As a culture, we’re a bunch of overachievers. We make things happen... and we make things happen fast. There’s lots of going, doing, being and more, more, MORE.There’s not a whole lot of lazy.

As a go-getter, being lazy is something I struggle with a lot. Being lazy feels...well... lazy. It feels bad. I feel like I should ALWAYS be doing something.

I often ask myself: Is it OK to be lazy?

Lazy can be great and healthy and goal-affirming if it’s done correctly.

When I was totally burnt out from my job in consulting, I’d spend entire weekends immobilized on my couch because I was too mentally and physically exhausted to do anything else. This is the BAD side of lazy. There’s no joy in that.

So, what’s the difference between good lazy and bad lazy?

Good lazy is done with intention. It’s taking a leisurely walk. Savoring coffee with a friend. A well thought out movie marathon. Spending an afternoon reading a good book.

Bad lazy is done out of helplessness and exhaustion. When your head is telling you that you need to be doing something productive, but your heart is telling you to chill the f out, that’s bad lazy. The argument between the head and the heart actually leads to more stress. And nobody needs that.

Bad lazy is non-stop bad reality TV benders. It’s getting lost down the Buzzfeed rabbit hole. It’s ordering takeout for 5 days in a row because your kitchen’s a mess and you don’t want to clean it.

So, how do we do more good and less bad lazy?

Remember, the distinction is all about INTENTION. First, give yourself the permission to be lazy. Then, use this handy fill-in-the-blank affirmation:

Today, I am going to fully enjoy ________________________ because it makes me feel _________________________________ (think: at ease, joyful, relaxed, etc.).

Declare it out loud – hearing your own voice say it will be affirming and will make it more real for you.

Are you like me – is lazy sometimes a struggle? Share your thoughts on being lazy in the comments.