Say Goodbye To Excess Busyness

Trying to squeeze too many activities into too few hours can leave you drained and overwhelmed. Sometimes we have no choice – *hit happens and schedules take on a life of their own.  Just ask a teacher nearing the end of a school year!?!

What I want to talk about today though is when we, for various reasons, create “busy”.

Yes, people do this and it’s usually unconscious, out of habit or need, or done because they’re seeking validation on some level.

Here’s a few scenarios: 

You brag (a little) about how busy you are because it secretly makes you feel important and successful.

You attend events, join groups, volunteer, accept every invitation, because of FOMO. (fear of missing out)

Your child attends every party, is involved in clubs and groups, volunteers, competes in multiple school events or sports and takes all advanced classes… because of your FOMO.

You’re under financial and family pressures that outstrip your resources.

Whatever the reason, there’s an epidemic of excessive busyness among modern adults that leaves us feeling rushed, discontent, and short on time.

Try these major and minor solutions for managing your time and becoming more productive.  You’ll feel a whole lot better about yourself, too.

Big Solutions to Excessive Busyness

1. Turn off your phone. Being connected all day long obviously plays a big role in feeling overwhelmed. Switch off your devices at least two hours before you go to bed. Try spending a day away from social media.  Try walking your dog with your phone turned off.  It amazes me to see how many people almost walk into mailboxes because their walking their dog while looking at their phone!?!  The world is a much bigger screen.  Enjoy what’s playing all around you!
2. Live mindfully. Engage fully with whatever you’re doing. Focus on one task at a time. You’ll reduce stress and enhance the quality of your work.  Try looking at people when they’re talking to you.  Again put your phone down when you’re engaged in conversation.  I’ve been challenging myself with this one!
3. Choose your priorities.  Devote your time to the activities that matter to you. Using your time wisely makes your life more fun and meaningful.
4. Establish routines. Do you spend as much time coordinating your work as actually performing it? A systematic approach turns frequent chores into automatic habits. Do your grocery shopping on Tuesdays and Fridays. Check your email and return phone calls before lunch and dinner.  There are tons of organizational tools available.  Find what works for you and your family.
5. Collaborate with others. We can accomplish more as a team. Focus on your strengths and try to outsource or eliminate any remaining tasks.  Your family is a team as well.  Ask your children or spouse for help.  Be specific and assign age-appropriate chores.  Rest assured that your children will be fine (if not better) contributing to the well-being of the family as well as not being so over-committed.
6. Sleep more. Resist the temptation to sacrifice sleep in order to get more done. Adequate rest makes you more effective. If you’re having trouble keeping your eyes open, go to bed a little earlier than usual.  And if you’re having trouble getting quality sleep, do a little research.  There are some amazing aromatherapy oils and gentle supplements that work wonders.  When you sleep better, you perform better in all areas of life.
7. Edit less. Let go of the past. Proof an email once and send it. If your kids eat and wear clean clothes to school each day, you may not need to analyze your housekeeping any further.  The bottom line with this one is to let go of always having to look or be perfect.  Especially if you’re doing something just to please others.  People care way less than you’d think because everyone is wrapped up in their own lives.  And those that do care, will love you no matter what.
8. Count up your free time. Discovering more free time is like finding money in the pocket of a jacket that’s been hanging in your closet for months. Count the hours you have outside of work, commuting, and sleeping. Decide how to use them before external demands swallow them up.

Tiny Solutions to Excessive Busyness

1. Brew real coffee. The coffee break is being replaced by instant powder packets you pour into boiling water. Sit down and share a real cup of coffee (or tea) with a friend.
2. Leave the office first. If you’re spending more time with the nighttime cleaning crew than with your family, see what it’s like to be the first one out the door. Let your coworkers know in advance if it will smooth your departure.
3. Check your hair. Have you picked up some of the colorful expressions for being busy, like you’re slammed or your hair is on fire? Moderating your language is the first step to dialing down the tension.  Literally, your nervous system will relax and you will find that you are kinder and more patient.
4. Quit competing. Sometimes it sounds like we’re trying to top each other when it comes to having a full plate. If someone starts talking about putting out fires, try sympathizing and changing the subject to something more constructive.
5. Stand still. Action bias is an innate force that makes us want to take action even if it’s counterproductive. It’s that feeling of, I have to do something, ready or not.  Give yourself permission to stop and ponder your options.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and inundated with responsibilities and obligations, it’s time to create more balance in your life.

Ask yourself:  What am I getting out of staying so busy?  How can I create more space for mental clarity, self reflection and mundane tasks?  Explore your beliefs, rules, and expectations and decide to let some of it go.

You’ll soon find that less activity is way more fulfilling.