Why being lazy is good for your health

Mastering the art of idleness can make you more creative, less stressed and better at problem-solving.

- EVA-MARIA BOBBERT

After several weeks of lounging in pyjamas or togs over the summer break, I see a stark change in my children: they are calmer, more in tune with their body's natural rhythm, and have a renewed positive energy that I'd pay almost anything to bottle for when the return-to-school stress cranks up. By the end of the holidays, they are skilful masters in the art of doing nothing, something the luxury of time allows in childhood.

But why should it stop there? Research shows that taking time out to wonder and ponder (or 'lazing about', if you will), can have a multitude of benefits at any age - we just have to consciously make it a priority as adults.

"The 9-to-5 is a prison we are used to!" says Charlotte Thaarup, Founder of the Mindfulness Clinic. "Sticking our toes outside these bars feels like we're not conforming but that's a good thing. It's healthy to come out of routine and to allow ourselves to fill the time with things we enjoy doing. You only have one life, right?"

According to Dr Tim Sharp, Chief Happiness Officer at The Happiness Institute, we not only need to plan to be idle, we need to totally change the way we think about idleness.

"Too often too many of us think it's the same as being lazy or wasting time. If we think about it like this then the negative connotations make it less likely we'll do it," he says.

"If, however, we can recognise and focus on all the benefits that come from rest, all the very real advantages associated with being idle, then we're more likely to make time for it and more likely to benefit from it."

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