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How to Stop Being Lazy and Get More Done

by Helena Khan Creative Writer

Overview

Need a day to relax? Even the best of us experience it. Taking the occasional leisurely day is not only acceptable but essential in these busy times.

However, if you discover that you're taking lazy days more frequently than not and you're struggling to get things done, it can be an indication that something is wrong.

A long to-do list, a lack of enthusiasm for your work, or even an underlying medical issue can all prevent you from being motivated to complete tasks.

We go over every aspect of how to stop being lazy here so you may be more productive.

How to beat being lazy

"How do I quit being so lazy?" The solution might not be as obvious as you might think. Even extremely productive people occasionally struggle to get things done, while some people may be more prone to laziness than others.

The following advice can help you overcome indolence and increase your productivity:

1. Set manageable goals:

Burnout can result from making unattainable objectives and taking on too much. Medical practitioners are aware of the symptoms of burnout even when a clinical diagnosis has not been made. Burnout at work can result in tiredness, a loss of enthusiasm and interest, and a desire to leave.

By establishing more manageable objectives that will bring you where you want to go without overwhelming you along the way, you may avoid overloading.

2. Don't demand perfection from oneself:

The surge in perfectionism has a negative psychological impact.

In a 2017 study, researchers identified a rise in perfectionism among college students between 1989 and 2016. Young kids today face more competitive situations, excessive expectations, and worried and controlling parents than generations before, according to researchers.

People are becoming more overly critical of themselves and other people as a result of this rise in perfectionism. Additionally, it's contributed to a rise in anxiety and sadness.

Expecting perfection was linked to avoidant coping, which makes you avoid dealing with challenges, according to smaller research on college students.

3. Talk to yourself positively rather than negatively:

Your efforts to complete tasks in every area of your life might be thwarted by self-talk that is unfavorable. Negative self-talk includes telling yourself that you're lazy.

By using constructive self-talk, you may silence your inner critic. Instead of stating, "There's no way I can finish this," say, "I'll do everything in my power to finish it."

4. Construct a strategy:

Making a plan for how to do something can make it simpler to get there. Make an action plan and be realistic about how much time, effort, and other elements will be required to achieve your goal. A plan will give you direction and confidence, which will be helpful even if you run into a roadblock.

5. Play to your advantage:

When making plans or getting ready to start a task, take the time to consider your abilities. In order to expedite the completion of a task, try applying them to various areas of it. Focusing on one's strengths has been linked to higher levels of productivity, happiness, and engagement at work, according to research.

6. Acknowledge your success along the road:

Acknowledge your success with some successful habits that you should adopts and Consider keeping a written record of everything you achieve, whether at work or home. It's a terrific approach to increase your self-esteem and optimism and give you the motivation to keep going. You may find it more inspiring to keep going if you give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

7. Request aid:

Asking for assistance is often perceived as a sign of weakness. However, refusing to ask for assistance may be a recipe for failure. According to a 2018 study by trusted Source, employees who don't approach their peers for assistance are more likely to be unsatisfied with their jobs and do worse on the job. Additionally, their employers had a less favorable opinion of them.

By seeking assistance, you increase your chances of success and build relationships with people who can inspire and drive you.

8. Prevent diversion:

Whether it's social media scrolling or playing with a pet, we all have our favorite diversionary tactics we use when we don't feel like finishing a task.

Make your diversions harder to access by finding solutions. Finding a quiet workspace, such as a library or an empty room, or using an app to block websites that you scroll through idly when you should be working will help.

9. Make boring activities enjoyable:

Jobs that we find tedious or monotonous are typically avoided. Although tasks like cleaning the bathroom or gutters won't ever be very joyful, you can nevertheless make them more engaging. To see how many calories or steps you get while doing these things, try listening to music or a podcast or putting on your activity tracker.

10. Give to yourself:

While finishing a task is a reward in and of itself, some people are motivated by rewards from other sources. Consider the benefits of completing the task, such as moving closer to a promotion or giving yourself a gift for a job well done. After a long day of cleaning, invite friends over for drinks to celebrate the completion of the endeavor.

How to overcome indolence with a healthy lifestyle:

Making some healthful modifications can be the best course of action while trying to stop being lazy and build healthy habits with some great steps.

Eat foods high in protein:

Are you asking yourself, "How do I quit being so lazy?" You're less prone to feel tired and lazy since certain foods boost your energy and maintain blood sugar stability. Foods high in protein help with this, like:

Grecian yogurt

almonds

eggs

tuna

2. Steer clear of sugary and high-fat foods:

Productivity and nutrition are related. Avoid foods that deplete your energy because they take a long time to digest or that increase your blood sugar. These consist of:

Products with a lot of sugar

refined carbohydrates, including spaghetti and white bread

alcohol

Fast food and fried food

3. Workout:

Exercise has many other advantages, but it also eliminates laziness for good. Exercise can boost your mood, enhance your energy, and lessen your worry, tension, and depression, all of which can make you feel exhausted and unmotivated. To fight the urge to be lazy, go for a little bike ride or stroll.

4. Rest and sleep:

You may do a lot of things to improve your nighttime sleep, such as minimizing your daytime naps and avoiding screen time right before bed.

Get the seven to nine hours of sleep each night that experts recommend for feeling rested and prepared to face the day.

5. Control tension:

You may get too emotionally and physically worn out to achieve anything as a result of stress. Finding coping mechanisms for your stress can lift your spirits and restore your motivation and energy. Spending time with loved ones, petting a pet, and taking a bath are just a few suggestions.

6. Always have water on you:

Numerous advantages of drinking water include reducing laziness. Drinking enough water helps improve mental and physical vitality. Additionally, it enhances physical performance. If you're feeling drowsy, a few sips of water can also help you feel more awake.

7. Give up smoking:

One advantage of quitting smoking is that it improves circulation and oxygen levels, which leads to increased energy levels. Quitting can also strengthen your immune system, enhance your sexual life, and reduce your risk of developing a number of serious illnesses.

It might be challenging to stop smoking, but your doctor can assist you in developing a personalized plan of action.

How to distinguish a medical condition from laziness

Sometimes being lazy is just a symptom of a deeper issue that may be keeping you from carrying out your responsibilities. Consult a doctor if you notice that you no longer have the energy or attention to complete tasks and have lost interest in activities that you used to find enjoyable.

mental health issues

Numerous mental health issues can produce symptoms, including lack of ambition, chronic weariness, and social disengagement that you might mistake for laziness. These circumstances include:

depression

anxiety

a seasonal mood condition (SAD)

bipolar illness

trauma-related stress disorder (PTSD)

chronic stress disorder

medical issues

Your energy levels can alter as a result of medical issues, which can make it difficult for you to carry out your typical activities. These include, for example:

anemia

vitamin shortage

thyroid conditions

low blood glucose

diabetes

Addison's illness

syndrome of protracted weariness

heart condition

cancer