Issue #107 ·
Not Lazy, Just Overwhelmed: Rethinking the Laziness Myth
😴 Why you're not actually lazy, finding meaningful ways to move, and how personal and planetary health align
Hello friends,
The other day, I caught myself thinking "I'm just being lazy" when I didn’t feel like working out.
It's such an easy trap to fall into - labeling ourselves as lazy when we're struggling to take action.
But what if we've been looking at this all wrong?
What if what we call "laziness" is actually our body and mind trying to tell us something important?
This week in building health 👇
The Myth of Laziness
The truth is- anyone can build habits when everything's going well.
When you're well-rested, stress-free, and life is running smoothly, it's relatively easy to hit the gym, prep healthy meals, and maintain a consistent routine.
But what happens when life gets complicated?
When work demands pile up, family responsibilities increase, or global events (like a pandemic) throw everything into chaos?
That's when we often label ourselves as "lazy" - but this label misses the point entirely.
What we call laziness is usually a sign of something deeper
We might be overwhelmed from juggling too many responsibilities. So we start getting pushed beyond our limits. Or maybe our tasks feel disconnected from our core values, and it feels like there’s no purpose to what we’re doing.
These underlying challenges are far more complex than simple "laziness" and require thoughtful solutions rather than self-judgment.
The problem with the "lazy" label is that it's not just inaccurate - it's harmful.
It adds a layer of moral judgment to our struggles, making it even harder to find real solutions.
Building Better Systems Instead
Rather than beating yourself up for being "lazy," try asking:
What's making this particular task or habit so difficult right now?
What support systems could make this easier?
Are there environmental changes that would reduce friction?
How can I make this more manageable?
The goal isn't to power through with pure willpower. It's to create conditions that make success more likely.
Start by breaking challenging tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Set up your environment thoughtfully - something as simple as laying out workout clothes the night before can make a difference. Find accountability that works for you, whether it's a friend, coach, or tracking app.
And remember: progress isn't linear. Some days will be better than others, and that's perfectly normal.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
Why Self-Care Hasn't Fixed Your Burnout
14 minutes | Heather Havrilesky
Traditional self-care advice often misses a crucial point: sometimes what looks like burnout isn't about needing more rest - it's about needing more meaning.
What struck me most about this piece is how it reframes the conversation around burnout. Instead of just suggesting more bubble baths or meditation apps, it asks us to look deeper at what truly engages us.
Even in my approach to exercise, I've found that movements that feel meaningful and purposeful stick better than ones I do just because I "should."
// two
50 Simple Ways to Make Your Life Greener
13 minutes | The Guardian
What's fascinating about environmental health is how closely it aligns with personal health.
The actions that benefit our planet often benefit our bodies too: eating less processed food, walking more, consuming mindfully.
This comprehensive guide shows how small changes in our daily habits can create positive ripples for both our health and our environment.
// three
The Power of Fasting: A Practical Approach
15 minutes | Mark Hyman, MD
While fasting has become increasingly popular, what I appreciate about this article is its balanced, non-moralistic approach.
It breaks down the science of fasting - from autophagy to metabolic benefits - while emphasizing that longer fasts aren't necessarily better.
The key takeaway? Start small, be consistent, and listen to your body. There's no moral virtue in how long you can fast - it's about finding what works sustainably for you.
Until next time
Have a Healthy Weekend