Psychology of the to-do list: People who scribble a to-do list to "get it out of my head" aren't just organized; a 2011 study found that making a plan shuts down the …

Discover how simply making a plan can quiet your mind from the nagging of unfinished tasks. Learn about the psychological ...

Psychology suggests adults who feel compelled to finish every task before relaxing aren’t exceptionally disciplined: Unfinished responsibilities may remain psychologica…

Some adults struggle to enjoy an evening, a weekend, or even a short break if they know there is still work left to do. They ...

2 'Messy Habits' That Actually Boost Productivity, By A Psychologist

Psychology explains why your habits of leaving tasks unfinished and letting your desk get cluttered can boost creativity and productivity — and when messiness backfires.

Psychology says there’s a phenomenon called the Zeigarnik Effect where the brain refuses to fully let go of unfinished tasks, which may explain why some people feel …

So why do you feel like you got hit by a truck? You're not imagining it, and you're not lazy or dramatic for feeling it.

Psychology says noting down tomorrow’s tasks at night may help you fall asleep faster; research shows a simple list could shorten the wait for sleep

New research suggests writing a to-do list before sleep aids faster slumber. Participants who detailed future tasks fell ...
Psychology Today

Why You Feel Overwhelmed: The Zeigarnik Effect

You know how having too many open Chrome tabs bogs your computer down? The same happens to your brain. Unfinished tasks keep “running” in the background, which impairs performance. It’s called the ...
Psychology Today

How the Little-Known Zeigarnik Effect Impacts Everyone Daily

The Zeigarnik effect isn't exactly what one might call a household name, despite the fact that it's quite common and often makes people incredibly unproductive. The effect is well known, however, to ...