"Laziness and misunderstanding make incomparably more evil in the world than malice and deceit," wrote the famous W. Goethe. F. La Rochefoucauld was no less negative about laziness: “Those who think that only such violent passions as love and ambition manage to subdue other passions are mistaken. Inactive laziness is often the strongest: taking possession of people's thoughts and actions, it imperceptibly undermines all their aspirations and virtues."
Praise to laziness
From early childhood, parents often scolded us for laziness and taught us to treat it as one of the most harmful human vices. We honestly fought against laziness, but sometimes succumbed to its charm and relaxed, and then reproached ourselves for a long time for temporary lack of will. And none of us even thought that the time would come when a book would appear in the world praising laziness …
The book, with the intriguing title "Praise to Laziness," was written by Peter Axt, a former professor of medicine at the University of Fulda, Germany, and his daughter Michaela Axt-Gadermann, a physician and science journalist. In their work, the authors criticize the now widespread opinion that hard work and regular exercise in gyms are the key to a successful career and a toned slim figure. In their opinion, such a lifestyle leads to a reduction in its duration.
The fact is that not only stress, but also an excess of sports leads to an increase in free radicals in the body, as a result of cellular metabolism they turn into hydrogen peroxide, which damages cells and accelerates aging. In addition, with increased physical activity in muscle cells, the activity of mitochondria, which are the main centers for the production of free radicals, increases. To combat their destructive activity, it is necessary to consume large amounts of antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables. Or, as the authors of the book ironically advise, simply “do nothing”.
According to Peter and Michaela Axt, walking in the air and moderation in food are much more beneficial for a long and healthy life. Also, in the absence of the boss, do not hesitate to make a short pause during work. If the body requires relaxation, try to give it that opportunity. In return, it neutralizes cortisol, a hormone produced in stressful situations, in your brain. Cortisol can damage brain cells, lead to memory loss and premature aging.
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Relax, gentlemen
So, laziness serves as a good protection against stress, so instead of torturing your body with physical activity, it is better to enjoy doing nothing in your free time. For many people, a favorite couch may be the best fitness machine to keep them healthy for years to come, and a nap may be the best exercise.
Although the authors of the book do not completely deny the usefulness of physical activity, they have a negative attitude towards violence against the human body. Imagine that after a hard day at work, a number of stressful situations, you are drawn to land on the couch, but you gather your will into a fist and go to the gym. The subscription was bought … It's a pity! Will your classes be of great benefit? Hardly. Of course, you will lose weight, pump up your muscles, but most likely you will shorten your life.
For most people over 50, excessive physical activity is generally contraindicated. Studies have shown that jogging seniors use up the energy they absolutely need for other purposes. They may have memory loss and accelerated aging, according to Peter Axt. The authors believe that physical activity should be selected individually and be part of the lifestyle. In no case should you go in for sports through force, without desire and pleasure. Such activities will not be beneficial.
It should be noted that it is difficult to reproach the authors of the book for laziness. Peter, who has long stepped over 60 years old, was once a member of the German national athletics team, and his daughter won a silver medal in the 10 km race at the championship of the federal state of Hesse. The conclusions that they made in their book, the authors drew from the experience of their entire lives.
From Akst's book, we can draw the following conclusion: like food and sex, laziness within reasonable limits is not a vice, it can relieve you of unnecessary stress and even prolong the life of those who mindlessly burn out at work or exhaust their bodies with physical exertion. Relax often, gentlemen!
Author: Maxim SIROTKIN