Yes, I'm that girl. You know, the one who has to take the elevator up or down one floor because her bag is too heavy, or she's tired, and text you if you are one room away because I don't want to get up. I'm, admittedly, among the laziest of people I know. In my lazy ways, I have learned some especially helpful tips (if you need to go to the bathroom, go), and I've picked up habits that will make life easier for everyone, including the laziest of us. Here's what you should know.
1. Food.
Take out from your local Chinese or pizza place has always been a thing, as well as delivery. But, you always had to pick up the phone, call, and talk to someone -- very awkward. Honestly, if I wanted to talk to someone, I'd go to a restaurant with friends. Apps, and websites like GrubHub, Zifty, Seamless -- and my favorite, Postmates (all available on the App Store, free) have eliminated the talking step to bring you food. Postmates also has a custom ordering feature, so if you want something they don't currently offer, they'll still get it for you. Also, Instacart has upped the game by delivering groceries from Whole Foods, Costco, or Kroger -- you choose. If that doesn't help the lazy, transportationally challenged, or supermarket averse, I don't know what will.
2. Beauty.
Although I'm quite aware of my laziness, I never slack on getting ready to go out -- I always show, do my hair, and put on make up. However, my beauty routines after a night out are much worse, as evidenced by the mascara stains on pillowcases. This is particularly bad, because leaving make up on can lead to premature aging, and I'm not into that. I recently started using Simple Micellar Water Cleanser ($7.99, CVS). You put it on a cotton round and wipe your face makeup off -- no need to rinse! I find it super effective, but when I'm even too lazy for that, I use facial wipes. I like the Burt's Bees ones ($5.99, CVS) and my mom likes the Ponds ones ($3.99, Target), but they all get the job done. For when my hair is ratchet, and I'm over tired or just bored of washing my hair, I use a 2-in-1 (shampoo and conditioner in one bottle). Not as good as using each product separately, but it gets the job done. And I use dry shampoo for when I can't handle the process of washing my hair.
3. Entertainment.
I love my TV and music more than anyone I know. I'm addicted to trashy TV, Netflix, Spotify, etc. But, my number one love is sleep. I can literally fall asleep as I drink an espresso. Impressive, right? I, along with most other people and researchers, don't like flashing lights or loud noises when I sleep. So I set up the timer for my TV and iPhone to shut off after a certain period of inactivity. No sleep or entertainment interruptions. Bonus -- if you are responsible for paying for your electricity, this hack will save you money on electricity and improve your sleep. Win-win.
4. Transportation.
I really hate physical activity and moving, in general. The day I got my driver's license was in my top five best days, ever, because I no longer needed to walk to Starbucks -- I could drive there. Not having a car at school flat out sucked. Then something magical happened. I learned about Uber (and Lyft). I'm not exactly groundbreaking on reporting that Uber is the best thing ever, but it has made life on campus infinitely better. For those who missed the memo, they are ride-sharing apps that are similar to taxis, but there is no cash or negotiating -- it is a preset rate (or surge pricing, depending on demand, but you must acknowledge and agree to it) and credit/debit card only. You can also split with friends who also use the app. Game changer.
5. Money.
Too lazy to go to the ATM? Owe money to friends? No longer a problem with Venmo. Link a credit card, debit card or bank account, and pay friends from the app. It's that simple. Moreover, banks such as Bank of America and Citibank also have apps that once set with your account, you can track your balance in real time, set up transfer and automatic bill pay, etc. No more awkward situations such as liquidity problems.
My expert laziness has given me solutions to some issues and hopefully helped you, too! Get back in bed (with your person), it was really tough reading this article, and you deserve it.
