It is normal to associate “busyness” with being overwhelmed with so much to do, mental fogginess, check this and that – your emails, your social media accounts, and all the negative rep personal development gurus give at conferences and seminars.
However, busyness doesn’t mean doing things frantically. It is about getting things done with clear focus and intentionality.
Here are 9 proven benefits of being busy that will surprise you.
1. Increased Energy
Having plenty to do helps you retain more energy. It is ironic. But being purposely engaged with meaningful work keeps you active and strong. I for one ensure I keep myself healthy with good nutrition, sugar-free and gluten-free, and a good exercise program.
2. More Productivity
More focused and purposeful work done means more productivity. You are always focused and doing something productive all the time. Research study shows that busy people are more motivated to complete their goals and prioritize time for other important things like family and social activities. They complete tasks in less time than their counterparts.
3. Improved Creativity
Because there is more to do, busy people come up with all sorts of creative ideas to complete their tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Steven Covey once said and I quote “if you want something done give it to a busy man.” Busy people are able to come up with more creative ideas, combing and seeing relationships between ideas leading to great innovations. Being busy productively is good, don’t let anybody take that away from you.
4. Self Confidence
Whether it is a hobby or a task at work we love to complete projects. Our confidence level increases when we complete our set tasks. The brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that generates feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. So, imagine completing a lot of tasks with a focus in a given period of time. Very soon people will call you are superhuman.
5. Mental Alertness
You are mostly occupied with tasks to do so your mind is always engaged. This leads to increased mental alertness. Because of this mental trait, busy people like yourself learn things faster and easier than the layman engulfed in his leisure time.
You pick up new skills and abilities much quicker. You create more pathways in your brain which makes you better and even an expert at what you do. Anytime you master a new skill it gives you the opportunity to learn a new one.
If you fall into this category of people, read this guide on finding a hobby.
6. Staying Positive
When have stuff to do our minds are focused on the work at hand? We do not focus on negative emotions or worries we have. Our mind is engaged and motivated to complete the task at hand keeping us positive and hopeful throughout the day. There is no time to think of negative thoughts.
7. Better Sleep
Research done by the University of Chicago shows that people who have busy plans for the next day get better sleep than those who don’t have anything to wake up to. They also have less insomnia. They are less stressed as well.
Sleep deprivation is hazardous to our mental health and wellbeing so if keeping ourselves purposely busy is good for us, why not?
8. Avoid Dementia
Mental engagement is very essential to avoid the risk of dementia. Research shows that people who keep themselves busy and minds engaged are less likely to suffer from dementia.
It is necessary to keep your brain nourished with new information because it keeps it strong and healthy.
9. Keep out of trouble
This is true in the lives of most people I know. Busy people have less time for trouble and biased argument which frequently leads to serious issues. Their time is spent focused productively on what to do and how to do it better.
Conclusion
Being busy as you can see has a lot of benefits. However, being busy does not always mean being busy positively. Be sure to avoid the pitfalls.
FOCUS is the key to being productively busy.
Join this program to help you have more done even if you have no willpower.
Further Reading
