Being “busy” is often seen as an achievement—so much so that the term “booked and busy” has become an aspiration for millennials everywhere. Bragging about how tired you are, how late you stayed up working the night before, or how long your to-do list has grown throughout the week is the norm.
Somehow, being busy is society’s new way of determining success. If you’re “buried” in paperwork or “drowning” in deadlines, you’re “killing it.” But here’s the thing: while being busy can be good, being too busy could lead to burnout. What’s worse? Busyness doesn’t necessarily mean we’re getting anything done (contrary to popular belief) - there really is a difference between working hard and working smart.
Why You’re Always So Busy — And How These Subscriptions Can Solve That
The Problem: Multitasking
I used to time my mornings to a T. I knew exactly when to head out the front door, where to stand to get the best seat on the train, and which stop to click “place order” on my Starbucks mobile app so I could walk in, grab it, and rush out. I was like a well-oiled machine, checking emails and researching breaking news on the way. Until I wasn’t, that is.
Back then, I thought I’d cracked some kind of time continuum code; I assumed I’d concocted the perfect morning routine, down to the minute. In reality, however, I was wearing myself down to a pile of overworked dust. Emails, Slack, and deadlines ran my life.
How to Fix it: Monotasking
Being the queen of multitasking used to be my thing, but now I’m all about taking things one step at a time, and leaving work at work. Instead of rushing out the door only to spend $7 (or more!) on a premade morning pick-me-up, I take the time to make a pot of coffee at home. I also avoid email (and the internet in its entirety) until I’m ready to officially start my workday.
When I realized that there was nothing (work-wise) that was so important it couldn’t wait for another 10 to 20 minutes, my life changed for the better.
The Best Subscription for the Job: Silk + Sonder
Silk + Sonder is a monthly self-care journal accompanied by a community of people who are just like you: trying to find a way to monotask without going completely bonkers. Silk + Sonder gives its subscribers the chance to reach their weekly and monthly goals and aspirations via themed monthly journals. Each journal is beautifully designed, and includes evidence-based exercises to help you reflect, plan, and work towards the life that YOU want.
Before Silk + Sonder, my email and to-do list controlled my life. Now, I spend 10 to 20 minutes each night writing in my journal and planning out the day ahead and it’s made a world of difference— not just in my career, but in my relationship with myself. Silk + Sonder gave me the opportunity to dream and reach goals again. It helped me break away from the mundane, enjoy the small wins, and embrace who I am as an individual person.
The Problem: Exhaustion
When you’re busy, sleep is almost impossible to get. But remember: sleep isn’t optional. It’s essential for doing the things that we do and doing them well. Without adequate sleep, exhaustion will set in emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I know, because I’ve been there. In grad school, I often found myself staying up until 4 a.m. just to get the “extras” on my to-do list done before the next day began. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t a sustainable schedule.
If you feel overwhelmed or have knots in your stomach each time you open your calendar, then you’re probably sleep-deprived. Waking up rested is a gift and should be received as such. And, the craziest thing is, you can give yourself a good night’s sleep every single night.
How to Fix it: Prioritize
Prioritizing sleep is sometimes easier said than done, but it isn’t impossible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average adult should get seven hours or more per night. Why? Because sleep deprivation can have a multitude of adverse effects, whereas getting adequate sleep offers a long list of benefits.
If numbers are important to you, tally it up. There are 168 hours in one week - that’s all we get. Go ahead- take out your calendar, do the math, and think about what tasks are most important to you.
The Best Subscription for the Job: Bath Bevy
Some people can lay down and immediately fall asleep... I see that as a superpower. It usually takes me a good 30 minutes to doze off, and that’s if I had a perfect, non-stressful day. Whenever I’m having a hard time getting my brain into sleep mode, I like to hop in the shower (or bath, if I’m staying somewhere with a tub). Enter: Bath Bevy.
Bath Bevy is a monthly subscription box for bath and shower lovers. Each box includes five to seven items (examples include bath bombs, bath salts, soap scrubs, and more). The tubless options include shower steamers and a candle. Add a mud mask, and this sounds like an ideal way to end the night.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your subscription
CODE: MSA10
The Problem: Scheduling
If you’re like me, then your calendar is color-coded with deadlines, special days, meetings, etc. It seems like there’s never enough time to get everything in. I’m constantly wishing for more than 24 hours in a single day.
Sure, scheduling your days ahead of time is a good thing. But if you find yourself scheduling lunches and rest breaks weeks out, then you’re probably too busy (which, as I mentioned earlier, can and will cause a catastrophic burnout).
How to Fix it: Exercise Restraint
I’m a people pleaser, which means saying the word “no” rarely happens in both my personal and professional life. Lately, refusing to say “no” has left me feeling overwhelmed and tired. I’ve also found myself feeling nostalgic over the little things, like reading and spending quality time with my pups. (Now, I’m worried their Wag walker is their best friend!)
To alleviate the stress, I force myself to do a monthly check-in to see what I can and cannot take off of my plate. Removing lower-priority tasks gives me the chance to pop in a bit of “me time” on my schedule.
The Best Subscription for the Job: My Me Time
For those who are looking to add more 'me time' to their schedules (I’m right there with you), there is My Me Time. Each box includes six to eight items to help you rest and recharge. Example items include scented candles, small snacks, and bathing products. It’s self-care wrapped up in one, cute subscription box. Bonus: My Me Time is a black and woman-owned subscription box company.
ACTIVE DEAL: 15% off
CODE: MSA15
How do you escape your busy life and find time for yourself? What are your favorite subscriptions to boost your self-care? Let us know in the comments!
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