“Busyness is a manic, oppressive urge to embrace the unembraceable.
It makes us rush headlong through our overcrowded lives.”
I couldn’t describe it better myself.
We feel busy because dozens of people, tasks, and events constantly compete for our time.
But what actually makes us busy?
- Lack of control. We lose grip on what’s happening and feel helpless against endless demands.
- Lack of choice. Often, we don’t even look for one — busyness becomes our default decision.
- Lack of focus. We mistake movement for progress and effort for achievement.
- Lack of meaning. Busyness disconnects us from what truly matters.
- Lack of confidence. We hide insecurity behind our “professional busyness,” avoiding deep conversations and real relationships.
- Lack of impulse. We know we should act differently, yet keep spinning inside the same wheel.
🔄 How to Deal with Chronic Busyness
To make space for life, you need to cut down on the time you spend being “busy.”
Here’s where to start 👇
- Ask “For What?”
Before starting any task, ask yourself:
“Why am I doing this?”, “What’s the point?”, “What do I want to happen as a result?”
This is a two-way road:
— ask these questions of yourself,
— and add “because” when you explain things to others.
This gives meaning to your actions — and gives you permission to say no.
- Turn Off Notifications
Block access to yourself — intentionally.
Set aside moments for thinking, reflecting, or doing nothing.
Being constantly online is one of the main causes of mental fatigue.
Yes, it’s hard not to check that email, but if you disappear for half an hour — the world won’t end.
And your brain will thank you.
- Start Earlier or Close “Open Folders”
Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik discovered nearly a century ago that our brains keep “open tabs” for unfinished tasks — and won’t close them until we complete them.
These mental tabs run in the background, draining focus and energy.
🕐 Spend just 20 minutes a day reviewing your “open folders.”
Pick one small unfinished task — finish it — and close it.
This tiny ritual lets you surface from the chaos, and if you do it regularly — the chaos stops pulling you under.
Yes, it sounds simple — but it only works if you actually do it.
And if you think, “I don’t even have time to read this,” then this message is especially for you.
Because the perfect moment will never come.
Just start — and take back control of your time and your life.