It can feel good lounging around and doing nothing...sometimes too good!
Whether it's to avoid work or escape physical activity, we've all had those days.
But why are some people way lazier than others?
Is there a 'couch-potato gene' that causes lazy behaviour?
Evolution has molded our brains and bodies to respond positively to natural rewards such
as food, sex and even exercise.
Wait - exercise??
Yup, the pleasure we experience comes largely from the dopamine system in our brain, which
conveys these messages throughout the body, ultimately helping to ensure the survival
of our species.
For many, the pleasure derived from exercise can become just as addictive as food and sex.
But while we're all up for more food and sex, many struggle with the desire for physical
activity, even though it's an essential part of human biology.
Scientists studying mice have found an interesting genetic connection.
After separating mice into two groups - those that chose to run on their wheel more often,
and those that decided not to run as much - the difference was clear in their offspring.
After 10 generations, the running mice would run on their wheels 75% more often than the
other group, and by 16 generations they were running 7 miles a day as opposed to the average
4 miles.
It seemed their motivation for physical activity was genetic.
We all inherit genes from our parents that play a key role in the development of our
brains, and these genes can make some people literally crave activity.
In fact, the brains of the running mice had larger dopamine systems and regions that deal
with motivation and reward.
They needed activity, otherwise their brains would react similar to drug addicted rodents
when deprived of cocaine or nicotine.
They were genetically addicted to running.
We also inherit genes responsible for our other traits - from impulsivity, to procrastination
to work ethic and straight up laziness.
And it turns out our physical laziness may be linked to a couch potato gene - or rather,
a mutation in a normal gene which regulates activity levels.
This gene is responsible for a type of dopamine receptor - without it, you're more likely
to prefer sitting around, and simply doing less than those who have the properly functioning
gene.
So the truth is, your desire for activity may not be entirely up to you.
But many environmental factors are also at play, which means you aren't doomed to a life
of laziness.
Although making a change will be harder for some, knowledge is power.
So if you think you are genetically lazy, get off the couch and fight your DNA.
Your brain will reward you in the end.
Need some help to get there?
Check out our past videos on the Science of Productivity which might help you improve
your motivation and fight that laziness!
And if you'd like to learn more about the amazing science behind extraordinary athletic
performance, check out one of our favourite books "The Sports Gene" by David Epstein which
was a major source for this episode.
It's a great read and you get a copy of it using the link in the description below!
And subscribe for more weekly science videos!