World Lazy Day observed annually on August 10, with roots in a Colombian town

BASRA, Iraq — World Lazy Day is marked every year on August 10 as an occasion to step away from the pressures of work and daily routines. The observance traces back to 1984, when Colombian Carlos Mario Montoya proposed a rest day against the pace of work at an industrial and cultural festival in the city of Itagüí. The idea quickly turned into a visible local event, with residents carrying their beds and hammocks into the streets and lying outside in their pajamas. The day is observed in different forms around the world, with common practices including turning off phone notifications, staying away from work messages, sleeping for extended periods, or relying on ready-made meals. Specialists say the first step in managing a feeling of laziness is understanding what causes it, and they also recommend adequate rest, realistic goals, regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Some scientific assessments argue that temporarily stepping back from constant thinking and daily tasks can give the mind room to develop new solutions. No formal international organizer oversees the day, and observance varies widely by country and community.