To mark National Lazy Day (10th August) is the US, recliner brand La-Z-Boy commissioned a survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll among 2000 US adults, to explore the benefits of "taking lazy moments in our hectic lives".
The results show that while Americans recognise the value of switching off, many struggle to do so.
Almost three quarters of respondents (74%) in the Lazy Day Study say they want more lazy moments. And the results show the JOMO (joy of missing out) trend is going strong, with more than 4 in 5 (82%) saying they prefer to stay home and relax at the weekends rather than going out – more so now than they have in the past.
More than 9 in 10 (93%) agree that it is important to take time for yourself to relax, and almost the same proportion (90%) feel that comfortable furniture is essential for relaxation.
Nearly all respondents (98%) believe there are benefits in taking time to be lazy, including stress reduction (80%), improved mental health (78%), preventing burnout (64%) and improved sleep (60%).
But more than four in five of those surveyed (83%) say they experience barriers that prevent them from taking their lazy moments.
The most common barrier is having too many family or home responsibilities (49%), followed by too much stress or stimulation or too many work responsibilities (both 41%). And nearly a third (31%) finding it difficult to enjoy a lazy moment without feeling guilty as a barrier.
Ahead of National Lazy Day, La-Z-Boy also partnered with psychiatrist and author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing, Dr Sue Varma (pictured), to share the survey results and further encourage people to make laziness a part of their self-care routine.
“Growing up, many of us were taught that our worth is tied to hard work, leaving us to navigate the prioritisation of rest and relaxation on our own,” says Sue.
“As a result, we often feel guilty when we take time to kick back. However, our self worth exists simply because we do, and it is scientifically proven that rest is essential for longevity, productivity, and overall wellness.
“Whether it’s a meditation pillow on the floor or the comfort of your favorite recliner, I recommend creating dedicated spaces in our homes — or ‘zen dens’, as I like to call them — that allow us to slip into moments of leisure and relaxation guilt-free.”
Brand marketing director international at La-Z-Boy, Natasha Shillingford, says learnings from the survey should prompt people to prioritise their relaxation and me-time.
“We all know what it’s like to experience guilt over taking time for ourselves, but those well-earned lazy moments help us to recharge and show up at our best,” she explains.
“As the inventors of the original recliner chair who have innovated in comfort for 97 years, at La-Z-Boy we know a thing or two about how to unwind, and we’re on a mission to remind people to take time in their day to unwind their mind and body. Long live the lazy!”
La-Z-Boy survey reveals the benefits and challenges of switching off
