meanwhileencing

Meanwhileencing is a neologism that describes the act of occupying oneself with an unrelated activity while a more important or urgent task is pending. It often serves as a form of procrastination or a psychological coping mechanism to temporarily alleviate stress or anxiety associated with the primary task. The term suggests a deliberate engagement in a secondary action to avoid confronting the primary one, creating a sense of "doing something" without actually addressing the core responsibility.

People engage in meanwhileencing for various reasons. It can be an attempt to gain a sense of control or accomplishment by completing smaller, less demanding tasks. For some, it's a way to mentally prepare for a daunting task by engaging in something more enjoyable or familiar. In other instances, meanwhileencing might stem from a feeling of being overwhelmed, leading to a need for distraction. This behavior can manifest in numerous ways, from checking social media and answering emails to cleaning, organizing, or even starting a new, unrelated project. While it can offer temporary relief, prolonged meanwhileencing can hinder productivity and lead to increased stress as deadlines approach.