What It Means to Be “Busy” in the Right Way
While stretching into a downward dog at my recent yoga class, the teacher tossed us a question that stuck: Are you busy for the sake of being busy, or are you busy doing things that actually matter? I didn’t just think about the joke – I went straight into my weekly play‑book.
My Everyday Routines
- 3 days a week working as a communications adviser for a non‑profit.
- Teaching yoga every Thursday and Sunday.
- Volunteering at Second Bite – handing out fresh food to those on the brink of hunger.
- Taking on freelance writing projects only when they feel right.
It feels surprisingly light‑hearted. I’m getting my regular 8‑hour sleep, staying active, cooking new recipes, and reading books that wind me down. Basically, I’m doing what matters to me, and that feels great.
Why Perth? (Not the “I left Singapore for a laid‑back life” cliché)
We moved when my husband landed a fantastic opportunity in the Australian job market. Six months ago, I became a trailing spouse, trading my role as editor of Shape Singapore for a whole new chapter in Perth. It wasn’t a walk in the park – I still miss the fast‑paced world of publishing, but that’s another story.
True Unbusyness: Living with Purpose
Unbusyness isn’t about doing nothing and staring at the wall. It’s about living intentionally – by your own rules. I believe everyone holds more power over their days than they think.
Practical Choices
- Take a shorter lunch to leave work on time.
- Say “no” to post‑work drinks if you’re sleep‑deprived.
- Drop social events when the day is already jam-packed.
My “Busy‑Addiction” the 80s
I was a fitness junkie and a social event enthusiast. Work was a busy volcano, with deadlines, networking, and meetings. I’d even shout, “I’m a proud busy‑aholic!”
The Wake‑Up Call
A health scare hit when chronic stomach pain led me to a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The verdict? Irritable bowel syndrome triggered by stress.
Thanks for a crash course in the reality that stress isn’t just a buzzword.
New Habits
- Work more efficiently – less time glued to the screen.
- Scale back on social life – prioritize self‑care.
- Alternate high‑intensity cardio with calming yoga.
Why a Slower Life is Blissful
Brunch with Brene Brown says that our culture sells the myth that busyness hides our true selves. Moving at a slower pace brings clarity, reflection, and actual joy. It can be scary to put your life under the microscope – but it’s worth it. I’ve stumbled upon revelations about myself I never expected.
Small Steps First
- Leave work on time.
- Say “no” to the last “grab a drink” invite.
- Allocate a day for just being.
You don’t need a health crisis or a dramatic relocation to relinquish busyness. Start with a simple shift – a single choice that can snowball into a bigger, happier life.
Original piece appeared in Her World Online.
