Has it hit you that you’re too busy to enjoy life? Are you missing out on stuff and regretting it? Here are some of the signs that this is you, and what you should do about it.
In today’s fast-moving modern world, it can easily feel like you’re missing out on stuff if you’re not super busy from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night, and multi-tasking along the way too.
But there’s a thin line between being busy and productive, and being so busy that you’re too busy to enjoy life – if that makes sense.
Being too busy to get busy means you’re doing a lot of “stuff” without actually getting very much done. We’re all human, we can only process so much information and get so much done in a set time period.
There’s a point of diminishing returns where you’re so busy that you’re actually getting less done, not more. Or worse, your relationships, health, and career could be falling apart, but you’re too busy to even notice.
Whether you’ve already a wake-up moment, or you want to check for the signs that your busy life is spiraling out of control, read on and see how many of the following points ring true to you;
6 Signs That You’re Too Busy to Enjoy Life
You’re Not Spending Quality Time with Family
Family is always the first to suffer when one member is far too busy. Whether it’s your immediate family like your spouse and children, or your parents and siblings. If you’re too busy to spend quality time with them you’re failing.
Schedule in dinners, trips out, etc, and never miss or postpone an arrangement. Whatever it is that’s keeping you too busy to spend time with family, it’s not worth it.
Your Health Is Suffering
Burnout from overworking has some serious health implications. It can cause emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, which will have a detrimental effect on all aspects of your life.
If you don’t do something to recharge your batteries, it’s not going to get any better. In the short-term, you need to start cutting down the number of hours you’re working. In the long-term you need to make some lifestyle changes to avoid burning out again.
You’re Missing Important Deadlines and Events
A huge red flag that you’re going too fast and need to slow down is missing deadlines and events that are important to you (and other people).
This could be work or personal events. Either way, if you’re falling behind and still far too busy, it’ll feel like you’re swimming against the tide without a shore in sight.
You’re Unable to Enjoy the Present
Does it always feel like time is passing you by and you’re always focusing on what you need to do next, rather than what you’re doing right now?
If so, this is a clear sign that you’re far too busy and you’re missing out on everything that’s going on around you. Which means you’re not able to give people or tasks your full attention.
You can start practicing mindfulness to combat this. Being mindful means you’re present in the moment and consciously making yourself aware of what’s happening. It’s known to decrease stress, depression, and anxiety, and helps regulate emotions.
You’re Not Happy
If you’re not happy doing what you’re doing, why are you doing it? And why are you so busy doing so much if it’s making you unhappy?
These are two questions you need to ask yourself and be very honest with your answers. Maybe it will be the wake-up call you need to help you prioritize your workload better and start eliminating some of the things that are making you unhappy.
You’re Making Mistakes
As a number of the things I’ve already mentioned start creeping in, such as missing deadlines, declining health, and not being present in the moment, you’re going to start making mistakes. It’s inevitable.
If you’re making mistakes, it a sign you’ve passed that point of diminishing returns. There no point getting busier and piling more pressure on to yourself, you’re going to make even more mistakes. It’s time to take a step back and address why you’re so busy before you make a very costly mistake.
In Summary
If you can put a checkmark next to one or more of the above points, it’s time to take a step back and admit you’re too busy to enjoy life. It’s really not worth it in the long run.
You probably noticed a connection between all the signs I detailed. They all revolve around you not being able to operate at your best or give yourself and your loved ones the time and attention they deserve.
So, take a step back and prioritize what’s really important. Start making time to enjoy life. Enjoy living.
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.