When Busy Becomes Bad: Why Being On the Go Can Be Bad For Your Mental Health
Is there ever a time when being busy becomes bad? When you run into a friend on the street or in Walmart—after your initial pleasantries—what’s the primary topic of conversation? You guessed it. How busy you both are. We live in a culture that prioritizes and celebrates how busy we are. When asked how we are doing, it's a virtue to answer with how pressed for time we are. It’s like being bored or having nothing to do means we’re lazy, unproductive, and inefficient. Yet the reality is that many of us live in a constant state of hurry, and we don’t know why or what harmful effects it has on us. Or perhaps you know it’s affecting your mental health and perhaps even the mental health of loved ones, but you can seem to break the cycle. But take heart, there’s good news. There’s a way out.
The Cult of Busy
Being busy has become a status symbol. We wear our packed schedules like badges of honor, flaunting our ability to juggle work, family, and social commitments. But what if this constant state of busyness is actually detrimental to our well-being?
However, the longer you live at the mercy of your schedule and in the tyranny of the urgent, the more you need to focus on yourself to achieve good mental health. We need to take care of ourselves—to essentially love ourselves. We need to really know ourselves, have compassion for ourselves, not be so hard on ourselves, and know precisely when to say no.
The Illusion of Self-Worth
Why do we love staying busy? Research suggests that our perceived level of busyness is closely tied to our feelings of self-worth. When we're always on the go, we feel needed, important, and in demand. In a culture where material possessions no longer define status, being busy at work or having a lack of leisure time is seen as a sign of high social standing.
But there's a darker side to this obsession with busyness. Some people use it as a shield—a way to avoid confronting deeper emotional issues. By staying perpetually busy, they drown out uncomfortable feelings lurking beneath the surface.
Busy vs. Productive
Being busy and being productive are not the same. Busy refers to how we spend our time, while productivity is about what we accomplish. We don't need to be busy to be productive. In fact, true productivity often involves deliberate rest and self-care. Being productive involves being intentional about what we prioritize and focusing on tasks that are most important to us. When we are busy, we often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and unable to complete tasks. Taking time off and taking care of ourselves can help us to be productive because it allows us to be more focused and intentional with our work.
For instance, taking a walk outdoors or spending a few minutes meditating can help us gain clarity on our goals, allowing us to prioritize tasks more effectively. You might not be busy, but you are certainly being productive.
Being productive over busy also means knowing when to say no. You might have yourself believing that “no” is a selfish word—we believe the act of giving yourself is a more noble task, and in some cases, that is true. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be at your best for other people. Knowing yourself well enough to prevent over-commitment, create boundaries, and find what recharges and fills you is non-negotiable and might be the most productive thing you can do.
The Emotional Toll
The consequences of chronic busyness can be profound and take an often unexpected emotional toll on our mental health.
Anxiety and Depression: Overextending ourselves with obligations and commitments can lead to increased stress and overwhelm. Feeling inadequate or incompetent due to unmet tasks can trigger anxiety and depression.
Guilt and Frustration: When we can't fulfill our obligations, guilt sets in. We feel like we've let ourselves or others down. Frustration and anger follow suit.
Loneliness and Hopelessness: A relentless schedule leaves little time for meaningful connections. Loneliness creeps in, and hopelessness settles over us.
The Mental Health Domino Effect
When busyness becomes chronic, it can pave the way for more serious mental health disorders. Anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders may emerge. Even medication adherence can suffer, especially among older adults.
Taking better care of ourselves is a critical yet straightforward way to lower your stress, reduce your risk for illness, increase your energy, and give you better mental health. Having a better understanding and awareness of yourself, setting boundaries by saying no, and showing yourself the same grace and compassion you show others are key to truly being happy and healthy.
Reclaiming Balance
It's time to rethink our relationship with busyness. Here's how:
Prioritize Self-Care: Deliberately disconnect from work and unnecessary obligations. Make time for activities that recharge you—whether it's reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no. It's okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks. Protect your mental and emotional well-being.
Embrace Leisure: Leisure isn't a luxury; it's essential. Schedule downtime, engage in hobbies, and cherish moments with loved ones.
Being busy doesn't equate to a fulfilling life. Let's shift our focus from busyness to well-being. Remember, it's okay to slow down, breathe, and savor life's simple pleasures. Your mental health deserves it.
