Laiskums

Laiskums, or laziness in Latvian, is the tendency to avoid effort and engage in minimal activity despite having the capacity to act. It can be a temporary feeling or a more persistent pattern. It is distinct from fatigue or illness, though these conditions can contribute to reduced activity. Procrastination is often related but describes delaying tasks; laiskums is a broader tendency toward inactivity and avoidance.

Causes can be intrinsic, such as low motivation, poor habit formation, reward structures that devalue effort, or executive function challenges; and extrinsic, including fatigue, poor sleep, high workload, or unsupportive environments. Cultural factors and personal values about productivity can shape how laiskums is experienced and judged.

Effects include lower academic or work performance, reduced goal attainment, strain in relationships, and potential negative mood. Chronic laiskums can coincide with or exacerbate mental health issues like depression or anxiety, though it is not itself a diagnosis.

Management strategies focus on behavior change and environmental design: setting specific, attainable goals; breaking tasks into small steps; using reminders and accountability; creating cues and reducing friction for action; ensuring adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutrition; and addressing underlying mental health concerns when present. Cognitive-behavioral approaches can help reframe avoidance and build self-regulation.

In Latvian discourse, laiskums is a commonly understood concept and is discussed in contexts ranging from personal self-improvement to debates about work ethic and productivity.