Being busy all the time is often seen as an admirable achievement, especially in the United States. We see busy people as productive high-achievers who always help out and get things accomplished. I personally have always been amazed by this. I’ve never been able to take on too many projects (or social events) at once because I would get overwhelmed easily. To be honest, I was kind of jealous. But as I got older, I realized it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
Why is busyness glorified?
We live in a very fast-paced culture. With a click of a button on social media, we see many high-profile and wealthy people going from one event to the next, all while tending to their kids when they get home from work. We sympathize with people on Facebook who talk about their latest social event and how “crazy busy” they are. We laugh along with funny memes they post about needing an extra shot of Espresso or a vacation.
There is a lot of pressure people put on themselves to do it all. We connect busyness with self-worth and social status. People want to feel needed and important. They want others to be able to count on them. Maybe they feel more in control when they take on a whole project by themselves without any help. They might attend endless social or community events in hopes of getting others' approval and showing they’re doing their part. The problem is that many people push themselves too hard, which leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. Sometimes they’ll get so overwhelmed with their daily tasks that they end up completing only half of them and give up. Then the guilt comes in, and the next day they work non-stop until late into the night. They might get irritable with other people. Chronic stress can also lead to health issues.
How can you still get enough done if you're not as busy?
Replace the word “busy” with “productive.” There is a difference! Busyness relates to constant movement, but not necessarily getting a lot accomplished. What if, instead of tackling a big project all at once, you break it up into smaller steps? Can something wait until the next day? Work, rest, and then feel refreshed and better able to concentrate on the next task at hand. Your self-confidence will go up as a result, further increasing your ability to do a good job. It’s also vital to set boundaries and learn how to say “no” sometimes. You don’t have to attend every social or community event. Prioritize and don’t put so much pressure on yourself.
Self-Care
The most important thing of all, in my opinion, is to regularly practice self-care. Even for five minutes at a time, just do something to relax and take care of yourself. When you get home from work, spend a few minutes reading or sitting out on the porch. Go for a relaxing walk in nature, do some journaling, take a bath, or take a nap. Do what feels good for you. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health.
Slow down and enjoy the little things in life we often take for granted, such as baking with your kids or going on a bike ride with friends. You won't get those moments back. Learn a new skill, find a hobby, or start a book club. Spend more time in nature and less time on your phone or electronic devices. Practice mindfulness or meditation. Appreciate life's natural wonders.
The bottom line is work, rest, and refresh. Slow down, work smart, get more accomplished, and enjoy the little things while you still can. Spend time with those you love and who you connect with. Be mindful and enjoy life, one moment at a time.
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