Our culture glamorizes and incentivizes productivity. People who stay busy, hold multiple jobs or demanding positions, and manage to make it all look easy, are held up as the model we should all aspire to. For most of us, this means never feeling like we are doing enough. For those that do manage to uphold an extremely busy and productive lifestyle, however, it may be worth it to ask what the obsession with juggling multiple responsibilities means for mental wellness. Not only is an incessant drive towards productivity likely to create stress and anxiety, but it may also be preventing you from facing your emotional demons. Adulthood often comes with overlapping and competing responsibilities. You might have a job, a marriage, children, and a social life to maintain, and all are asking you for your undivided attention. It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed when you have piled too much on your plate. When busyness becomes a real problem, however, is when you find yourself uncomfortable with relaxing in your free time. The most productive individuals actually schedule times to unplug and unwind if they wish to prioritize their mental health. If you tend to obsessively search for the next project or pick up your phone to scroll through social media every time you have a moment to yourself, you might be avoiding painful feelings and internal conflict.
Busy Is A Choice
Unfortunately, just as with any other form of avoidance, that which you are attempting to ignore will usually come back at you with increased force down the line. This might mean the development of depression and anxiety, and in some cases, addiction. Many people who live outwardly functional lives turn to drugs or alcohol to help them cope with the stress of their many responsibilities, as well as numb the emotions that tend to arise in the quiet moments. While staying busy can sometimes be a welcome distraction in addiction recovery, it is important to address the underlying issues to truly heal and prevent relapse.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.