards. Watching a funny video? Instant dopamine. Studying for a test that’s weeks away? No immediate satisfaction. My brain is literally working against me! If only there were an instant reward system for opening my textbook…

Final Thoughts (And a Slightly Panicked Pep Talk)

If you’ve read this far instead of studying, congrats! You’re still not studying. But hey, at least we’ve acknowledged the problem, right? The truth is, the hardest part is starting. Just pick up the book, read one page, and suddenly, you’ll find yourself in the flow. Or, at the very least, in a mild state of panic that forces you to actually get something done.

Now, let’s go study before the regret kicks in. Future Us will thank us for it. Probably.

 Haru