Being lazy is actually a sign of intelligence, science says
New research suggests that smarter people spend more time being lazy.
The research, from a United States-based study, looks as though it supports the idea that people with a higher IQ get bored less easily.
The study also suggested that active people may be more psychically motivated as they need to stimulate their mind with external activities.
The study, based in the Florida Gulf Coast, gave a classic test to a group of students.
The questionnaire asked the students to rate how strongly they agreed with statements such as ‘I really enjoy a task that involves coming up with new solutions and problems’, and ‘I only think as hard as I have to.’
The research, led by Todd McElroy, selected 30 ‘thinkers’ and 30 ‘non-thinkers’ – the selected candidates were then monitored over seven days by wearing a device on their wrist to track their levels of activity.
The results showed that the thinking group were far less active than the non-thinkers over the week.
The findings of the study were described as ‘highly significant’ and ‘robust’.
The weekends however showed no difference between the thinkers and non-thinkers activity level, which has not yet been explained.
Researchers believe the results could support the idea that non-thinkers get bored more easily, so they need to fill their time with activity.
Although the lazier participants may be brainier, Mr McElroy warned that the lack of psychical activity has a negative impact on lifestyle.
He suggested that the less active students, no matter how clever, should aim to raise their activity level to improve their overall health.
So, next time you’re accused of being lazy, just whip out this study to prove that it secretly means you’re a genius.