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In a perfect world, everyone is productive. Ticking every box on their to-do list, managing their time and concentrating on the task at hand. Sounds great, right?

But as we all know, that is rarely the case... And one of the main reasons why is our own laziness.

There's plenty of creative people who try to make life a bit easier. Bored Panda has compiled a list full of the most brilliant ways to work with as little effort as possible. From manipulating your cat into turning the light off to leaving the side table unassembled and using it as it is, we've got you covered.

Don't forget to check out Bored Panda's previous post where people took laziness to a whole new level!

We often associate laziness with apathy, carelessness or lack of motivation. And while some people are more likely to look for the easiest option, performing tasks with as little effort as possible can have its benefits. These people are actually good at finding out the quickest way of doing something with little mental or physical activity.

One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that people who are more physically active have a lower need to engage in activities that require thinking. But this “difference was most pronounced during the 5-day work week and lessened during the weekend“, which means that an easy-going weekend will only benefit your brainpower. The researchers also found that those with high IQ go bored less easily. That's why they tend to be less active and spend more time thinking while the "non-thinkers“ preferred to engage in physical activities.

#2

How I Shut The Light Off When I'm Feeling Lazy

How I Shut The Light Off When I'm Feeling Lazy

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Also, an easy mistake would be to confuse laziness with proper idleness – choosing to do nothing. As the famous quote by Oscar Wilde goes, “to do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.” And it's true. Believe it or not, but being idle is actually good for you.

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Chris Bailey, author of “Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction”, said that our attention is either focused (when we get our work done and have meaningful conversations) or unfocused which actually makes us more creative. “Think back to your last creative insight — chances are it didn’t happen when you were focusing on one thing. In fact, you probably weren’t focused on much at all,” Bailey said.

According to the author, an idle mind allows us to do three things: rest, plan our future and long-term goals, and think of the most insightful and unique ideas. So in other words, when we see a bunch of do-nothings just sitting around and idling, they might actually be using their energy to think and create.

#3

When You’re Too Lazy To Build A Snowman

When You’re Too Lazy To Build A Snowman

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#4

Left My Christmas Lights Up. Laziness Paid Off For Once

Left My Christmas Lights Up. Laziness Paid Off For Once

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Some even think that laziness is the key to success. Michael Lewis, bestselling author of “The Big Short,” said that it serves him as a filter. “Something has to be really good before I’ll decide to work on it,” he said. In other words, it helps you to avoid being busy just for the sake of... being busy and also prevents you from taking on opportunities that you do not care much for.

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#5

The Student Chose A Character Who Speaks Only 3 Words And That Is His Name - I Am Groot

The Student Chose A Character Who Speaks Only 3 Words And That Is His Name - I Am Groot

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#6

It Took Me A Minute To Comprehend That My 5-Year-Old Had Invented A New Hands-Free iPad Technology

It Took Me A Minute To Comprehend That My 5-Year-Old Had Invented A New Hands-Free iPad Technology

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However, if you're feeling lazy more often than not, it could mean that something else is going on. If you're having trouble getting things done, set unrealistic goals and feel exhausted, you might be experiencing a job burnout. Since it's sometimes presented in such a way that overlaps with the concept of do-nothingness, it's not that easy to spot.

#7

Ditto

Ditto

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Devon Price, a social psychologist and author of “Laziness Does Not Exist” speaks of the Laziness Lie, “a belief system that says hard work is morally superior to relaxation and that people who aren’t productive have less innate value than productive people“. In short, those who do more are worth more. Today, this kind of thinking can lead to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

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#10

I Got Inspired To Be Lazy And Not Put Up All My Christmas Lights

I Got Inspired To Be Lazy And Not Put Up All My Christmas Lights

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Eva the Egg
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer this to actually putting up the lights like everyone else

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#11

I'm Really Lazy When It Comes To Putting On A Costume

I'm Really Lazy When It Comes To Putting On A Costume

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And let's not mistake indolence for procrastination. We often think it's a form of passivity when in fact, people and especially students might be facing barriers that are unknown to us. “If a person’s behavior doesn’t make sense to you, it is because you are missing a part of their context,“ Price explained. “People do not choose to fail or disappoint. No one wants to feel incapable, apathetic, or ineffective. If you look at a person’s action (or inaction) and see only laziness, you are missing key details. There is always an explanation,” the author said.

#15

It's My Dad's Birthday Today. I Was Too Lazy To Get Him A Proper Card

It's My Dad's Birthday Today. I Was Too Lazy To Get Him A Proper Card

CatPresident Report

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So it seems that being lazy is not always a bad thing. In fact, you should probably do it more often. If you use it the right way, it even makes you more productive and leaves more room for original thoughts and ideas. Although if you're doing nothing because you're overwhelmed, it might be good to take a step back and figure out the nature of your laziness. Then try to overcome it. Or don't. It's completely up to you.

#16

Lazy But Genius Parenting

Lazy But Genius Parenting

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Penelope
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A toddler and a box…it’s a match made in heaven. Throw in some markers and make the project self-contained: Genius!

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#18

I Hate Signing Yearbooks For Students, So I Had A Rubber Stamp Made

I Hate Signing Yearbooks For Students, So I Had A Rubber Stamp Made

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#19

Laziness Meets Ingenuity, Me: "What's That Pipe On Your Railing?" Sister: "It's Our Soda Can Chute"

Laziness Meets Ingenuity, Me: "What's That Pipe On Your Railing?" Sister: "It's Our Soda Can Chute"

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#20

Lazy Security Guard

Lazy Security Guard

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#21

This Shortcut Symbolizes Human Laziness (Yes, I Use It)

This Shortcut Symbolizes Human Laziness (Yes, I Use It)

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Antonia
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In The Netherlands we call this a elephantspath. In a newly made quater of Amsterdam they took foto's from the air to see how people would walk and laid the paths there.

