Why life feels so busy – even when we thought it wouldn’t
“Let’s catch up soon!” we say. But weeks pass, then months. It’s not that we don’t care – it’s that we’re busy. Everyone is. Friends, colleagues, even those who’ve stepped back from full-time work often find their days packed and their calendars full. Somehow, life feels fuller – and not always in a fulfilling way.
So why does life feel so relentlessly busy now, even compared to the 1980s or 1990s?
The shifting landscape of time
In the 1980s, being ‘busy’ had clearer boundaries – typically revolving around work, commuting, and home life. Leisure time was more protected, and multitasking was usually limited to listening to the radio while cooking dinner or catching up on paperwork after hours.
Today, the lines between roles have blurred. Technology – while keeping us connected – has also made us more accessible, more of the time. A 2023 OECD report found that across all age groups, people now spend more time on screens, emails, and digital tasks than on active leisure. The “urgency loop” of notifications and constant availability can give the feeling of always being “on.”
A 2016 study published in Harvard Business Review also noted a cultural shift: where wealth and status were once signalled by leisure, now they’re often demonstrated by a packed schedule. Busyness has become a badge of importance – subtly encouraging us to fill our time, even when we don’t necessarily need to.
A culture of constant activity
Even outside formal work, many people lead full lives – contributing to their communities, caring for others, managing households, pursuing creative projects, or simply trying to stay on top of it all. The desire to stay purposeful and engaged can unintentionally tip into overcommitment, especially when combined with the social pressure to keep up or stay relevant.
While these activities are often deeply meaningful, they can also leave little space for rest, reflection, or the spontaneity we once associated with “free time.”
What can we do about it?
Slowing down doesn’t always mean doing less – it means choosing more intentionally. Here are some quick, practical ways to make life feel less busy, without sacrificing what matters most.
7 quick tips to make life feel less busy
1. Audit Your Time: Once a week, write down how you actually spend your time. You’ll likely spot hidden time drains and unnecessary obligations.
2. Embrace “Good Enough”: Perfectionism fuels busyness. Choose where to excel and where “good enough” will do just fine.
3. Build in Buffer Time: Avoid back-to-back scheduling. Leave gaps between commitments to create breathing space and reduce stress.
4. Protect Unstructured Time: Don’t just schedule tasks – schedule nothing. Unstructured time restores creativity and calm.
5. Reduce Digital Clutter: Mute non-essential notifications. Batch-check emails. Try screen-free hours (or even days).
6. Learn to Say “Not Now”: You don’t have to decline forever – sometimes “not now” is the boundary you need to preserve your energy.
7. Reconnect with Purpose: Spend time on things that bring meaning – not just momentum. Life feels less busy when it feels more aligned.
Feeling busy has become the norm – but it doesn’t have to define us. Whether you’re mid-career or retired, taking back control of your time is one of the most powerful forms of self-leadership.
