For sure, you have been called lazybones at least once in your lifetime. And that was meant as an insult, not a compliment. Laziness often gets a terrible reputation.

But is it really the villain it’s made out to be?

Let’s look at 7 surprising facts about laziness nobody talks about out loud. And for sure, not at the office.

Fact #1: It’s easy to accuse someone of being lazy

Teachers, spouses, bosses, parents, trainers have one thing in common. They hate it when someone is not performing as they want.

Of course, these people have the best intentions.

But the laziest easiest way to explain people’s slow progress, or complete inaction, is to call them lazy. Or idle, sluggish, slothful, sleepy, drowsy….

Reality check

There can be many reasons why someone is not giving their best.

Maybe,

• a student has troubles learning a certain topic.
• an employee is just bored with doing the same task every day.
• a teenager doesn’t want to do the dishes because rebellious hormones are raging through her/his veins.

This brings me to the next fact.

Fact #2: Everybody is lazy

That may sound shocking to you, but it’s a fact few people realize. Or admit.

Why it’s true

Remember that teacher or coach I mentioned in the previous fact? You can say that they are lazy in their own way.

After all, they don’t make any effort to understand why someone is underperforming.

The same goes for your hard-working boss.

From your point of view, (s)he may be too lazy to do your job.

Don’t go crazy and call your boss a loafer now.

A smarter option is to find another job, or talk about your responsibilities (and salary).

Fact #3: The best ideas pop up when doing nothing

Ever had a brilliant idea while you were doing absolutely nothing? There’s a reason for that.

The science behind it

When you allow your mind to wander, you enter a state of free thought.

Downtime, or thinking of nothing in particular, gives your brain a chance to connect dots.

That happens, for example, during a power nap or when you are daydreaming.

And yes, original thoughts also pop up when you take a shower or a bath.

That is impossible when you’re focused on a particular task or project.

Fun fact: Some of the greatest artists embraced laziness.

Fact #4: Laziness can turn you into a productivity powerhouse

How many times have you heard that sitting around doing nothing is just a waste of time?

Well, let me tell you, it is not.

Taking pauses and doing absolutely nothing can boost your energy.

How does that magic work?

When you give yourself permission to do nothing, you’re not just resting.

You are, in fact, allowing your brain to process emotions and thoughts. It is a lot similar to recharging your phone battery.

Give it a try. You will notice that you will be focused and energized after doing absolutely nothing.

Fact #5: Chronical laziness is a symptom

I am not tooting the horn of a lazy life.

Let me rephrase that.

DO NOT drop everything and plant yourself on the couch for the rest of today, this week, this month, this year, this decade.

Laziness has a dark side. And if you embrace it too much, that can be a sign of deeper issues.

Self-care is not selfish

If laziness controls your life, you may have a burnout, or have entered the dark tunnel of depression.

In that case, you can best talk with a doctor, a psychologist, or people you can trust.

Fact #6: Laziness has 8 letters

Don’t believe me? Count them and move to the next fact.

Fact #7: Laziness is the most underrated life skill

Now, this might also sound counterintuitive, but hear me out.

It is a variant of the popular idea that you will get further by working smarter, not harder.

Laziness can help you focus on what needs to get done with the least effort and stress.

And that’s a skill that can be really helpful in a bunch of ways.

Wrapping it up

• Everyone is lazy in their own way.
• Don’t call people lazy without trying to understand their behavior first.
• Allow yourself to be lazy. It can boost your energy and generate ideas.

Conclusion

It’s time to give laziness the credit it deserves. Far from being a vice, a bit of laziness can bring more balance in your life.

So, next time you catch yourself lounging around, remember you’re not being lazy. You’re listening to your inner self.

That’s it. Enjoy your lazy day.

Or why not read some more articles on our blog?

Like this one about being lazy without harming yourself or others.