3 ‘Lazy’ Habits That Actually Signal Intelligence, By A Psychologist

Three common 'lazy' behaviors—avoiding unnecessary effort, sleeping more, and letting things slide—can reflect cognitive or emotional efficiency rather than poor motivation.

A 2009 review describes the neural efficiency hypothesis, which links higher intelligence to lower brain activation on tasks.

A 2015 study tied longer sleep spindle activity during naps to higher fluid intelligence, and a 2025 study connected emotional intelligence to psychological detachment.

The article argues that automating tasks and protecting sleep are deliberate strategies that support long-term performance.