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#22

I Trusted My Husband To Clean-Up From Christmas Last Year. This Is What I Discovered When I Went Down To Our Basement To Begin Decorating This Year. Life Hack Or Lazy?

I Trusted My Husband To Clean-Up From Christmas Last Year. This Is What I Discovered When I Went Down To Our Basement To Begin Decorating This Year. Life Hack Or Lazy?

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#23

Be Lazy. Make A Garage For Your Heavy Small Appliances With Cheap Rolling Plant Stands

Be Lazy. Make A Garage For Your Heavy Small Appliances With Cheap Rolling Plant Stands

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#24

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

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#26

My Daughter Wanted A Fort. I Was Feeling Lazy

My Daughter Wanted A Fort. I Was Feeling Lazy

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#27

My Lazy Little Brother Learning Writing English Letters

My Lazy Little Brother Learning Writing English Letters

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#29

My Coworker Has A Tendency To Spill His Cereal Walking Out Of The Kitchen In The Morning And Just Leave It There. I Made It Modern Art

My Coworker Has A Tendency To Spill His Cereal Walking Out Of The Kitchen In The Morning And Just Leave It There. I Made It Modern Art

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#30

Throwing Away Paint Roller Trays Is Just Wasteful, And Cleaning Them Is A Damn Mess. Here's Your Lazy, Smart Solution

Throwing Away Paint Roller Trays Is Just Wasteful, And Cleaning Them Is A Damn Mess. Here's Your Lazy, Smart Solution

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#31

Someone At The City Hall Is Lazy

Someone At The City Hall Is Lazy

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#32

I Was Too Lazy To Keep Getting Up And Check My Pot If It Was Boiling, So I Just Skyped It

I Was Too Lazy To Keep Getting Up And Check My Pot If It Was Boiling, So I Just Skyped It

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#33

Wanted To See How Some Rugs Would Look In Our Living Room But Too Lazy To Photoshop It

Wanted To See How Some Rugs Would Look In Our Living Room But Too Lazy To Photoshop It

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#34

This Is How Lazy Our Facilities Guys Are

This Is How Lazy Our Facilities Guys Are

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Bill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its covering up a junction box and giant hole. I have encountered similar

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#35

We Use Only The Latest Hands Free Technology

We Use Only The Latest Hands Free Technology

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me at 6 years old when my mum was giving me the phone to speak to relatives i barely knew

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#36

A Choice Was Made Today: A Lazy One

A Choice Was Made Today: A Lazy One

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#37

Tie A String To Your Garbage Cans So You Don't Have To Walk Downstairs

Tie A String To Your Garbage Cans So You Don't Have To Walk Downstairs

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#38

I Was Too Lazy To Get The Wrapping Paper In My Car, So I Found Some Clothes I Didn't Wear Anymore. It Took More Work Than It Would've To Just Go To The Car

I Was Too Lazy To Get The Wrapping Paper In My Car, So I Found Some Clothes I Didn't Wear Anymore. It Took More Work Than It Would've To Just Go To The Car

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#39

Seriously People, Are You Too Lazy To Walk 50 Feet To Return?

Seriously People, Are You Too Lazy To Walk 50 Feet To Return?

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#40

A New Level Of Lazy

A New Level Of Lazy

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Mommitude Attitude
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To me, this one makes me sad because I bet someone was replaced with this set up.

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#42

The Perfect Garden For People Too Lazy To Water Their Plants

The Perfect Garden For People Too Lazy To Water Their Plants

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Kimi Tomminello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My indoor 2 person tub has been converted into an indoor pond with goldfish, sliders, guppies and turtles. Mold isn't an issue with proper circulation. I know a handful of people with goldfish tanks converted from clawfoot tubs. Very pretty zen garden!!

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#43

I Was Lazy And Hadn't Washed The Dishes For A Few Days. Life, Uh, Found A Way

I Was Lazy And Hadn't Washed The Dishes For A Few Days. Life, Uh, Found A Way

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#44

My Friend's Taken Lazy To A New Drunk Level

My Friend's Taken Lazy To A New Drunk Level

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#45

There's Lazy And Then There's This Guy

There's Lazy And Then There's This Guy

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pigasus1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not lazy, smart. He can zoom in and see far better than standing and watching unaided.

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#46

My Friend Redefined Laziness. She Built A Floating Table Over Her Bed, So She Never Has To Stand Up Again

My Friend Redefined Laziness. She Built A Floating Table Over Her Bed, So She Never Has To Stand Up Again

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#48

Swing String

Swing String

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pigasus1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No child I've ever known would go for that. They want you right there, watching them intently.

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#49

This Genius Watching Taken Using A Clear Plastic Bag To Hold His Phone On A Plane

This Genius Watching Taken Using A Clear Plastic Bag To Hold His Phone On A Plane

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#50

Lazy But Fashionable Girl

Lazy But Fashionable Girl

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#51

Spotted In Target. Next Level Fashion

Spotted In Target. Next Level Fashion

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Claudia Dugral
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This I totally understand. Have you ever tried to dress a mannequin? Very difficult to undo the Arme and to get them back in. Especially if you are alone.

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Note: this post originally had 118 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.