I just want to be lazy this weekend. Is that such a bad thing?
In our country, where high achievement and productivity are so highly regarded, lazy is almost a dirty word. According the Washington Post, average work hours for Americans range between 47 and 49. Fifty percent of salaried workers report they work 50 hours a week or more. So much for that 40 hour work week.
So many people miss out on the benefits of being lazy. How about sleeping in late instead of waking up to laundry and chores. Sleep increases our physical and mental health and alertness. Getting enough sleep increases our focus, concentration and ability to do more in less time. I’m doing an afternoon siesta more regularly.
How about wasting the day sitting outside with a good book, or taking a hike. The benefits of being in nature on stress relief are immediately evident. If you go outside, you are less likely to be depressed and experience exercise as less stressful. The vitamin D in sunlight helps with mood. Outdoor activity may even help kids with ADHD concentrate better. So, I’m happy to sit in the sun with a good book.
Meditation, while not really being lazy, is certainly not a high productivity activity. Meditation calms the mind and body. It can improve your immune system functioning and decrease stress. It increases focus and problem solving. Sometimes your most important epiphany comes when you are not thinking about it.
Overall, the benefits of just being lazy seem so important that I don’t understand why anyone overlooks them. Regular R&R can keep your stress down, your heart and body healthier, increase your memory and ability to concentrate, reduce the risk of depression or anxiety and keep you away from bad coping efforts like comfort food or drinking too much.
So, I will definitely save time to be lazy. Sometimes all day, sometimes just for the afternoon. If you would like more information or help to develop your lazy side, contact us at www.specializedtherapy.com or call 201-488-6678.
