Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Why being lazy is good for your health

After several weeks of lounging in pyjamas or togs over the summer break, I see a stark change in my children: they are calmer, more in tune with their body’s natural rhythm, and have a renewed positive energy that I’d pay almost anything to bottle for when the return-to-school stress cranks up. By the end of the holidays, they are skilful masters in the art of doing nothing, something the luxury of time allows in childhood.

But why should it stop there? Research shows that taking time out to wonder and ponder (or ‘lazing about’, if you will), can have a multitude of benefits at any age – we just have to consciously make it a priority as adults.

“The 9-to-5 is a prison we are used to!” says Charlotte Thaarup, Founder of the Mindfulness Clinic. “Sticking our toes outside these bars feels like we’re not conforming

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Australian Women’s Weekly NZ4 min read
Coming Up Roses
This is joy in its purest form: Silky cool and velvety to touch, the billowing Jurlique Rose sits feather light across my cupped palms, a sumptuous burst of pale pink petals that beckons, not just with its beauty, but with its almighty sweet scent. I
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ5 min read
Yes, Menopause Brain Does Exist
Along with sweating and poor sleep often comes something many menopausal women don’t anticipate: Brain fog. Few things are more disconcerting than when your brain feels like mush rather than the sharp and useful tool you’ve been used to, or when your
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ4 min read
From One Mum To Another
I was on my way to pick up my 10-year-old daughter Freya from a birthday party when I received the news I might have cancer. I said to the doctor, “I don’t have time for cancer,” and he said, “Well, you’re going to have to make a bit of time.” I was

Related Books & Audiobooks