The Busy Trap

Advantages/benefits of having balance in one’s life.

It seems as if most people these days, take pride in claiming a ‘busy’ status. They delight in filling their schedules with tedious tasks, then gloat about their convoluted, complex lives. In his article, “The ‘Busy’ Trap,” author Tim Kreider enlightens his audience of the addicting self-imposed busyness and suggests that people embrace idleness instead. The aim of his article was not to encourage lackadaisical attitudes, but to help readers discover the need for a balance in their lifestyle. A balanced life is one that has an appropriately-proportioned amount of time between professionalism and leisure activities. Too often are we entangled in the strenuous affairs of life to fully apprehend the perks of living. These perquisites can have a drastic effect on a person’s well-being. Having a balanced life can help persons improve relationships, relieve stress, as well as develop creativity and new talents.

A balanced life allows people to have more quality time to bond with loved ones. Free periods in an individual’s agenda can be used to call up and make plans with friends, whether to catch a horror flick or to organize a social outing. A person may also use that time simply watching television with his/her household, or congregating at the family table for dinner. Being overborne with work causes a strain on one’s relationships. Imagine telephoning a close friend weekly, inviting him/her to lunch, only to consistently receive the excuse that he/she is busy. How many times does one keep calling after constantly being rejected? The former close friend gradually becomes an acquaintance over time. During my latter high-school years, I limited my social life to focus more on schoolwork. Though it seemed to be only logical that I studied all the time, I missed out on the bonding events and the high-school memories that every student longs for. Eventually, my absence took a toll on my friendships, and before I knew...