5 Signs Your Busyness is Making You Unhappy

Would you say you're happy? In other words, are you living the life that you want to live?

Many of us are so caught up in the day-to-day that we're not living with intent and therefore are not truly happy. Instead, we are caught up with the busyness that is typical of living in today's world.

Instead of living the life that's important to us, we add more things to our 'To Do' lists on a daily basis.

Stop for a moment, take a breath, pause, and reflect on whether the way you're living your everyday, is in line with the life you want to be living. Take an honest look at what needs to change and what behaviours you need to stop before they become lifelong habits.

Below are some of the habits I found I needed to break in order to be more in the moment and live the life I want to live. You may also see yourself in these habits.


Reduce the frequency you check your phone

Was I afraid of missing something? I used to check my phone multiple times a day until I realized that I was exchanging valuable time for something that could wait. Responding to every ring, chime, and tweet as it sounds is a distraction we don't need. Instead enjoy the present moment and put boundaries on the frequency you check your phone.


Take back your power of choice

As I mentioned previously, I didn't want to miss out. Do you fear missing out? As a result, I was a 'yes' person. I said 'yes' far more often than I ever said 'no'.

It was only when I was able to step back and consider the life that I wanted to lead did I realize there was great value in the word 'no'.

By saying 'no', I gained control over what was important to me. By no longer letting others make that choice for me, I climbed back in the driver's seat and was steering my own life, and the direction I wanted it to go.


Keep your priorities in check

Granted, there can be a certain thrill and energy to being busy. It can make us feel important because we have a lot on the go but we can also sacrifice a lot.

If we're too busy for the things that are important to us then we're missing out on the happiness that could be in our lives.

For instance, if you're too busy working and making money for your family to do something special with them down the road, then you're missing out on living in the here and now with people that matter most to you.


Be proactive rather than reactive

Do you find you're constantly playing catch-up? The busier we get, the more complicated our lives become and the less time we have to plan and be proactive.

Consider clearing in your mind and your schedule from time to time so you can reflect on what needs your attention now and in the short-term. The key to a peaceful consistency in your life is to take action on things that need your attention in the present and not wait until things blow up, leaving you no recourse but to react.


Practice gratitude not comparisons

Busyness breeds comparison. Do you ever think you're the only one that's busy? Life can be busy, if you let it consume you with wants. Comparing yourself to other people who are busier or who are less busy than you, is a waste of both your time and energy.

Instead, live your life with intent. Learn to be satisfied with what you have and in so doing, focus on who is important to you and all the good that you have in your life.

Less can definitely be more. Striving for material items and electronic connections over the present moment never truly makes anyone happy.

Having said that, also don't be green with envy of others instead be gracious and full of gratitude for all that you have in your life.

Happiness truly does come from within and from finding your own intentional path in which to follow.

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