Creating a Lazy Day
Every feel overwhelmed, exhausted, burned out or just tired after a long week?
A wide eyed and hopeful young 36 year old, I stepped out of my car and onto the ground of Blue Cliff Monestary. My mind was racing as I thought about all the videos, trainings and studying I had done in regards to the Plum Village Tradition of Buddhism. I was taking the step to confirming my volition of being a Buddhist, and through Blue Cliff I learned a crucial message, Slow Down and practice Lazy Days.
A lazy day acts as a crucial "reset" button for your nervous system, allowing your body to recover from the chronic stress of daily life. When you step away from the pressure of deadlines and constant notifications, your cortisol levels drop, which improves sleep quality and strengthens your immune system. By giving your physical self a break from the "fight or flight" mode of modern productivity, you allow your heart rate and muscle tension to normalize, preventing the long-term burnout that stems from overextension.
Mentally, these slow periods are when your brain actually does its best work through a process called "incubation." When you stop focusing on specific tasks, your mind enters a default mode that allows it to consolidate memories, process emotions, and make creative connections that are impossible during a busy workday. This mental wandering isn't a waste of time; it’s a vital phase that restores your focus and problem-solving abilities, ensuring that when you do return to your routine, you do so with a refreshed perspective and higher energy.
Try these steps in making a lazy day part of your week.
1. Prepare the Night Before
Block Your Calendar: Officially schedule your lazy time to avoid accidental meetups, work calls, or errands.
Pre-Plan Meals: Order takeout or meal prep beforehand so you don't have to work in the kitchen.
Set the Scene: Place your favorite comfortable clothes, books, or games where you'll want them so you don't have to hunt for them later.
2. Prioritize Physical Comfort
Disable Alarms: Allow your body to wake up naturally without a set deadline.
Dress Down: Skip the business casual and opt for well-worn pajamas, baggy sweats, or oversized tees.
Create a "Nest": Gather soft blankets, plush pillows, and dim the lighting or light scented candles to create a cozy oasis.
3. Disconnect Mentally
Digital Detox: Turn off notifications, put your phone in another room, and avoid checking emails.
Release Guilt: Remind yourself that "laziness" is a form of therapy that prevents burnout and boosts future creativity.
Ignore Chores: Give yourself permission to let dishes or laundry wait until tomorrow.
4. Choose Low-Energy Activities
Passive Entertainment: Binge-watch a favorite series, watch old movies from your childhood, or listen to calming music.
Light Hobbies: Engage in "slow" activities like journaling, reading a book, or doing a low-stakes puzzle.
Mindful Rest: Take a long, hot bath with essential oils, practice gentle stretching/yoga, or simply stare out the window and daydream.
Nature Breaks: If you feel like moving, take a slow, aimless walk in a park or sit in your backyard to watch birds and clouds.
“We think that when we are not doing anything, we are wasting our time. That is not true. Our time is, first of all, for us to be. To be what? To be alive, to be peace, to be joy, to be loving. And that is what the world needs the most – so, we train ourself in order to be.”