Should we spend more time doing nothing? Many people think it is wrong to be lazy. But some experts say it could be the key to being happy.
How to be completely, totally, utterly idle
Should we spend more time doing nothing? Many people think it is wrong to be lazy. But some experts say it could be the key to being happy.
What's happening?
Simon's alarm had not gone off. He would be late for work! And then he remembered: this was his day for not doing any work at all.
More than half of Americans do not use up all their days of holiday at work. Some people worry that others will look down on them for not working hard enough.
But it has not always been that way. In Ancient GreeceAbout 2,500 years ago, Greece was one of the most important places in the world. Ancient Greeks lived all around the Mediterranean, not just in Greece., most people tried to avoidKeep away from something. work and make slavesPeople who are forced to work without being paid. do it instead.
Find out more
Today, scientists say it is good for you to have a break from working. "When we are busiest, our brains are not necessarilySomething that has to happen. doing very much," says one expert. But when we take a break and do something like walking or shovellingLifting and moving loose material, such as soil or snow, using a shovel - a tool with a wide, deep scoop or blade and a long handle. snow, we begin to have new ideas.
Yes! We live in a world in which everyone thinks they need to work all the time. But the truth is, to be happy and healthy we need to rest.
No! To make things happen, you need to work hard. People who have nothing to do end up wasting their time on computer games.
Should we spend more time doing nothing?
Keywords
Ancient Greece - About 2,500 years ago, Greece was one of the most important places in the world. Ancient Greeks lived all around the Mediterranean, not just in Greece.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Slaves - People who are forced to work without being paid.
Necessarily - Something that has to happen.
Shovelling - Lifting and moving loose material, such as soil or snow, using a shovel - a tool with a wide, deep scoop or blade and a long handle.
How to be completely, totally, utterly idle
Glossary
Ancient Greece - About 2,500 years ago, Greece was one of the most important places in the world. Ancient Greeks lived all around the Mediterranean, not just in Greece.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Slaves - People who are forced to work without being paid.
Necessarily - Something that has to happen.
Shovelling - Lifting and moving loose material, such as soil or snow, using a shovel — a tool with a wide, deep scoop or blade and a long handle.