The Cult of Busy
I got caught up in the “cult of busy” without even realizing it.
For me, bragging about how much you work always seemed, well, kinda cringy. But as I took on more personal projects that didn't feel like work, I noticed that, despite my initial feelings, I found some joy in keeping busy. I set clear boundaries for my job, but when it came to entrepreneurial projects, things got a bit fuzzy.
What is the “cult of busy”?
Time is the most precious asset — it may sound cliché but it's true. I think it is rather a shared experienced to feel a sense of guilt after a day spent resting, to feel the FOMO and to regret our moments of idleness. Often, without even meaning to, we attach a sense of pride and self-worth to the concept of being occupied. We feel that it makes us look in demand and in control.
We want people to know: “I live life to the FULLEST. Not one moment goes idle.”
The concept of being "busy" holds a special place in our hearts. And perhaps a little unfairly, it holds a much more prominent place in our hearts than the concept of “idleness.”
Why is it important to rest?
Cheetahs are known for their speed. They are the world's fastest land mammals and can reach 60 miles per hour in just three seconds, a skill essential for hunting. Despite their high-energy pursuits, however, they burn about 2000 calories daily, which is the same amount for an average-sized man. Why? Because, they rest. They instinctively reward themselves for their pursuit (even when they do not catch their pray), by retreating into hiding, waiting patiently, and indulging in much-needed rest.
As humans, we often defy nature's balance, frequently neglecting the need for rest while pushing ourselves relentlessly. And we pay a hefty price for it. Overworking ultimately leads to reduced productivity, heightened burnout rates, and even an elevated risk of mortality. A 2021 study by the World Health Organization reveals that working 55 or more hours per week, compared to the more moderate 35-40 hours, is linked to a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher likelihood of death from heart disease.
However, there's something even more crucial than the looming specter of our mortality that should inspire us to rest: It's that rest to saves us time.
Often, we assume constant busyness allows us to cram more tasks into a day, supposedly saving time. But this notion is wrong. I've come to realize that the true master of time, our most precious resource, isn't work; it's rest. Because rest slows down time.
How to slow down time?
An easy way to get back lost time is to take a rest. Sounds ironic? It really isn’t… Here’s why:
Stepping back from your work can bring fresh insights. Seeing your work and your life from a more detached, birds-eye perspective, you'll make wiser choices, saving time and improving decision-making in life.
Prioritizing rest over constant work is also proven boost creativity and problem-solving skills. This not only enhances daily productivity but also elevates the quality of your work. According to researcher and Silicon Valley consultant Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, "Rest is not this optional leftover activity. Work and rest are actually partners. They are like different parts of a wave. You can’t have the high without the low. The better you are at resting, the better you will be at working."
Taking breaks has other perks for task performance. Studies have shown that people who enjoy predictable and regular time off from work tend to be more productive overall (Perlow & Porter, 2009). Why? Because they feel mentally refreshed, which heightens motivation and makes work more enjoyable.
How to incorporate effective resting to your life?
Even when you are convinced that resting is good for you and it improves your performance, your old habits and ways of living may get in the way of incorporating effective rest in your life. If this sounds like, below are some tips to develop good resting habits.
Listen to your mind and your body. Rest can look and feel different for different people. Perhaps for you it is a walk in the park, or drinks with your friend, or just cozying in your bed and doing nothing. The good thing is, when you’re truly rested your body and mind will tell you. Clinical director of Cohesive Therapy NYC Karen Conlon, says that there can be a general consensus on what rest could feel like: “One might say, ‘When I feel rested, I don’t feel worried and my body doesn’t feel tense,’ or, ‘My body feels relaxed. When I am resting, my mind isn’t ruminating.’ Think back to moments in your life when you felt genuinely refreshed (you might not have even labeled it as "restful” back then). Revisit those instances and take a closer look at what brought you to that state.
Accept what rest means to you. We’ve already covered that rest means something different for all of us and we should discover our own definition of rest. Second step is to truly internalize that. Most of us have a few “guilty pleasures,” those creature comforts that we’d rather not acknowledge. It is important to make peace with your definition of rest, as well as to consider both your body and your mind in the process.
Start small. While the idea of a month-long vacation or an entire day dedicated to relaxation amid back-to-back appointments might seem like a dream, let's face it, it's not always doable. Instead, consider the rest you can realistically squeeze into your schedule. Experts suggest taking a 15-minute breather every four hours and, if feasible, indulging in a one-hour lunch break. You can also set achievable "rest goals," such as clocking out completely by 6 p.m. daily or designating a work-free afternoon at least once a week.
Make it non-negotiable. Even if you're starting with baby steps, remember that embracing rest is absolutely vital for everyone. It should be a non-negotiable part of your life and your work. So, go ahead and get creative in holding yourself accountable for those essential breaks – whether that means setting up a recurring reminder on your calendar or having a friendly chat with your boss. After all, the pursuit of a well-rested, thriving you is an adventure worth embarking upon!
Sources
https://blog.trello.com/achieve-restorative-rest-productivity?hs_amp=true
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/01/06/how-slowing-down-at-work-can-help-you-get-more-done.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/why-rest-is-the-secret-to-entrepreneurial-success/325224
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