Common causes for demotivation at work: You are mentally exhausted or burned out. You're impaired by external stressors (like a pandemic, or personal challenges) You're not feeling inspired by your work, or enjoying your position. Your job is not meeting your needs (pay, resources, inclusivity)
Laziness can be caused by a number of things, for instance, a lack of motivation, no clear direction or interests, or even a feeling of overwhelm. There is also our evolutionary trait. We are hardwired to preserve our energy and lay low.
The following factors can contribute to fatigue, either alone or in combination: Psychological and psychosocial – stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical – anemia, diabetes, glandular fever, and cancer. Physiological – pregnancy, breast-feeding, inadequate sleep, and excessive exercise.
If you're feeling lazy, you most likely have low energy. You may feel tired throughout the day and unmotivated to do anything. Feeling tired can come from burnout or stress. If you're burnt out at work or school, you may often find yourself wanting to sleep or relax since you're overexerted physically and mentally.
Technically, it shouldn't be difficult to tell the difference between burnout and being lazy. Generally, burnout refers to a reaction to prolonged or chronic job-related stress and is typically accompanied by a few defining characteristics, such as exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of reduced professional ability.
Anxiety Can Appear to be Laziness
When someone struggles with anxiety, they typically want to do well. For those of you who know someone who has difficulty with anxiety, you also know they often avoid what makes them anxious. The feelings of anxiety are so overwhelming, it shuts them down.
Low motivation can be a common symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. You can practice self-help and self-care as much as you can, but you may find that seeking professional help is more helpful for your emotions. Online therapy is beneficial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Psychology. Laziness may reflect a lack of self-esteem, a lack of positive recognition by others, a lack of discipline stemming from low self-confidence, or a lack of interest in the activity or belief in its efficacy.
One possible reason for feeling tired, anxious, and weak is having low levels of iron, vitamin D, or B12. Many experts believe that a significant percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D. Having low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness and pain.
If you have no motivation to work, you might be having a hard time staying focused, are feeling particularly exhausted, or are just plain bored. Ways to become more motivated at work include making a list of things you need to do or listening to your favorite music to get you in the right mood.
Other factors contributing to a loss of ambition might include underlying fears, pursuing goals because other people want you to, or experiencing mental health conditions like depression. Believing that you are less ambitious than you have been previously can feel unsettling.
Remember, it is totally normal to feel like you don't want to work. Take a mental health day. TAKE YOUR EARNED PTO. Reassess your career.
Having a lazy day gives your brain a break and your body a chance to recover. It also reduces stress which could help you make more productive in your non-lazy days. It is also an easy way to prevent burnout and being susceptible to chronic diseases.
"If you are feeling lazy all the time, it is important to speak with a mental health professional to explore any underlying psychological causes. Treatment can help you address these issues and regain motivation in your life," concludes Dr Chandni Tugnait.
Laziness can occur periodically and is believed to be more of a mental state, deliberate act or personal choice. Some experts theorize that laziness is a personality trait or character deficit, while others believe laziness is a behavioral sign of an underlying concern.
ADHD can affect motivation. A person may find daily tasks overwhelming and struggle to complete them. This low sense of motivation can feel similar to fatigue, especially if a person feels unable to keep up with their responsibilities.
High stress environments may cause a person to feel drained and lethargic. This may include having a physically or mentally demanding job or stressful living situation. People with depression and anxiety disorders may also experience lethargy .
In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
“An individual with high-functioning anxiety may appear calm on the outside but feel very anxious internally,” explains Dr. Borland. “These individuals may try to mask their symptoms by taking control of the situation.”
Anxiety can be defined as 'a state consisting of psychological and physical symptoms brought about by a sense of apprehension at a perceived threat'. Fear is similar to anxiety, except that with fear the threat is, or is perceived to be, more concrete, present, or imminent.