Embracing Laziness as a Form of Self-Care
By Linda Negrin, Assoc. Certified Pranic Healer
In my highly scheduled work week, I recently found myself gravitating to the living room couch in the afternoons to enjoy some cuddle time with my new puppy. I justified these breaks as a way to make sure she had some quality time with me and didn’t get lonely. But it turned out that these deliberate moments of relaxation gave me a much-needed breather from my daily routine. I was able to go back to my desk feeling rested and recharged. With deadlines to meet and a full plate of work obligations looming, I had to wonder - was I just being lazy?
In this guest blog, Linda Negrin points out the misunderstandings around “laziness” and its value as an important aspect of self-care. Enjoy! – Wendie Colter, MCWC, CMIP
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In a culture that equates productivity with success and value, the notion of laziness is often viewed with skepticism or even disdain. Yet, there is growing recognition that deliberate periods of idle time for rest and inactivity—what some might call “laziness”—can be a vital part of our self-care. Embracing laziness might be more beneficial than you think!
Laziness Can Reduce Stress and Prevent Burnout
Constant activity and the pressure to be perpetually productive can lead to stress and burnout, which can compromise the immune system. Allowing yourself rest and break times can be an effective countermeasure.
At its core, self-care means making intentional choices to preserve and enhance one's health, both mental and physical. By incorporating downtime into your routine, you can reduce the risk of mental and physical exhaustion.
Laziness Can Foster Creativity and Innovation
Laziness, or deliberate periods of idleness, can be a powerful catalyst for creativity. When you allow your mind to wander without the pressure of constant productivity, it can create space for creative thinking and problem-solving. Many of history’s great innovators, from Albert Einstein to Steve Jobs, have credited moments of relaxation and unstructured time as crucial to their creative processes.
Meditators know that the gap between thoughts is full of potential. Within these gaps, there is the opportunity for intuition and renewed energy to come forth. When the body can relax and be still, it gives the mind an opportunity to settle as well. In this restful state, our physical and energetic systems can recharge.
Laziness Improves Physical Health
Overexertion without sufficient rest can lead to physical ailments such as chronic fatigue and weakened immune function. Embracing moments of laziness, such as relaxing on the couch or taking a leisurely walk, can contribute to better physical health by allowing your body to recover and rejuvenate.
Ways to Embrace Laziness
Incorporating intentional laziness into your life doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities or goals. Deliberate time-outs can help to create balance by giving yourself permission to rest. Here are some practical ways to embrace this concept:
Schedule Downtime: Make time for relaxation in your routine, whether it’s a specific time for leisure in the mornings or afternoons, a whole day marked off on your calendar for “me time,” or regular monthly “staycation” days.
Practice Mindful Relaxation: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to let your mind gently wander. Remember - it really is okay to just sit and watch the birds or listen to the wind in the trees!
Prioritize Sleep: For adults aged 18-65, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health and well-being. Sleep is when the body’s power to repair itself is at its most powerful.
Set Boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work time and leisure time to ensure you have dedicated time for rest.
Enjoy Low-Key Activities: Allow yourself to engage in activities that require minimal effort but provide joy, such as watching a favorite tv show, reading a book or magazine, or simply taking a nap.
Incorporating laziness as a part of your self-care routine is not a luxury but rather a necessity for maintaining a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life. When the body and mind have had the opportunity to recharge, the energy available for the next period of activity can be exponentially more vital and productive.
Author Information:
Linda Negrin, has been an Energy Medicine Practitioner for more than 20 years. Trained and certified in Pranic Healing®, her work incorporates Arhatic Yoga, Buddhism, Advaita and the Direct Path. Currently she is studying essential oils with Greg Toews of Plant Prana Essential Oils. In addition, Linda is the Program Coordinator at The Practical Path®. For more information about Linda, visit her website at https://www.cultivateinnerpeace.life
Wendie Colter, MCWC, CMIP is the founder/CEO of The Practical Path, Inc. and author of the award-winning book, Essentials of Medical Intuition: A Visionary Path to Wellness.
For information on The Practical Path® Medical Intuitive Training™ and the Medical Intuition for Healing & Self-Care Workshop™, please visit The Practical Path or call 877-433-6611.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please see our Disclaimer.