Americans reveal number of ‘lazy days’ they need per year & how they spend them – & they even plan them weeks in advance

A NEW study found that Americans need a shocking amount of lazy days per year to feel rested and relaxed.

A poll of 2000 Americans unveiled the average amount of days people need to do nothing is around 60 days, or almost two whole months.

Getty

Getty

As National Lazy Day approaches on August 10, the survey investigated how the average person leverages days doing nothing for self-care and what makes up a perfect do-nothing day.

“In honor of National Lazy Day, we wanted to see how Americans rest and rejuvenate during a much needed-lazy day,” said Mei Higgins, vice president of merchandising of Berkshire Blanket & Home Co.

“Everyone deserves a rest day here and there, maybe even a bit more often, and days like these are so important when it comes to wellness.

“The study even found that almost three in four people (74%) said lazy days are crucial when it comes to self-care.”

To no one’s surprise, Americans are not laid-back about their days off.

One in five of the survey takers said they plan their lazy days in advance, and 67% opted to take their lazy days spontaneously.

However, a forward-thinking few even put their do-nothing days on the calendar a few weeks ahead.

The poll conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. found that almost three-quarters of lazy days are likely to fly under the radar, and respondents won’t tell others they’re taking a day to relax at home.

When it comes to lazy day activities, or lack thereof, respondents shared how much time they spend attached to their phones, lounging around, and soaking in self-care. 

On a typical lazy day, the average person spends two hours lying in bed, an hour eating, three hours binge-watching movies and TV, an hour reading, and two hours scrolling. 

Several hours are spent doing nothing, with a couple of hours spent napping and a full hour generally devoted to dreading the next day.

Sounds like a typical case of the Sunday scaries.

Low energy, burnout, and the overwhelming feeling of responsibility are the top reasons prompting lazy days, the study concluded.

A third of those polled even admitted they’ll take a lazy day if they want to avoid people, and one in ten said an existential crisis is enough to warrant a lazy day. 

Around 75% of respondents are more likely to spend their lazy day lounging around if the weather is cool and gloomy.

Top essentials for do-nothing days, according to respondents, are a comfy outfit and a cozy blanket or throw, along with a clean home, a shower and ample junk food. 

For those wondering, the agreed-upon ideal lazy day outfit is breathable and lightweight. And the perfect cozy blanket is fluffy and big enough for two.

“If you weren’t planning to already, we encourage everyone to spend some time simply resting and relaxing on Aug. 10,” said Higgins.

“Giving yourself time to do nothing will go a long way towards health and happiness.

“And cultivating the perfect cozy space to relax in is key. Gathering cozy essentials and designing a relaxing space is part of self-care.”