Buzz
Photo courtesy of Juan Moyano/Getty ImagesThere’s an endless list of tasks I’ve been actively avoiding—things like customer service calls, product returns, and emails that require more time and effort than I have on a busy day. Over time, these tasks start to pile up, growing bigger and more intimidating in my mind, often lingering on my to-do list far longer than they should. But a popular productivity hack on TikTok—the 'Scary Hour'—might just be the answer to my chronic procrastination problem.
I decided to give the Scary Hour a try, and it turned out to be an ingenious way to power through all those tasks—many of which turned out to take far less time than I’d imagined. (In fact, I might make my next Scary Hour session a 'scary half hour' instead!) Curious to give this productivity hack a shot? Here's the lowdown on how it works, along with my tips for making your own Scary Hour a success.
What exactly is the Scary Hour?
This TikTok-approved productivity trick involves dedicating an hour, either daily or weekly, to tackling all those tasks you've been putting off or feeling anxious about. Whether it’s dealing with work expense reports, calling customer service, sending an awkward text, or even dreaded household chores like cleaning out the fridge—you're only allowed one hour to knock them out.
Why does it work so well for so many? It keeps things manageable (you’re only committing to one hour!), it piles all those dreaded tasks into one concentrated block of time—and once you conquer one Scary Hour task, your other to-dos will likely feel much less overwhelming.
How to Make the Scary Hour Work for You
Want to give the Scary Hour a try? I’ve done it, and I’m planning to stick with it. Here’s what helped me turn the Scary Hour routine into a total win.
Set aside the time in your calendar
These are the tasks you’ve been avoiding, so it’s tempting to let something else—like a work meeting or scheduling a dentist appointment (if that hasn’t already been lingering on your to-do list for weeks!)—take over. Write it into your calendar, and commit to it—no distractions allowed.
Pick the right time for it
Many fans of Scary Hour prefer to do it first thing in the morning, when they’re feeling energized and up for a challenge. The great part about this? Once you power through those tough tasks, the rest of your day will hopefully feel much easier.
You could also make the case for saving your Scary Hour for the evening, so you can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when it’s over. The endorphin boost after finishing your Scary Hour is pretty intense, making it a great way to wrap up the day before winding down for some relaxation.
I gave both options a try, and found that mornings worked a little better for me, with more tasks getting completed. In the evenings, I kept finding 'just one more thing' that had to be done before I could start my Scary Hour. (Classic procrastination!)
Write down all the 'scary' tasks you need to tackle
To get the most out of every minute of your Scary Hour, make a list of everything you need to do, so you’re not wasting time wondering what to tackle next. I also found that by prioritizing tasks and spending a little time beforehand on prep—like gathering bills, finding emails in my inbox, or getting the tools ready for putting up my new curtain rods—I was able to get through much more during the actual Scary Hour. Plus, crossing things off the list is always a satisfying feeling.
Set a timer
Soon enough, you may not need a full hour for your Scary Hour, but setting a timer for an hour initially will help you realize that there’s a clear end to the task—and give it a bit of a competitive, game-show vibe that kept me motivated.
Avoid distractions
If phone calls or texts aren’t part of your Scary Hour to-do list, put your smartphone out of reach to avoid distractions like notifications or getting sucked into doomscrolling. Choose a spot where other distractions—whether it's your overly-adorable dog or tempting snacks in the pantry—can’t lead you off track.
Reward yourself
You've made it through a lot in your Scary Hour, so treat yourself to something special! Whether it's some relaxing reading, your favorite indulgent coffee, or another self-care treat, a little reward at the end might be just the motivation you need to schedule your next Scary Hour—whether that's for the next week or even the next day.
