Road rage, office rage, and even relationship rage are familiar to us. But now idleness rage has emerged. Frequently I hear people who complain about the idleness of young people.(1)____ Often their complaints reach a feverish pitch. What's behind this rage?
Some people fear we're spawning a lazy generation. But there is more likely that (2)____
our fast-pace culture blinds us to the need to slow down. (3)____
Recent studies have revealed that North Americans take significant less vacation time than people in European countries.(4)____The same studies indicate that people have a hard time leaving work when they go away.(5)____ It seems there's always another e-mail to check in or a telephone call to make.(6)____ This has consequences for family life. And it points to a deep fear. We'll be punished if we stop working. The art of doing nothing could seem peculiar to some. But in our wired world it's easy to slow down Sometimes it takes mental discipline to be idle.(7)____ Multitasking and instant communication have given us many benefits. (8)____ And they also produce frazzled nerves, sleep problems, strained relationships, irritability, and drug independencies. (9)____ That's why it's important for people to rejuvenate themselves by slowing down.
If we value healthy living, creativity, and peace of mind, we should recognize the need to be idle. (10)____By doing such, we may discoverthe benefits of simply watching a sunset.