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Allowing Yourself To Be Lazy


We live in a busy world. Every day, we find ourselves hurrying from one appointment to the next. For some of us, our schedules are so packed that we sometimes forget to eat lunch, drink water, and take care of our basic needs. When every minute of every day is scheduled to the minute — with work, family, and other life activities — it can begin to feel like we’re a hamster on an ever-spinning wheel, never allowed to jump off.

With both our bodies and minds in constant movement, the days may feel like they never end. At the same time, however, every day we feel pressed for time, constantly complaining that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. When the night comes, we look back on our day and wonder where it has gone. We try to remember, but then our thoughts become focused on all that we have to do the next day.

The Negative Effects of a Busy Life

Most days, we wake up to some pre-planned schedule and scramble for enough time to get every event and appointment in. However, in our efforts to get everything done and be everywhere we’re expected to be all the time, we are creating our own health problems.

Being overly busy can cause heightened anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder. Not only can being too busy create mental health issues, but it can also create nutrition problems. When we are too busy to take care of ourselves, we are more likely to grab our meals from a fast-food drive-thru or convenience store. Through poor nutrition and constant mental activity, sleep can become elusive. As a result of not getting an appropriate amount of sleep each night, chronic fatigue can set in.

With so many things and people competing for our time, it is no wonder that we are always tired and not feeling great. We may be setting ourselves up for failure by being too busy all the time. We’re consistently disrespecting ourselves by not taking care of our bodies, which will take a heavy toll on us in the long run.

‘Let It Go’

All that stress you are putting yourself through is not benefitting anyone — especially yourself. Sometimes you have to do like that character from Disney’s Frozen and sing at the top of your lungs, “Let It Go!” It’s important to take a break from your busy life, look at yourself in the mirror, and take hold of your time again.

Clear Your Calendar

You read that right. Clear. Your. Calendar. Pick a stopping point in the day, and do not schedule any activity during that space of time. Just do nothing. In most cases, whatever you had on your schedule will be there tomorrow or can be moved to another day. Just take some time for yourself. It may seem like an impossible feat, but you’re capable of doing it. And while it may be hard saying “no” to other people, you will get better at it with practice. Others may be upset that you aren’t as available as you used to be, but they will get over it, and you will get better at putting yourself first. One day, you will look back and wonder how you ever managed without tending to your own needs first.

Focus on Your Needs

It is 100% OK not to do everything and be everywhere. Let yourself know that it is alright to tell others that you have something else you need to do when they ask you to be somewhere or to do something. For you to start taking care of yourself and putting yourself first, some of the plans and demands of others will have to wait. Again, they may not always understand, but it will become easier for you to accept their reactions as you practice focusing on your needs.

Unplug Your Way to Freedom

While taking your much-deserved break for yourself, it may be hard to feel comfortable disconnecting from today’s digital world. However, remind yourself that it is OK to turn off all of your electronic devices and disconnect for a while. To feel the peace that you deserve, you should consider completely disconnecting from all the things in your life that steal your time, whether it’s work email, social media, or any other form of electronic distraction. Unplugging for a period will also help you reset your mind and give your body a break.

If your life is too busy, now is the time to find your path to doing nothing. It’s time to engage and indulge in pure laziness. Once you begin to take your time back, you will likely see improvements in your overall well-being. Wouldn’t it be nice to fall asleep without having to wonder if you completed every task on your list? Remember what it once felt like to be relaxed and completely without worry for a few hours? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, now is time to let yourself be lazy. It’s also time to realize that others in your life can help you get things done. For someone with a busy schedule, being lazy should not be perceived as something negative. At Headlight, we can help you with your anxiety and depression issues. Are you having trouble maintaining a healthy nutrition plan? Call us today at 800-930-0803.

More than 50% of Americans struggle with mental health.

Headlight is now collaborating with health plans and companies to make therapy more accessible and affordable. Speak to a Care Coordinator today.