The bliss in busyness.

Why being busy is the surprising path to happiness.

In a world where the pursuit of happiness seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we often find ourselves seeking elusive solutions in the form of material possessions, relationships, or exotic experiences.

However, what if the key to happiness lies not in the accumulation of external factors, but in embracing the state of being busy?

Yup, you heard it right. Being busy — that often dreaded state of constant activity and engagement — can actually be the pathway to true contentment.

In a society where busyness is often associated with stress, overwhelm, and burnout, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that it holds the secret to happiness. But what if there’s more to it?

When you’re busy, you’re completely immersed in the present moment.

Your mind is focused on the task at hand, leaving little room for rumination about the past or worry about the future. In this state of mindfulness, you experience a heightened sense of awareness and engagement with the world around you.

Whether you’re tackling a challenging project at work, pursuing a hobby, or spending quality time with loved ones, being busy demands your full attention.

Moreover, busyness serves as a natural deterrent to negativity. When you’re occupied with meaningful activities, you simply don’t have the time or energy to indulge in drama, gossip, or other forms of negativity.

You become less susceptible to external distractions and inner turmoil, allowing you to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Think about it — when was the last time you felt truly alive and fulfilled?

Chances are, it was during moments of intense focus and productivity. Whether you were engrossed in a creative endeavour, pursuing a personal goal, or simply savouring the joy of being fully present, those moments of busyness were likely accompanied by a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.

Of course, it’s important to strike a balance between busyness and rest.

Embracing busyness doesn’t mean perpetually burning the candle at both ends or sacrificing self-care in the name of productivity. Rather, it’s about finding a rhythm that allows you to thrive — engaging in meaningful activities that energize and inspire you, while also prioritizing rest and rejuvenation when needed.

In a society that glorifies the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the inherent beauty and value of being busy.

But perhaps it’s time to reclaim busyness as a source of joy and fulfilment, rather than a source of stress and exhaustion. By embracing the present moment and fully immersing ourselves in the tasks and experiences that enrich our lives, we can unlock the key to true happiness.

So the next time you find yourself lamenting your busy schedule, remember this: being busy isn’t just a means to an end — it’s a gateway to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Embrace the busyness, savour the moment, and watch as happiness unfolds before your eyes.

Legend has it that once upon a time, Jay was a creative + marketing director with an inquisitive mind, positioned somewhere between a strategist, designer and a writer.

After immersing himself in the world of marketing + advertising for numerous years, he now returns to the core of his creative odyssey — graphic design, visual arts, and creative writing.

From always trying something new to occasionally making photos “speak”, he’s known to express his passion for problem-solving, creativity, philosophy and humour by playing with various canvases.

To know more about Jay, you can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.