The Art of Underthinking

In the relentless buzz of our hyperconnected lives, where the ceaseless pinging of notifications and the ever-present glow of screens have become ubiquitous, there exists an ironic disconnection from the self. The constant barrage of information and stimuli not only fragments our attention but also erodes our capacity for deep, sustained focus. It is within this context that the act of disconnecting — of purposefully severing the ties that bind us to the digital world — emerges as a counterintuitive strategy to enhance athletic performance.

In the realm of athletics, where the margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin, the ability to concentrate without distraction is paramount. The cultivation of a focused mind can be likened to the preparation of soil for planting: just as the soil must be cleared of weeds and debris to foster the growth of new seeds, the mind, too, must be weeded of distractions to allow performance to flourish. This process of mental cultivation, of fostering a serene mindscape, can dramatically enhance the athletic endeavor.

Reduction of distractions is the first, most tangible benefit of disconnecting. In the silence left by the absence of ringing phones and buzzing devices, the athlete can hear the more subtle rhythms of their own body: the cadence of their breath, the drumming of their heartbeat, the feedback of muscle and sinew. This internal symphony guides the athlete, allowing for fine-tuning of technique and alignment with the body’s natural rhythms. When the external chatter is silenced, an athlete can move from merely executing a performance to inhabiting it fully.

The quieting of external noise brings with it a reduction in anxiety. The modern world, with its relentless pace and its fetish for multitasking, breeds a low-level, chronic anxiety that is antithetical to the mental clarity needed for peak athletic performance. The act of disconnecting is, in essence, a practice of mindfulness, a return to the present moment that is free from the worries of the past and the uncertainties of the future. In this space of presence, the athlete is free to engage with the task at hand with a singular focus, unencumbered by the weight of anxiety.

The relationship between enjoyment and performance is perhaps less immediately apparent but no less significant. The joy derived from athletic pursuit is often dampened by the distractions and pressures of the outside world. Yet, when one disconnects, the intrinsic pleasure of the activity — the feel of the water against the swimmer’s skin, the rhythmic bounce of the basketball, the harmonious motion of a well-executed swing — is amplified. This enjoyment is not a trivial matter; it is the fuel that sustains the athlete through grueling training sessions and bestows the resilience needed to persist in the face of adversity.

Moreover, enjoyment and performance are not merely parallel benefits of disconnection; they are intertwined. Enjoyment can lead to a state of flow, that elusive zone where an athlete performs with an effortless excellence that seems to transcend the self. Within this state, time distorts, the self recedes, and what remains is the purity of the act itself. The pursuit of athletic excellence, then, is not a labor but a dance, not a struggle but a celebration of the human potential.

The act of disconnection also reconfigures our relationship with technology. Rather than being slaves to our devices, we become their masters, engaging with them on our terms and for our purposes. This recalibration allows for a healthier integration of technology into our lives, one that serves our athletic goals rather than detracts from them. In this way, disconnection is not an outright rejection of the digital world but a strategic retreat that enables us to engage with it more effectively upon our return.

The path to disconnection, however, is not without its challenges. The digital world, with its constant demands and its dopamine-driven feedback loops, exerts a powerful pull. To disconnect in such a world requires discipline and intentionality. It demands of us to recognize the value of solitude, to understand that the space of quiet is where we can listen to the deeper wisdom of our bodies and minds. It asks us to trust that, in the stillness, we will find a more profound connection — to ourselves, to our sport, and to the natural world from which we have become estranged.

In conclusion, the act of disconnecting from the world around us is not an act of escapism but a return to what is essential. It is a recognition that, in the space between stimulus and response, lies our power to choose our focus, to select our path, and to determine the quality of our performance. As athletes and as individuals, our greatest potential is found not in the cacophony of the world but in the quiet spaces we carve out for ourselves. In these spaces, we can discover the joy and the focus that lead to excellence, and perhaps, in the process, reconnect with the very essence of who we are.

Breaking "Lazy"

Author’s Note: At OFFFIELD, we are focused on cannabinoid research and developing products formulated for exercise and recovery. Cannabis is a broad term encompassing thousands of products and substances that can be healthy, unhealthy, or anything in between. We share these new findings regarding cannabis because it is important to highlight the propaganda and false information shared with the general public, which creates a stigma around a plant that has the potential to help people when used responsibly by both companies and individuals.

