The Psychology of Laziness


It can feel good lounging around and doing nothing, sometimes it’s too good. Whether it’s to avoid work or escape physical activity we all have those days. But then again why are some people way lazier than others? Is there any gene that causes lazy behavior?

Evolution has molded our brains and bodies to respond positively to natural rewards such as food, sex and even exercise. The pleasure we experience during exercise comes largely from DOPA-MINE SYSTEM in our brain which conveys these messages throughout the body ultimately hoping to ensure the survival of our species. For many the pleasure to arrive from exercise can become just as addictive as food and sex. But we are all up for food and sex many struggle with the desire for physical activity even though it’s in the central part of human biology.

Scientist’s studying mice have found an interesting genetic connection after separating mice into two groups those that chose to run on their wheel more often and those who decided to not run as much. The difference was clear in their offspring. After generations the running mice would run on their wheels 75% more often than the other group and by 16 generations they were running 7 miles a day as supposed to the average 4 miles. It seems their motivation for physical activity was genetic.

We all inherit genes from our parents that play key role in the development of our brains and these genes can make some literally crave movement. In fact the brains of the running mice had larger DOPA-MINE SYSTEM and regions that deals with passion and reward. They required activity otherwise their brains will react similar to a drug addicted person. They were genetically addicted to running.

We also inherit genes responsible for our other traits from impulsivity to procrastination to work ethic and straight up laziness and it turns out our physical laziness may be linked to the gene. This gene is responsible for a type of DOPA-MINE RECEPTOR, without it you are more likely to fancy sitting around and simple doing less than those who have the properly functioning gene.

So the truth is your desire for activity may not be entirely up to you but many environmental factors also apply which means you are not doomed to art of laziness although making a change will be harder for some. Awareness in terms of Knowledge is power so if you think you are genetically lazy get off the couch and fight your DNA.

Your brain will reward you in the end.


0 comments: