World Day of Laziness (20/08)

In 1984, an unusual holiday was born in Colombia, which found support in the hearts of millions of people from different countries, becoming worldwide, despite the lack of official status. It is called World Laziness Day.

At first glance, laziness – is one of the unpleasant human vices. However, in the case of the holiday, the organizers dubbed it that way, of course, as a joke. We are talking about a completely natural human need for rest.

Laziness as a psychological state, manifested in the lack of desire to work, overcome difficulties, show strong-willed efforts and preferably free time, often becomes neglected. It is then that it is regarded by society as a vice, since many everyday worries that require the participation of a person subject to laziness fall on the shoulders of others.

However, like every other psychological state, laziness has a lot of root causes (factors that led a person to this state). Such reasons may be weakened immunity, chronic fatigue, overwork, depression, lack of motivation and awareness of the importance of the work performed, etc. In most cases, a person finds a way to overcome these factors, and the state of laziness becomes short-term and temporary for him. In some situations, laziness turns into promiscuity and a bad habit, and sometimes becomes a way of life. The holiday celebrated annually on August 20 is not so dedicated to laziness.

The history of the holiday is due to the fact that in 1984, during the Festival of Industry, Trade and Culture held annually in the city of Itagui in Colombia, the last day of the festival was called World Laziness Day, urging participants to forget about work, relax and devote this day to themselves and their family, relaxing together, doing nothing. Itagui – is one of the industrial centers where residents spent most of their time at work. The idea of a new holiday was accepted by everyone with great pleasure. Subsequently, the holiday began to be celebrated in other countries, emphasizing that no productive work is possible without proper rest.

Anyone who wishes to join the celebrants is encouraged to devote this day to themselves and their loved ones, to give up all their business and to allow themselves to relax. In Colombia, people often take sun loungers out onto the streets and parks, hang hammocks and lie in pajamas, demonstratively doing nothing.

Participants of the holiday are advised to get some sleep, go to the sauna or SPA, forget about work mail and phone, order home delivery of delicious food, watch an interesting film, etc. After all, timely and complete rest – is one of the best ways to prevent the onset of such a long-term unpleasant state as laziness.

1983