You have permission to be lazy

Why slowing down might be the best thing you can do

July 11, 2022

Hey there —

"Slacker."

"Deadbeat."

"Good-for-nothing."

We associate lazy people with a bunch of unflattering stereotypes. Google “laziness” and you'll mostly find search results focused on how to overcome it.

But…what if you had permission to embrace your inner couch potato?

If you get queasy at the mere thought of ‘wasting’ your time, you may be thinking about laziness all wrong.

We’re not talking about spending your time on distracting tasks that make you feel more tired.

✖️ Partying
✖️ Binging Euphoria
✖️ Scrolling Instagram

We’re talking about choosing to slow down.

In a world of constant connectivity and same-day delivery, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that faster is better. And we worry that even a hint of laziness will hold us back from reaching our goals.

Psychologist and author Dr. Stephanie Brown goes so far as to describe society’s need for speed as an addiction.

“Fast at any cost is the mantra of a stressed and distressed society today…people get high on the emotions of endless possibility with no need to ever stop or slow down.”

Dr. Brown advises interrupting this “wild rush for progress” with small steps — like turning your phone off for an hour every day — to engage in slower activities.

Whether it’s taking a restorative nap, drinking tea on the front porch with a friend, or going for a lazy stroll through the park, there are lots of pros to life in the slow lane.

💆 Rest protects you from stress. Regular breaks give your body and mind the time they need to relax, keeping burnout at bay.

🧃Breaks stir up your creative juices. Hitting pause lets your brain sort through the cognitive clutter. Research shows these restful moments lead to productive and creative bursts.

🦉Slower leads to wiser decisions. Slowing down helps us be more present and empathetic. And when we’re focused on what really matters, we make better, more intentional choices.

So next time you catch yourself rushing through life, or thinking that speed equals success, remember that not all laziness is bad. Stop, take a deep breath, and give yourself permission to take it slooow. 🦥

The Skill of Humor

TED Talk | by Andrew Tarvin

Andrew Tarvin has worked with thousands of people to teach them the value of humor. Because while many of us consider humor a “nice-to-have,” Andrew insists it’s a “must-have.”

Humor gets us to listen. It’s linked to long-term memory retention. It builds trust and brings people closer together.

But what if you don’t think you’re funny? Or if no one laughs?

In this TED Talk, Andrew helps you navigate your doubts while teaching you the art of humor. Because it turns out, humor is a skill. And like all skills, it can be learned. 🎭

What I’ve Learned From a Year-Long Dive Into The Creator Economy

Article | by Ashley R. Cummings

The creator economy has over 50 million content creators, and is valued at $20 billion. 🎨

But what exactly is happening in this growing corner of the business world?

Writer Ashley R. Cummings has spent dozens of hours and read hundreds of reports while researching for her articles. Now she’s sharing her discoveries about where the creator economy is headed, what fueled its growth, and how it’s changing marketing – forever.

Calmed By Nature

YouTube Channel | by Calmed By Nature

Next time you need a quick getaway, just open YouTube.

Introducing “Calmed By Nature,” a YouTube channel that creates immersive audiovisual experiences of natural landscapes and magical cozy places.

You can visit your favorite bookstore on a rainy autumn night. Or enjoy a Hawaiian sunset cafe while watching the waves crash.

Whether it’s for studying, relaxing, or entertainment – we guarantee you’ll find the perfect scene.

Written by Alice Lemée