How Constantly Being Busy Affects Your Well-Being

How Constantly Being Busy Affects Your Well-Being


 

Being busy can be good. It can mean you’re being productive and getting things done. It can also be bad and signify that you’re taking on too many activities and not giving yourself enough breathing room to relax and rest.

Why We Love Busyness

Research indicates that an individual's perceived level of busyness may be heavily connected to their self-worth, as well as how others view their status.1 Individuals who are busy by choice may feel needed, in demand, and important, thus elevating their feelings of self-worth.

Busy vs. Productive

Being busy and being productive can often be confused with one another. If you are busy, you may have a lot on your plate, but this doesn't necessarily mean you are productive, or using your time efficiently. Being productive means being able to complete a task or get something done. You do not need to be busy in order to be productive.

Impact on Emotional Health

When busyness is glorified and encouraged, you may end up overextending yourself with varied obligations, appointments, commitments, and responsibilities. Busyness may lead to feeling:

  • Anxious

  • Stressed

  • Overwhelmed

  • Inadequate

  • Sad

The Cure for Busyness

Everyone will have their own idea of what being too busy means to them. If you feel overworked, overwhelmed, or burned out, it's important to prioritize your health and wellness. Although it may feel difficult to shift your priorities and your time, doing so may lead to increased mental and physical well-being, as well as more connected relationships with your loved ones.

  • Practice mindfulness as a way to connect with yourself, observe your thoughts without judgment, and ground yourself. This can also help interrupt a racing mind if you're feeling overwhelmed.

  • If possible, plan a vacation or staycation for yourself (and don't fill it with activities) so you can recharge.

  • Make it a priority to spend time with your loved ones. Doing so can help you feel connected, loved, and energized.

  • Take small moments every day to appreciate yourself. This may include offering yourself positive affirmations or journaling about one thing you are grateful for everyday.

  • Set boundaries with others and remind yourself that it's okay to say "no." Sacrificing your well-being to overextend yourself can have severe consequences in the long term.

 

While being busy may positively impact your self-esteem, if you are so busy that you are unable to practice self-care, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy your free time, being overbooked can actually have a harmful effect on your overall well-being. Even though it may feel challenging to shift your priorities, disconnecting from work or unnecessary obligations and deliberately resting and taking time for yourself can significantly boost your quality of life.

we need to stop glorifying being busy. We need to stop competing against each other for who is the busiest. Chronic busyness should not be a badge of honor or status symbol. It is a warning sign that things need to change. Now, Start meditating :) Email us!

 

Reference:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-the-glorification-of-busyness-impacts-our-well-being-4175360