Are you and the kids feeling a bit lazy? Well – you’re in luck – today is National Lazy Day!
Oh . . . . you’re not? You might be thinking – gosh, no – I don’t have time to be lazy! Maybe your kids are totally bored and driving you nuts with requests or you’re frantically getting stuff ready for school to start (if it hasn’t already)! Sounds like maybe now really IS a good time for National Lazy Day!
National Lazy day reminds us that slowing down now and then is a good thing. Although the term has negative connotations, being lazy isn’t necessarily a negative, unless, of course, it’s the norm. But being lazy now and then allows us to be present in the here-and-now – being mindful and appreciative of what we have. We find many opposites in life – light-dark, up-down, in-out, here-there, yin-yang, right-wrong, etc. So think of being lazy as the opposite, or balance, to being over-worked, which, in this context, is a good thing for us and the kids!
The best part about laziness is that you are less likely to experience burnout. Being lazy allows the body to rejuvenate and restore its balance and energy. Burnout can lead to insomnia, depression, and chronic fatigue.
National Today
We sometimes forget kids feel the same levels of stress and pressure we adults do. They don’t have adult worries but they do indeed have their own worries that can add stress to their day and in their own way. And often, they don’t know how to deal with that stress. That means they need a break too. In fact, depending on your child’s age, they need some sort of ‘lazy’ break in their day, every day. This gives them time to process, plan, and play.
The less involvement you can have in their break, the better (again – age-appropriate, of course). In my book, E.N.R.I.C.H. Your Relationship With Your Child, I talk about the importance of not being overly-involved in everything your child does (cue the eye-rolls from my grown sons who probably felt like Mom was always involved!). Letting your child be lazy for an hour or an afternoon or even a whole day is a great way to allow them space and show you trust them. Not only does this help prevent over-scheduling, but it forces our kids to come up with their own ideas for fun, increasing their creative potential.
In my book I also list a number of strategies for de-stressing (for both adult and child). On a lazy afternoon, you can try cloud-gazing, napping, taking a bath, reading, playing with a pet, bird-watching, or just doodling. These passive activities give both the brain and the body a much needed break!
And another really good thing about National Lazy Day? This applies to YOU, not just the kids! 🙂 Give yourself a break now & then! A well-rested caregiver is a better listener, better communicator, better problem-solver, and overall better person. And our kids depend on us to listen well, communicate clearly, and love them dearly!
So put down your tablet, phone, or computer and go be lazy with the kids! You have my permission. 🙂
