5 Ways to Fight Busyness

Do you suffer from “Hurry Sickness?” I found out that it is an actual condition, as shown in the definition from Psychology Today. They define it as “a behavior pattern characterized by continual rushing and anxiousness; an overwhelming and constant sense of urgency.” Feb 9, 2013, from Psychology Today. Does busyness interrupt our lives?

Busyness

Many of us suffer from this sickness and don’t even realize it. In our 24/7 world, life never stops or never slows down enough for us to rest or to connect with those around us. Hurry sickness robs us of our most important relationships. We become too busy for our friends, family, and even God. So what do you sacrifice on the altar of busyness to get ahead in life?

I believe the pandemic helped some of us to realize the importance of slowing down. But, as our world opens up again, will we fall into the same patterns of busyness?

Good News

Take heart; we can overcome our need always to be busy and always in a hurry by following Jesus’ examples. Tom Stuart provides us with some great ways to combat a life full of busyness. His advice is a good reminder that God never intended us to be so busy. When busyness takes over, we cannot hear God speak to us. Slow down. Be still. Additionally, we need to make room for our relationships, especially the relationship with God.

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5 Ways to Fight Busyness

Inspired by Jesus, here are five things Tom Stuart found as antidotes in combating the busyness of life.

Practice Solitude Like Jesus

Like Jesus, I love the early morning hours. I use this quiet time to commune with God and prepare my heart for the day. Uninterrupted silence is like a gift from God. The time needs to be savored. When we take the time before the sun comes up, then the stress from our to-do list for the day melts away. (Mark 1:35)

Sit Down Like Jesus Did

When Jesus felt tired and wanted to conserve energy, He sat down to rest. Whether He was at a well, on the Mount of Olives, in the temple, or on a mountainside, Jesus rested (John 4:6, Mark 12:41, Mark 13:3, John 6:3); there is no better prescription for busyness than to take a well-deserved break and sit down. And, the important thing about this action is to let your mind sit in addition to your body. Also, studies show those who take regular work breaks are more productive than those who don’t. That alone should be a sufficient incentive to stop the constant busyness.

Take a Nap Like Jesus

In Luke 8:23 we see Jesus sleeping on the boat. He could sleep anywhere, even during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. I’ve found that nothing refreshes me more when the storms of life are pressing in upon me than taking a nap. Invariably I wake up with a renewed energy and resolve to face the challenges that are before me calmly.

Take a Road Trip to Fight Busyness

His times with His disciples traveling from village to village were times to think, talk, listen and learn. I love road trips. The longer the distance, the better, and the less-traveled the road, the more leisurely it feels. Nothing beats time in the car, alone or with a worthy companion, to commune with God or one another and recharge the soul. And avoid hurrying when you can by getting off the freeway and taking the scenic route. We need to learn to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Set Your Schedule

People all around Jesus, including his family members, urged Him to do all manner of things constantly. (John 7:1-9) But He always called His shots and set His own pace, even in life or death situations. (Mark 5:25 & John 11:1-7) It takes conviction and courage to say “Wait” or “No” to the myriad demands of life and refuse to be a people pleaser. And few things keep busyness at bay more than setting your schedule and keeping to your timetable.

Slow Down

Life is so much more than busyness. I don’t believe anyone lies on their deathbed and thinks they were not busy enough in this life. Busyness leads to disconnection from family, friends, and even God. Slow down, take time, and: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” –Psalm 46:10.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you that your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. Thank you for promising to give all of us who feel worried, rushed, and pressured rest and peace for our souls if we’ll just come before you. We’re so grateful for your reminder that we don’t have to carry it all independently. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to fix things in our power, not taking the time to rest, or not coming to you first with our needs and burdens. Please help us slow down, fix our eyes on you, and remember that you are our true peace and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/