If you were to walk up to any Magnet student during the school day and inquire about how they’re feeling, what they’ve been up to, or what’s coming up, and the answer is bound to be similar: “I’m so busy.” This response has become virtually automatic. Being busy has transformed from just a state to being an identity.

In a school like Magnet, being busy is expected of us. We juggle tougher than average academic work, heaps of extracurriculars, part-time jobs, volunteer work, social engagements, etc., all in addition to our plans for college. If you ask a senior, they’ll let you know that the load is multiplied. Between the race to find a roommate through an instagram DM questionnaire, registrations, financial conversations, graduation prep, and for some, deciding where they will spend the next four years, one of the most exciting times of their life feels like a constant game of catch-up. On paper, all of this makes us look like hardworking, ambitious students. In reality, we’re just exhausted. However, instead of challenging this narrative, most of us just accept it.

Somewhere down the line, being busy has gone from being something that bothers us and stresses us out to being something that is almost appreciated. Being busy means we’re working hard, that we’re making progress. If you aren’t busy, then, you must be lazy. You might be lagging or behind the curve.

This mentality results in some subtle pressures. While you might have the occasional free time on your hands, the guilt of wasting it persists, pushing you towards productive activities like studying or working. The need for rest becomes secondary, with leisure feeling unproductive and indulgent.

This is when the concept of an “addiction” to being busy becomes relevant. Not literally, but behaviorally. People keep themselves busy since it feels relieving to be active. Experiencing the sensation of crossing things off the to-do list is satisfying. Stating that “I have so much to do” can even seem gratifying. This gives an individual an assurance that he/she works hard and keeps up the good work.

However, the difference between productivity and busyness should be distinguished.

While the former one implies the focus on the right thing, the latter one is more of a habit. Busyness is doing everything at once without giving oneself a moment to consider whether he/she should do all these things.

It should be mentioned that there are factors of environmental nature which contribute to this issue. At Magnet, there is a tangible atmosphere in which everybody does anything and everything. People acquire status by taking the most difficult subjects, manage clubs, participate in sports activities, go to work, and at the same time perform all the necessary actions for success. The accumulation of activities becomes an obsessive collection of tokens.

When those around seem busy, slowing down is akin to admitting defeat.

Moreover, the use of social media amplifies the phenomenon. Seeing others’ accomplishments, busy schedules, and activity levels, one is bound to think that the same should apply to oneself. But one does not see behind those achievements the periods of burnout, exhaustion, or stress.

Thus, students continue to work until they have reached their limit. They work through exhaustion give up sleep, and fill their schedule completely. However, sooner rather than later, that becomes evident.

Burnout happens gradually rather than instantly. The symptoms of burnout include permanent feelings of fatigue, a lack of motivation, and difficulty with handling even minor tasks. Thus, when individuals feel more overwhelmed, they become even more active trying to cope with that pressure.

Yet, this activity does not lead to anything more productive and, eventually, actually turns into an unproductive cycle.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that clearly tells students when they should stop. Students are continuously preparing for something; so, it is difficult for them to define enough.

However, is being busy always beneficial?

Is it possible that being overly occupied hinders one’s ability to think, reflect on life, and even enjoy what they do? Some of the most memorable experiences in high school aren’t always associated with an intensive curriculum. Rather, they occur during the downtime between classes when people spend time with their friends or simply take a break. These are often times when students’ calendars are not filled up with events.

This is not to say that one should abandon their goals and priorities altogether. This means you should strive to achieve balance and find the time to relax.

Being selective about how they use their time is more crucial than occupying every moment. Not all opportunities have to be seized, and not all hours have to be devoted to work or study. Saying no can be as vital as saying yes.

Additionally, success should be redefined. Success is not measured by the number of tasks and projects one is working on but rather the amount of fulfillment they derive from them. Is one truly happy with what they do? Do they learn anything new?

Because at the end of the day, busyness is not the goal.

The aim is to create a life full of meaning, not merely activity.

Sometimes the best way to be productive is to do absolutely nothing.