La`zy (lã`zé) adj.
1, disinclined to exertion, indolent. 2, slow; sluggish; languid.

Sit back and think about how often this defines your personality. If you said five or more times a day, your couch-potato syndrome may be affecting your life in ways you’re not even aware of. Especially with new video games and DVDs coming out daily, sitting in bed all afternoon with a bag of chips and TV remote seems much more appealing than, say, going for a bike ride or jog. Fortunately, however, there is a way to rid yourself of laziness and become energized in just a few easy steps. By the end of the workweek, you’ll be tossing that remote out the window and racing off to Pilates class. (You can thank me later.)

Day 1: Monday

• Wake up at a reasonable hour. If you set your alarm for 9:00 am, have your bed made by 9:05. This will keep you from wanting to go back to sleep, and will get you moving.
• Shower. Yes, it’s simple. But sometimes simplicity is just what you need to get started right, and it answers the question of why your friends were avoiding you. Stinky.
• Eat breakfast. Remember what your mother told you about breakfast being the most important meal of the day? Well, despite what you thought then, those words actually meant something. If you have absolutely no appetite in the morning, or no time to sit for eggs and bacon, grab a piece of fruit or a cereal bar for later.

Tracy Tallman
Living Well Columnist

This column is devoted to delivering info that'll keep you living better, naturally, and healthy.

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• Spend time outside. Sunlight is the best remedy, not only for laziness, but also for many other burdens. Just remember to wear sunscreen during the activities listed below:
- Go to a beach. No, wait, a nude beach
- Skateboard (Or break your arm trying)
- Play Frisbee (Don’t try this one alone)
- Paint your toenails (Ok, this one’s for the girls… I hope.)
- Find a local beach bum to teach you how to surf
- If it’s raining, jump through puddles and embrace your inner child
• Cook dinner. Instead of ordering Chinese takeout, cook something of your own. If you have trouble finding recipes that catch your eye, try http://www.bhg.com/bhg/recipe/. This website has over 10,000 recipes, and each lists the ingredients you will need, total prep and bake time, nutritional facts, and printer-friendly versions.
• Sleep. One of the many reasons people become lazy during the day is because they do not get enough sleep at night. Getting eight hours of sleep every night may sound impossible, but after awhile, becomes necessary to function the next day.

Day 2: Tuesday

• Stick to basic cable. For those of you with cable channels coming out of your ears, call your provider and cancel some of them. The movie channels aren’t necessary, nor are twenty ESPNs.
• Join a gym. Unless, you are already a member; in that case, dust off your Nikes and go work out! If you don’t think you can become motivated alone, grab a partner who is interested in joining as well.
• Watch your favorite TV show. Despite the fact that the purpose of this article is to rid yourself of laziness, it is important to hang on to the things you love (Admit it, The OC.)

Day 3: Wednesday

• Start a to-do list. The most effective way to get the day started right is to write down everything that needs to be done. Start with little tasks, such as folding laundry. At the end of your list, write down your goals for the entire week, not just one day.
• Have lunch with friends. And no, I do not mean the TV show. Plan an afternoon at your favorite restaurant, laughing and gossiping. Sometimes, without even realizing it, a person’s laziness can prevent them from keeping in touch with the people they care about.
• Redecorate. Well, more like, removing. Pack all the DVDs, X Box games, and magazines out of sight, and move the couch away from the TV. This way, temptation will be easier to overcome.

Day 4: Thursday

• Work out. You have the membership, now use it. Choose a class, (Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing) and go to it early in the day. By working your muscles before attempting any other tasks, you are getting your body ready for other energizing activities.
• Clean. A clean house is always the most inviting. Pick up clothes that were left in the laundry room, vacuum, and wash the dishes. Afterwards, invite people over for brunch. They’ll appreciate the nice gesture and the tidy atmosphere.
• Read the paper. Check advertisements in the Entertainment section for up and coming clubs, restaurants, or musical performances.

Day 5: Friday

• Go to a farmer’s market. Instead of shopping at the regular grocery store, stop by your local farmer’s market for fresh fruits, homemade pastries, and organic products, among other things.
• Buy a new outfit. I have found that the best way to really glow when you’re out on the town is to wear a new outfit. Plain black pants and a button-down shirt are guaranteed to make you feel drab, so when you shop, look for a style that will flatter you and make you stand out in a crowd.
• Show off your new attitude. Now that you have turned off the tube, joined the gym, and all those little things in between, you’re prepared to face the world with a fresh appearance. Enjoy!