My friend, Kelly, posted this article from the New York Times last summer on Facebook this week and it really resonated with me. The ‘Busy’ Trap (by Tim Kreider) tackles the frantic pace of people today and the (self imposted) angst and guilt that hits us when we are “not busy.” The author reminds us that this is largely self inflicted. He says:
“Notice it isn’t generally people pulling back-to-back shifts in the I.C.U. or commuting by bus to three minimum-wage jobs who tell you how busy they are; what those people are is not busy but tired. Exhausted. Dead on their feet. It’s almost always people whose lamented busyness is purely self-imposed: work and obligations they’ve taken on voluntarily, classes and activities they’ve “encouraged” their kids to participate in.”
Between working full time, this blog, running/exercise, volunteering, seeing my husband, family and friends, I have become overcommitted and stressed out. And yes, it is totally my fault. I am not doing it to make ends meet, but to “do it all”. Even trying to stay healthy feels stressful to me at the moment. It is ironic that sleep is the first thing to go and lack of sleep is linked to so many concomitant health issues (I have a whole post on that in the works, too.)
The author of the Times’ post, goes on to suggest that he is the “laziest ambitious person he knows” and to discuss the trade-offs that he makes (time over money for one) to accommodate his way of living. He also reminds us of the importance of downtime:
“Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets. The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration — it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.”
This is so true. A little time to think and relax can make all of the difference in solving problems or beating a creative block. With that in mind, I was reminded of a post from Revolutionary Act’s March Newsletter (by Frank Forencich) which I saved but was ironically “TOO BUSY” to read. So here it is with many great thoughts and resources for you to consider:
Think
“For most people, the concept of self-care is lost amid seemingly endless to-do lists, professional responsibilities, carpools and PTA meetings, emails, and the 24/7 social-media news feed. We prioritize our career, family and friends above our own fundamental need for solitude, sleep, exercise and fun. Lack of self-care, however, can cause anxiety and depression, increasing our chances of incurring illness and chronic health problems.”
Act
- Define what “self-care” means to you. Make a list of things you enjoy doing for relaxation or creative intervention.
- Exercise regularly. Pursue an active passion, or take a walk alone or with a family member or friend. Regular exercise reduces stress and inflammation that can fuel illness.
- Take time for solitude. Journal, meditate or do another solitary activity.
- Prepare and savor a healthy meal. Make a simple, healthy meal from whole-food ingredients. Sit down at a table and take some time to enjoy each flavorful bite.
- Goof off. “Unproductive” and idle time during a day boosts creativity, helps you work smarter, and makes you happier, healthier and more resilient.
Go-To Resources
- ‘You,’ Time by Jon Spayde
- Your Attention, Please by Erin Peterson
- The Unplugged Vacation by Laurel Kallenbach
- A Meditation on Nothing by Pilar Gerasimo
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I definitely need to take this advice to heart and put it into practice. A new goal is to join Tim Kreider in being a lazi(er) ambitious person and better sort out busy for the sake of busy versus necessary. And I need to work on idle time, disconnection and more fun, too. Last thing, I would like to join the folks at petite alma in their reminder to:
How about you? Does this hit home?
I hope that you are having great weekend. And, please don’t forget to check out my blogiversary giveaway and daily Facebook giveaways until Monday! Have a great day!