Are you really too busy?
Posted by kathryn in Mental & emotional health
I’ve been thinking a lot about excuses over the last few days.
More specifically, the little phrase “I’m too”. I hear myself saying this phrase at times – mostly when I don’t want to do something.
I’m too . . . tired to exercise.
I’m too . . . busy to meditate.
I’m too . . . rushed off my feet to cook a proper meal this evening.
But am I really that tired?
I have as many hours in my day as everyone else. I work hard, but I also know the importance of a rounded life. My job is important to me, but so are my family and friends. And so is my health. In fact I believe good health and good relationships are fundamental to having a good life. Which is something I want
If I think about my day and my week, the truth is I am rarely too busy. I could finish work an hour early to go for a walk and mostly it would have little effect on my deadlines. I could find time to meditate.
And when “I’m too tired” is exactly the time I should be exercising, meditating or eating a good meal. These are the things that will help manage the tiredness and give me more energy.
It’s about your priorities
The phrase “I’m too” is an excuse. It’s a way of justifying not doing something. A way of avoiding it. It’s about letting myself off the hook. And usually the phrase “I’m too busy”, actually means I’m not making exercise, meditating, or whatever else I’m avoiding, a priority. What I’m actually saying is “this isn’t important enough to me”.
And that’s a whole different proposition.
One of my new year’s resolutions
So one of my new year’s resolutions for 2008, is to try and cut the excuses. I’ve made a pact with myself. Whenever I hear the phrase “I’m too . . .” in my head, I have to ask:
- Am I really too busy?
- Am I avoiding something?
- Which is my priority?
There are going to be occasions when I am too busy to do something, but that should be a short-term situation only. A few days at most.
But most of the time “I’m too” is about avoidance and priorities.
By being aware of and challenging my thinking, I’m hoping to change some behaviours.
What are your new year’s resolutions?
Photograph by whizchickenonabun under the terms of a creative commons license.
09 January, 2008
Comments
I think there is a lot of wisdom in Joni Mitchell’s great line ‘you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone’ – it is so easy to be busy or worried and not enjoy the real essence of life – good luck with getting your priorities right!
Last year was the first time in years that I haven’t worked, full-time, on my feet for 6-7 hours a day (and running up the stairs to the storeroom every 20 minutes or so…) . As I sit at a desk now, my resolution is to move more.
And no. We’re never too busy to do what matters.
Happy New Year, Kathryn – thanks for the inspiration to get the year underway.
I’m not big on NY resolutions, but I gave birth three months ago and for me that was a dawning of a big shift in priorities. The realisation that I’ve got to look after myself as much as him, to parent in the way I want to, and that I can’t afford to be too busy.
Happy new year from a long time lurker.
I’m a bit confused about whether I’m not exercising at the moment because I’m being sensible (rib still broken) or I’m avoiding it. I’ve been getting inconsistent advice on what to do and what not to do and am taking the route of least resistance.
Any advice?
Johanna – wise, wise words from Joni indeed. Thanks for your good wishes.
Lucy – happy new year. Changing jobs can sometimes lead to big changes in activity level. While it’s tempting to breath a sigh of relief at not having to work that hard physically – you’re right, you still need to move! Good luck with the new year’s resolution
Hi there Milly. I do love it when long-time lurkers leave a comment. I see so many parents (and particularly mum’s) in my clinic who are tired, fractious and not coping. It’s common for parents to put everything else first and their health last. But you’re right. You will be a better parent if you’re happy, healthy and full of vitality. Good luck for the new year.
Wendy – broken rib, you poor thing. It’s really hard for me to give advice on that one. I’d say chat with your doctor and ask him for some exercise parameters. Activities you can do, how often and at what level. But also ask him / her what you should avoid and are there any signs of over-straining you should look out for. Happy new year.
Leave a comment