For procrastinators, the beginning of a term is often care-free, as opposed to that of those who started working immediately. Increasing levels of stress and health problems began right away for nonprocrastinators. Therefore, procrastinators retain good health as long as the deadline is not near. In addition, material learned closer to the deadline may be useful for writing a paper. Procrastinators also claim that an imposed deadline makes them more efficient and more motivated to do well.
Procrastination is correlated with several health problems.
Depression, vulnerable self-esteem, and anxiety are related to those who procrastinate. Anxiety levels are especially high for procrastinators near exam period, and these same individuals feel the most relief once they turn in important papers. While procrastinators' stress level and health are good at the beginning of a semester, problems arise as the semester progresses. They were also told that they could get extensions. Researchers found differences in performance levels, even when the same amount of time was spent on a task.