For some people, staying busy is a way to avoid uncomfortable emotions. We all cope differently, and sometimes it’s easier to externalize what we’re not ready to face internally. How many of us would slow down if we felt more comfortable with difficult feelings? If we learned to sit with our emotions instead of running from them, maybe life would feel less chaotic. Our emotions themselves aren’t the problem; it’s often the way we process them that causes issues. I’d like us to come to a place where we slow down and reflect more often.
Why We Stay Busy
What is keeping you busy? We all have responsibilities, but how many of us would feel uncomfortable if we weren’t busy? The truth is that many people would rather be busy than process sadness. I can relate to this because sadness isn’t an easy emotion to deal with. Sometimes, we might distract ourselves by putting more time into our work. But what if we allow ourselves to feel this emotion? You’re not alone in avoiding hard feelings. Take a deep breath and answer this question: What is my sadness trying to tell me?
How to Process Emotions
Our emotions cannot harm us, but how we process them can. No matter how often we push our feelings down, they don’t disappear. Have you ever noticed how being too busy affects you physically, emotionally, or mentally? Maybe it’s shown up as insomnia, burnout, or irritability. These are signs our bodies and minds are overwhelmed. Instead of suppressing emotions, it’s essential to acknowledge them. Journaling is an effective tool for this: it helps you become more self-aware and change the behavior contributing to how you feel.
Sometimes it isn’t the emotion we need to change, it’s our behavior. Take sadness, for example. After you recognize how you feel, identify the root cause. Usually, sadness occurs when we feel disconnected from what matters to us. What have you been disconnected from? Could it be the people you love, your passions, or even your body? Once you have your answer, begin to reconnect. Sadness may be uncomfortable, but what if you viewed it as a signal? This simple reframe could give you the space to feel sad without staying sad.
Final Thoughts
While I understand how busy life can get, I also recognize that we might stay busy to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Emotions aren’t the problem; they are signals. I want us to get more comfortable with identifying these signals. I think a great way to start is by journaling how you feel and identifying the cause of that emotion. Then, you can reflect on some ways you can feel better. The goal isn’t to always feel happy. The goal is to stay connected to yourself. The best way to do this is by being present with your emotions, even if it’s uncomfortable.