“Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” John Lennon’s timeless words serve as a poignant reminder that amidst our ceaseless pursuit of goals and the relentless ticking of the clock, life unfolds in the present moment. For many of us, the busyness of modern life can feel like a never – ending whirlwind, leaving us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our joy. Lori Deschene, who understands the struggle of balancing a full schedule with personal well – being, offers a treasure trove of wisdom on how to reclaim happiness in the midst of chaos.
Deschene herself is no stranger to the allure and burden of busyness. She loves engaging in a diverse range of activities, yet she knows all too well that being constantly on the go doesn’t always equate to happiness. There are times when a packed schedule makes her feel as if she’s lost a part of herself, much like how some people become overly reliant on others in relationships, she can become codependent on work, letting everything else—her social life, hobbies, and self – care—slip away.
The first step in the journey to finding happiness amidst busyness is to assess just how much busyness we’re truly willing to tolerate. Research shows that the gap between the number of hours we want to work and the hours we actually work is a significant factor in our happiness. Sometimes, financial obligations may force us to work longer hours, but other times, we have more control than we think. Making tough decisions like downsizing or moving to a more affordable place can open up the time we need to pursue our passions and live life on our own terms.
Next, we must consider whether our packed schedules align with our priorities. When there’s a conflict between what we value most and what we’re actually doing with our time, it’s hard to maintain a sense of inner peace and joy. For example, if fitness is important to us but our work consumes all our time, we’ll feel frustrated and unfulfilled. But instead of giving up on our priorities, we can find creative ways to make them fit, like squeezing in a quick jog in the morning or taking a fitness class during lunch.
Our goals should also be in harmony with our values. It’s natural to have dreams and work hard to achieve them, but if we’re sacrificing our present happiness for a future that doesn’t truly align with what we hold dear, all our busyness may lead to a hollow victory. If family is our top priority, but our pursuit of a career goal is pulling us away from them, we need to reevaluate our path.
One of the most powerful lessons is to find joy in the present moment. When we’re busy, we often fixate on an idealized future, imagining that happiness awaits us on the other side of our hard work. But life is happening right now, and we never know what the future holds. We should take the time to appreciate the small things, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a warm cup of coffee, or a moment of connection with a loved one.
Nurturing relationships is another key to happiness. Studies have repeatedly shown that the quality of our connections with others directly impacts our overall well – being. In the hustle and bustle of work, we often forget to make time for the people who matter most. Taking a break from work to share a meal with a friend or family member, even if it’s just for a short while, can bring a sense of fulfillment and remind us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
In the digital age, allowing ourselves completely disconnected time is crucial. Work can seem like an always – on obligation, with emails and notifications constantly vying for our attention. But we all need to unplug, whether it’s spending an afternoon at the movies, taking a yoga class, or simply having a day of relaxation. Disconnecting from work gives us the space to recharge and be fully present in other aspects of our lives.
Saying no is a skill that many of us struggle with, especially when we want to please others. But learning to set boundaries and prioritize our own needs is essential. Just like on an airplane, we need to put on our own oxygen masks first before we can help others. By saying no to things that don’t serve us, we free up time and energy for the things that truly matter.
Prioritizing rest is non – negotiable. While an eight – hour sleep is ideal, it’s not always possible. When we’re tired, we should take care of ourselves with naps, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Simple practices like certain yoga poses can also help us relax and unwind, preparing us to face the challenges of a busy day.
We can also reduce our mental exhaustion by learning to trust our instincts and stop over – analyzing every little thing. When we’re busy, it’s easy to get caught up in second – guessing ourselves, but this only drains our energy. By letting go of the need to control every outcome and simply going with the flow, we can save ourselves a great deal of mental stress.
Finally, we should embrace the chaos that comes with a busy life. We choose to be busy because we seek purpose, commitment, and accomplishment. While some obligations may be unavoidable, we also have the power to simplify our lives if we want to. But if we’ve chosen a full and active life, we should accept that there will be times when things feel out of control. Instead of fighting against the chaos, we can choose to focus on the excitement and opportunities that come with it.
In the midst of our busy lives, happiness is not an elusive dream. By following these tips and making conscious choices, we can navigate the maelstrom of busyness and find joy, balance, and fulfillment in the here and now.
