How to Have a Bad Day Step 5: Stay Busy

Let’s talk about the high we all pretend not to chase: being busy.

Not productive. Not purposeful. Just… gloriously, gloriously booked.

Because if your calendar isn’t full, are you even trying?

Forget rest, or inner peace — because in a world where your worth is tied to your workflow, staying busy isn’t just a lifestyle... it’s a coping mechanism with a caffeine addiction.

Why Are You So Busy?

Sure, some of us have real responsibilities. Kids. Work. Laundry. Dogs that demand home-cooked meals. But if we’re honest — some of our “busy” isn’t about necessity. It’s about validation. (This one is a big ouch for me!)

It’s easier to feel valuable when you can say:

• “Oh my week’s insane.”

• “I’m just slammed right now.”

• “So sorry I didn’t reply for 11 days! Life’s a blur.”

Translation: Please affirm that I’m important and indispensable because I haven’t affirmed that in myself yet.

Signs You’re Using Busy as a Badge (or Emotional Bandaid)

• You feel guilty when resting, so you “rest” by doing laundry.

• You decline invites just to stay home and organize your emails.

• You secretly hope people notice how tired you are — because that means you're working hard enough.

• Your hobbies include “catching up,” “getting ahead,” and “not dying.”

• You’ve said, “I’ll rest when I’m dead” so many times it’s basically your love language.

  
  

Scripture says:

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Jesus was busy… but He was never frantic. He had the most important mission in history — and still took naps on boats.

He’s not impressed by your busyness.

He’s looking for people who abide, not just perform.

And yes, He sees you showing up for everyone else while quietly falling apart. He’s not asking for your output — He’s inviting you to Himself.

Big difference.

So… What’s the Alternative?

Try this:

• Say no without a 3-paragraph explanation.

• Rest because you're human, not because you've earned it.

• Spend time with God when no one’s watching — not to “check the box,” but because your soul needs a recharge, not a report card.

  
  

Let presence be the new productivity. Let peace be the new platform.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be busy to be valuable. You don’t need to earn love, approval, or even rest. Jesus didn’t say, “Well done, good and efficient servant.” He said, “faithful.”

Your worth is not in your workload.

So take the nap. Cancel the thing. Stop refreshing the inbox. And have a great day!