The (Lost) Art of Laziness
Do you go to bed with to-do lists flashing through your head? Try one of these 11 ideas to give yourself a break
Do you find yourself lying awake at night thinking of everything you need to do the next day? Checking your emails before you’re even out of bed? Talking about how busy you are? Hard work and having a work ethic can be great things, but we all need a break. So give yourself at least one weekend day off and find places around the home to slow down and recharge. Here are 11 ideas to get you started.
2. Write a Real Letter
When was the last time you wrote or received a real letter? On paper and written by hand with a pen? For people of a younger generation, it might be never. It’s a shame, because it can be lovely to write a letter and receive one.
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When was the last time you wrote or received a real letter? On paper and written by hand with a pen? For people of a younger generation, it might be never. It’s a shame, because it can be lovely to write a letter and receive one.
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3. Take a Bath
There’s something about bathing in the middle of a day off that feels slightly decadent. Make it really hot and add some lavender oil, and it will be ultrarelaxing.
There’s something about bathing in the middle of a day off that feels slightly decadent. Make it really hot and add some lavender oil, and it will be ultrarelaxing.
4. Take a Siesta
Enjoy a hearty lunch followed by a nice nap. Many cultures do this to support a refreshed and productive afternoon.
10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better
Enjoy a hearty lunch followed by a nice nap. Many cultures do this to support a refreshed and productive afternoon.
10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better
5. Sleep In
Getting up early can make you feel great, but if you’re woken by an alarm every morning and jump straight out of bed to start work or get kids ready for school you deserve a break from routine every now and then. Hide the alarm clock. Get someone to make you breakfast in bed. If you’re alone, get up, make breakfast and take it back to bed with you. Luxuriate in a day off and a few hours’ extra rest.
Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets
Getting up early can make you feel great, but if you’re woken by an alarm every morning and jump straight out of bed to start work or get kids ready for school you deserve a break from routine every now and then. Hide the alarm clock. Get someone to make you breakfast in bed. If you’re alone, get up, make breakfast and take it back to bed with you. Luxuriate in a day off and a few hours’ extra rest.
Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets
6. Sit in a Garden
Take some time out to connect with nature and just do nothing. It might seem like you’re not achieving anything, but it’s good for your health to occasionally sit and let your heart rate go down, especially if you work in an office all week. If you don’t have a gorgeous garden, go to a park or bask in fresh air from your patio, porch or balcony.
Take some time out to connect with nature and just do nothing. It might seem like you’re not achieving anything, but it’s good for your health to occasionally sit and let your heart rate go down, especially if you work in an office all week. If you don’t have a gorgeous garden, go to a park or bask in fresh air from your patio, porch or balcony.
7. Meditate
If you find just sitting and contemplating to be helpful, you could take it one step further and learn to meditate. If that sounds too slow for you, try gentle yoga or tai chi.
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If you find just sitting and contemplating to be helpful, you could take it one step further and learn to meditate. If that sounds too slow for you, try gentle yoga or tai chi.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
8. Watch a Movie in the Afternoon
When I was growing up, it was the norm to sit around on Saturday afternoons watching old movies. Now everyone seems to be running around taking kids to sporting events or catching up with work and house chores. This makes it all the more special to sit and watch one of your favorite movies in the middle of a weekend day.
When I was growing up, it was the norm to sit around on Saturday afternoons watching old movies. Now everyone seems to be running around taking kids to sporting events or catching up with work and house chores. This makes it all the more special to sit and watch one of your favorite movies in the middle of a weekend day.
9. Tend the Garden
This can be quite meditative. Try putting in some new plants particularly well suited to your climate and area and watching them grow. Gardening can be hard work, but it’s also relaxing and rewarding.
10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
This can be quite meditative. Try putting in some new plants particularly well suited to your climate and area and watching them grow. Gardening can be hard work, but it’s also relaxing and rewarding.
10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
10. Have a Long Lunch
Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to catch up with friends but feeling like you never have the time? Pick up the phone and invite them for a lunch sometime soon. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet feast. Whip up something simple that you know you do well, buy a good bottle of wine or beer and have a long, lazy lunch in good company.
Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to catch up with friends but feeling like you never have the time? Pick up the phone and invite them for a lunch sometime soon. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet feast. Whip up something simple that you know you do well, buy a good bottle of wine or beer and have a long, lazy lunch in good company.
11. Sit Around a Campfire
Why not have a campfire, even when you’re not camping? There’s something deeply relaxing about staring into a campfire after a good meal, feeling the warmth on your face, being mesmerized by the flames dancing around. It’s an ancient ritual and I’m sure it must be really good for the soul. You don’t need a large property — there are many beautiful fire bowls and chimeneas available. Do check the regulations in your area or opt for a smoke-free alternative.
Tell us: How do you like to take time out from your busy schedule? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Why not have a campfire, even when you’re not camping? There’s something deeply relaxing about staring into a campfire after a good meal, feeling the warmth on your face, being mesmerized by the flames dancing around. It’s an ancient ritual and I’m sure it must be really good for the soul. You don’t need a large property — there are many beautiful fire bowls and chimeneas available. Do check the regulations in your area or opt for a smoke-free alternative.
Tell us: How do you like to take time out from your busy schedule? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about creating a feel-good home
Browse photo ideas
Find home professionals
Shop for home products
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Hitch up a hammock or a swing seat. There’s nothing quite like spending a lazy afternoon lying outside on a warm day, perhaps reading a book, thinking about life and sipping a drink.
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