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title: Slacker’s Guide to Productivity: 6 Ways to Goof Off and Get More Done
description: I’ve posted about how people at the top of their field are relentlessly productive. But you can’t sprint for miles. There’s plenty of research showing...
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author: Eric Barker
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article:published_time: 2014-05-05T14:21:53.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T08:54:02.473Z
article:section: Ideas
og:title: Slacker’s Guide to Productivity: 6 Ways to Goof Off and Get More Done
og:description: I’ve posted about how people at the top of their field are relentlessly productive. But you can’t sprint for miles. There’s plenty of research showing...
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# Slacker’s Guide to Productivity: 6 Ways to Goof Off and Get More Done

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by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 5, 2014 2:21 PM UTC

by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 5, 2014 2:21 PM UTC

I’ve posted about how people at the top of their field are [relentlessly productive](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/05/genius-work-habits/).

But you can’t sprint for miles. **There’s plenty of research showing that being a touch lazy might be beneficial at times.**

**Here are six research-backed ways to get more done in less time by taking it easy.**

## 1) Work Less

**Working too hard for too long makes you less productive.**

Yes, pulling 60-hour weeks is impressive.

But pull them for more than 2 months and you accomplish less than if you had only been working 40-hour weeks.

Via [Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMKOO6S/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BMKOO6S&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

(The best system for time management is [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/time-management-skills/).)

## 2) Go Home

**If you’re doing creative work, research says you’ll be more productive at home** [**than in the office**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/where-is-the-best-place-to-get-creative-work/)**:**

(More on what boosts creativity [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/08/creative-thinking-exercises/).)

## 3) Take A Nap

**Naps rejuvenate you and increase learning.** Some of the most successful people of all time were dedicated nappers.

Via Daniel Coyle’s [The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034553025X/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=034553025X&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

What you can learn about good sleep from astronauts is [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/sleep-astronauts/).

## 4) Procrastinate

**Yes, that’s right,** [**procrastination can be a** **_good_** **thing**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/02/procrastination-productive/)**.**

Dr. John Perry, author of [The Art of Procrastination](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761171673/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0761171673&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20), explains a good method for leveraging your laziness:

A similar tip is described by Piers Steel, author of [The Procrastination Equation](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CDTQ1O/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CDTQ1O&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

Dr. Steel says it’s based on sound principles of behavioral psychology:

(Here’s more on “[positive procrastination](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/chronic-procrastination/).”)

## 5) Go On Vacation

**For up to a month after a vacation you’re** [**more productive at work**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2010/07/how-long-do-you-benefit-from-a-vacation-what/)**:**


(Here’s how to [improve your vacations](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/12/are-there-easy-ways-to-improve-your-next-vaca/).)

## 6) Hang Out With Friends

Easily distracted? **Having friends around can make you more productive, even if they’re not helping you.**

Via [Friendfluence: The Surprising Ways Friends Make Us Who We Are](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307946959/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307946959&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

**Join 45K+ readers.** Get a free weekly update via email [here](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD).

Related posts:

[Productivity Ninja: 5 Powerful Tips For Getting More Stuff Done](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/productivity-ninja/)

[Stay Focused: 5 Ways To Increase Your Attention Span](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/stay-focused/)

[Work Smarter Not Harder: 17 Great Tips](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/08/work-smarter-not-harder/)

_This piece originally appeared on_[_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/)_._

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