Becoming ‘Unbusy’
We live in a society that tends to make us feel like we have to compete constantly. Whether it is against others or even ourselves, it sometimes feels like putting forth our best effort is never good enough. We do everything we possibly can in a day, and still, we beat ourselves up because we could have done more.
Being brought up in a culture of busyness means that you can basically get out of anything by saying, “Sorry, I’m busy” — and, right away, the other person will understand. They even empathize, because we’ve all learned somewhere along the way that it’s normal to be busy - that it’s okay to be busy. But can’t it also be okay not to be?
The short answer is yes. But busyness is a culture and a mindset that can take some time to defeat and redevelop. Here are five reasons why you should become unbusy:
1. Being busy takes a toll on your health
When you prioritize adding more to your plate over your health, it can contribute to symptoms like stress and fatigue. The stress alone can cause everything from headaches to digestive issues and compromise your immune system.
Eventually, being too busy, or busy too often, can lead to burnout. Burnout is serious and more than mere exhaustion. Increased stress levels and fatigue can contribute to or worsen mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and substance use.
You can become unbusy and prioritize your health and wellness by getting regular sleep, exercising, and practicing self-care.
2. Being busy enables you to avoid things
Regularly having too much to do makes it easy to avoid our problems. The problem with excuses and avoidance is that our issues don’t just dissipate; instead, they seep and spread into other areas of our lives.
It is important for you to address things that are bothering you, but these things will never garner the attention they need from you if you stay busy. When it comes to your mental health, being proactive often means being less productive.
3. Being busy keeps you from being present
While it may be easier said than done, being present is essential to greater levels of happiness. Presence allows you to enjoy any given moment fully and notice everything it offers. Also, when you are more present and engaged with what you see or feel, you are less likely to become pulled away by worries or anxious thoughts. Being busy pulls you away from the moments, but the moments are what make up your life.
4. Being busy gives you less time and space to think
Having time to think or reflect on your experiences is necessary for your personal development. If you want to accomplish certain things in life, you must take some time to dream and remember your “whys.” When you become too busy to remember what drives you, whatever fuel that’s keeping you going may begin to run low.
5. Being busy obstructs your boundaries
When you’re too busy in life, it is possible for the things you enjoy to begin to feel like burdens or obligations, even things like friends or hobbies. And when it comes to work or technology, some of us aren’t the best at knowing when to shut it down - literally.
When you are unbusy, it is easier to stick to your boundaries. And when you have boundaries, it is easier to stay unbusy. This is the kind of healthy cycle you should try to maintain — a cycle that makes you feel in control rather than overwhelmed.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
