Do you also find yourself being too swamped with work? Are you never in a position to catch up on your to-do list or shell some time out for your loved ones? Often, being busy can be overwhelming and nerve-racking. You have a gigantic to-do list with your packed schedule, and so little time to achieve it all. It could be exhausting and could take a toll on your physical and mental health.
But just so you, being ridiculously busy is a personal choice. It is self-imposed and absolutely superfluous. In fact, working fewer hours with more focus and clarity can have a greater impact than unorganized, endless “doing” that doesn’t get you anywhere at all. So why are people constantly busy? Why do they allow room for stress, pain, and frustration? Here are some possible reasons why people have become addicted to being busy.
Common Signs of Busy Disease
Here the common signs which reflects that you are suffering from Busy Disease
1. You’re afraid to say no
We often tend to be busy even when we are not supposed to because we can’t say no. It’s a natural human tendency to want to please people because acceptance is perceived as a tool for survival.
Do not be afraid to say no if unimportant activities take too much time out of your day. Many people think that saying no to a requested task will make them appear as though they are not efficient and hardworking. Thus your inclination is to avoid doing so.
If you’re concerned about your boss falling down hard on you for some reason, consider explaining how much time you’ll need. Well, not every boss is as good as Michael Scott from ‘the office’, but there’s a high possibility that they would understand your situation and give you leverage. Or at least, provide you extra support.
2. You feel guilty of not doing any work
Because of the importance that our culture puts on success and efficiency, we experience pressure to do tasks continuously. It has become an overhyped norm that the more you work, the more you are valued.
Any people fear like if they’re comfortable and don’t do it, the implication will be that they’re slacking or not doing enough.
Combined with fear of insecurity, this habit drives people to spend hours on their job and renders them constantly busy. And if they are not involved in any kind of work, they may feel negative emotions like guilt, embarrassment, anxiety.
3. You tend to compare yourself with others
You continuously equate yourself to other people, as though it determines your worth. You secretly become jealous of your friends, because they are doing “better” than you.
You’ll quickly want to withhold information from others to make matters worse. You tend to feel like life is one huge fight. If there’s no reason to do so, you feel threatened. Your ego is so strong you are willing to gamble it all to succeed.
Well, think it over again. This way of thinking causes routine stress that comes with the pressure from situations of daily life, such as work and family obligations. Stop equating yourself with others and just focus on how you can be your best self.
4. You are trying to escape your negative emotions
Occupying your entire time with tasks can also be a way to avoid difficult problems in your life, such as family issues, financial problems, stress in personal relationships, etc.
Therefore, we succumb to our work and become constantly busy in order to avoid unpleasant negative emotions. Research suggests that when you are depressed, anxious, sad, lonely, or in pain; you tend to divert your attention by being constantly busy.
Busy Disease5. It is a moment of pride for you
Busyness has become the new modern-day status symbol. We live in a society where hard work and success are valued, and being busy all the time will make you feel like you’re competing in life and can improve your sense of social standing.
Some people promote themselves as being constantly busy because they believe that this would enhance their social position and others would have immense respect for them.
Trying to be at our peak all the time generates feelings of pride and high self-esteem which may render you addicted to being busy.
6. You think relaxing is bad
Many people who are used to being busy all the time are terrible at relaxing as they tend to feel nervous and ashamed of being unproductive. If you are being overbusy and using a jammed schedule to escape issues or feelings; it’s time to take proper care of yourself.
When you notice that you’re not busy and you’re worried, know that filling up your schedule will only put off the inevitable and render you exhausted the next day.
Busyness and overcommitment can not be fixed by one mode of busyness being substituted by another. Slowing down means that you need to let go off all the pressure and strain, and unwind a bit. Relaxing for a while would not only be good for your physical and mental health but would also boost your productivity.
If you think that your busy schedule is taking a toll on you, then it’s time that you should take some time off and give yourself the much-needed break.
7. You constantly check the time when you are with your loved ones
The time that you spend with your loved ones ought to be precious and fulfilling. But if you are still thinking about your next meeting when you are with them, then it is the worst thing you can do to them.
If you can’t spend time in your life with the most important people without constantly checking your watch, then it’s a clear sign of being addicted to being busy.
8. You go to sleep exhausted and wake up exhausted
You are supposed to recover and recuperate from your sleep. But if you can’t sleep at night and are constantly thinking about your work schedule the next morning, then you are definitely addicted to being busy.
Fatigue in the morning is one of the surest indicators that you are overworked, exaggerated, and overworked. The sense of intense exhaustion upon waking up indicates that during the night you did not rest well. You may have gone to bed early and shut your eyes, but your busy mind will not shut.
Also read: 3 Tips For A Busy Woman Trying To Find Time For Therapy
