You're Not Lazy. You're Human.
You know that feeling when you just can’t bring yourself to do anything? You’re lying in bed, scrolling through your phone, telling yourself you’re being lazy. But what if I told you that laziness isn’t actually a thing? Seriously, it doesn’t exist. Stay with me, and I’ll explain.
“Laziness” is Usually Something Else in Disguise
Think back to the last time you thought of yourself (or someone else) as lazy. Maybe you didn’t finish that work project, or you couldn’t drag yourself out of bed before noon. But what if what you’re calling laziness is really something deeper—like burnout, depression, anxiety, or just plain exhaustion?
Photo credit: cottonbro studio
Here’s the deal: research shows that what we often see as laziness is usually a sign of something else going on. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that around 21 million adults in the U.S. had a major depressive episode in 2020. Depression drains your energy and motivation, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. But instead of recognizing that, we’re quick to slap the “lazy” label on ourselves.
The Science Behind Why We Don’t Always Feel Motivated
Our brains aren’t designed to be in constant productivity mode. Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman breaks it down by explaining that motivation isn’t something we can force; it depends on how our brain’s dopamine system is working. Our motivation tanks when dopamine levels are low—whether it’s because of stress, lack of sleep, or mental health struggles. It’s not laziness; it’s just how our brains function.
Backing this up, research has found that people with lower dopamine levels tend to avoid tasks that require a lot of effort. Not because they’re lazy but because their brains aren’t sending the right signals to get moving.
The “Lazy” Label and Our Culture’s Obsession with Productivity
We live in a world that’s obsessed with productivity. If you’re not constantly grinding, you’re somehow failing, right? But that mindset is straight-up toxic. It ignores the fact that we’re human beings, not machines. We need rest and downtime, and yes, sometimes, we need to do absolutely nothing.
In their book Laziness Does Not Exist, Social psychologist Dr. Devon Price argues that the word “lazy” is often used to shame people who aren’t living up to society’s impossible standards of productivity. Here’s the truth: what we call laziness is usually just a natural response to being overwhelmed, overworked, or undervalued.
Why It’s More Than Okay to Rest
Rest isn’t just okay—it’s critical. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized burnout as a real issue, and studies show that constant stress can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and depression. So, if you’re feeling too “lazy” to get up and go, maybe your body is just crying out for a break.
Let’s Start Reframing How We Think About This
Instead of beating ourselves up for being lazy, let’s take a step back and figure out what’s really going on. Are you exhausted? Overwhelmed? Is something weighing on you, making it hard to function? Focus on addressing the root cause, whether it’s your mental health, physical health, or just the need to unplug and recharge.
The Takeaway
Laziness is a myth. It’s a word that dismisses the real reasons behind why we’re struggling. So next time you’re about to call yourself lazy, take a breath and cut yourself some slack. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.
You’re not lazy—you’re human. And being human means needing rest, care, and understanding. Go easy on yourself; you deserve it.