Introduction

For generations, the “lazy stoner” trope has dominated pop culture. We’ve all seen the caricature: a cannabis consumer glued to the couch, never quite making it outside for a run or even a brisk walk. Yet a growing body of research is challenging this outdated image, both through anatomical understanding and statistical significance. Most recently, a federally funded study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that on days people used cannabis, they actually got more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). That’s a revelation for anyone who assumed cannabis consumption went hand-in-hand with total inactivity.

Conducted by a team of ten researchers from universities across the U.S.—including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, the University of Texas School of Public Health, the University of Michigan, Texas A&M-Commerce, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Colorado Boulder—the study analyzed the daily behaviors of 98 adults over a four-week period. Here’s how it worked: Each participant, who had used cannabis at least once during that month, completed smartphone-based surveys about their day-to-day physical activity. The data revealed a same-day association between cannabis use and increased time spent engaging in exercise—findings that fly in the face of lingering stereotypes about cannabis users being inherently lazy.

How the Study Worked

Participants & Data Collection

For inclusion in the study, participants had to be at least 18 years old and must have used cannabis on at least one day out of the 28-day tracking period. By focusing on people who already incorporate cannabis into their lifestyles, the researchers were able to observe how usage correlated with other behaviors within the same individuals. This approach reduces the possibility that preexisting lifestyle differences between cannabis users and non-users would skew the results.

The team employed a method called Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), which uses smartphone-based surveys to collect data in near real-time. Instead of asking participants to remember their habits for the entire past month, the study pinged them on a daily basis, capturing more accurate, detailed snapshots of their behavior. Participants were asked:

Whether they had used cannabis in the previous 24 hours.

How many minutes of vigorous physical activity they had engaged in during that same period.

By comparing data from days when participants reported using cannabis to days they did not, the study was able to isolate a same-day correlation between cannabis consumption and changes in exercise levels.

Busting the “Lazy Stoner” Myth

Positive Association with Exercise

The headline takeaway is straightforward: cannabis use was linked with higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. When participants consumed marijuana, they also recorded more minutes spent on activities like running, aerobics, or other forms of intense exercise. This complements research showing that certain cannabis consumers—far from being sedentary—often exhibit equal or higher activity levels than their non-using counterparts.

The authors wrote that their findings “aligned with our hypothesis and prior cross-sectional observations that people who use cannabis (vs. non-users) tend to report more minutes of weekly [physical activity, or PA] and have higher accelerometer-measured light PA and MVPA.” Put simply, these results reinforce the emerging scientific consensus that cannabis consumers can be just as active—and in some cases more active—than the general population.

Potential Reasons Behind the Trend

While the study didn’t strive to prove precisely why cannabis users might exercise more, it highlights a few theoretical mechanisms. For one, cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems, potentially increasing the sense of psychological reward from activities like running or weightlifting. Users often report that cannabis can:

Increase Enjoyment – A tough workout might feel more pleasurable, helping people push through routines they might otherwise avoid.

Enhance Motivation – The elevated mood and focus some strains provide could help users stay consistent with their exercise goals.

Facilitate Recovery – Many athletes cite cannabis as a tool for easing soreness, reducing inflammation, or simply promoting relaxation after a strenuous session.

These mechanisms remain theoretical, and more targeted studies are needed to confirm them. Still, they offer plausible explanations for why an individual might lace up their sneakers more readily on cannabis-use days.

Supporting Evidence from Other Research

This new study isn’t the only piece of evidence upending the lazy stoner myth. Multiple papers over the past few years have shown similar links between cannabis use and physical activity:

Medical Cannabis and Chronic Conditions
Research on medical marijuana patients with conditions like arthritis or chronic pain suggests that cannabis can reduce discomfort, enabling them to move or exercise more frequently.

Population Surveys
Large-scale surveys in regions with legal medical or recreational cannabis often reveal populations that are at least as active—if not more active—than those in jurisdictions where cannabis remains prohibited.

Accelerometer Data
Wrist-worn accelerometers, used in certain studies, show that cannabis users do not necessarily become more sedentary. In fact, some data indicate a modest increase in light or moderate physical activity after consumption.

These findings collectively challenge long-standing views on cannabis, demonstrating that its impact can vary widely, often shaped by individual physiology and context.

A Note on Alcohol and Cigarettes

While this study’s standout message is that cannabis was linked to more exercise, it also found that participants who used cannabis on a given day tended to use alcohol or cigarettes more often. From an OFFFIELD perspective—where the focus is on movement, wellness, and community—this aspect is less central to our mission. However, if you or someone you know suffers from alcohol or tobacco addiction, it may be worthwhile to consult the full study or seek professional guidance to understand how these factors might intersect.

What’s Next: The Future of Cannabis and Exercise Research

As legalization expands, researchers have more opportunities to examine cannabis’s broader impacts. With stigma receding, participants are more open to discussing their use, leading to deeper insights on how cannabis might complement daily movement and fitness.

Detailed Comparisons
Future work could compare active cannabis users to people who never consume cannabis, determining whether adopting cannabis can spur a more active lifestyle or if those who are already active simply gravitate toward it.

Refining Dose and Strain
Researchers could look at which strains or THC/CBD ratios are most conducive to movement or recovery. Pinpointing these details might help people make more informed decisions about integrating cannabis into their exercise routines.

Technological Integration
With wearable tech becoming the norm, studies can leverage real-time biometrics to examine how cannabis influences performance, recovery time, and sleep quality.

Long-Term Outcomes
Does day-to-day motivation translate into tangible health benefits over months or years? Investigating the cumulative effects of cannabis on fitness and wellness is a crucial next step.

Conclusion

The takeaway is clear: cannabis use and an active lifestyle can absolutely go hand in hand. This new research delivers a powerful message that cannabis consumers are not necessarily chained to their couches. Instead, many are hitting the gym, tackling trails, and upending the myth that a puff of smoke equals a day of inactivity.

For those curious about exploring cannabis as part of their fitness journey, the best approach is to stay informed, start low and slow, and pay attention to personal responses. As research accelerates, the old stereotypes are fading, replaced by a more nuanced understanding of how cannabis can intersect with (and sometimes enhance) a healthy, active life.

Tracking Your Enjoyment

A study titled “Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency” emphasizes the critical role of exercise enjoyment in promoting long-term adherence to fitness routines. It found that when individuals engage in exercise that aligns with their preferred intensity, they experience higher levels of enjoyment, leading to stronger exercise habits, more frequent workouts, and a greater intention to continue exercising.

Enjoyment acts as a motivating factor, reinforcing positive feelings and commitment to regular exercise. Tailoring workouts to match individual preferences for intensity can enhance the pleasure of exercise, ultimately fostering better engagement and sustainability in health club settings.

Another study found that cannabis may be a primary motivator for people to exercise more often because it elevates their enjoyment. This is a key factor for OFFFIELD, as we are endurance athletes in every sense of the word. We’re not just focused on getting to the finish line quicker in our next marathon, but also getting to the finish line way slower when it comes to life.

All of our products are formulated to activate your Endocannabinoid System, responsible for regulating mood during exercise. Our High Performance line of products, including Energy Gummies and Sports Drinks specifically focus on enjoyment as a key contributor to overall performance enhancement.

The Bliss Molecule

Have you ever heard of a molecule, Anandamide? It's a special chemical in your body known as the “bliss molecule,” that helps you feel happy and relaxed.

When you run or do lots of exercise, sometimes you get a great feeling afterward or during longer duration training. This is called the Runner's High (you may have noticed we’re obsessed with it). Scientists used to think this was only because of endorphins, which are like natural painkillers. But now they know anandamide, a cannabinoid we produce in our body, is also the primary reason for the effects in both mind and body.

Anandamide works by fitting into receptors throughout your body, kind of like a key fitting into a lock. When this happens, it makes you feel good… real good. Funny enough, these receptors are the same ones that react to the chemicals in cannabis, or phyto-cannabinoids. Although similar, Anandamide is created by your own body.

So next time you're out running and start to feel amazing, you can thank anandamide. And if you want to hit it a little earlier, you can try our products designed to mimic our best buddy Anandamide. You don’t have to thank us, but we do accept compliments.