Observing and analyzing the lifestyle of people who live and work in Columbus and surround communities reveal several commonalities. Most folks are, to varying degrees, chronically sleep deprived, over-worked, over-scheduled, have elevated levels of stress (in excess of what is beneficial), and don’t spend enough time pursuing things to mitigate stress or be physically active.
Sound familiar?
One of the biggest contributing factors is the centerpiece in this linked article from the New York Times entitled “The ‘Busy’ Trap.” There is this compulsion we seem to have with scheduling and committing ourselves to as many events, social functions, etc., as we can. People wear there busyness as a point of pride, as if their lives are somehow more important or meaningful because of all the crap they have going on.
There is nothing inherently wrong with being busy; it is clearly part of the modern condition, espechhially living in Columbus. However, as John Wooden says, “don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.” You can commit yourself to many different things, but they won’t all enrich your life and your happiness to the same degree. Additionally, unstructured time (and sleep) allows our minds to be creative and form new associations, without having to deal with the stress of constantly running from destination to destination.
One thing scientists who study longevity have concluded is that interpersonal relationships and the sense of belonging to a larger community have a massive impact on long-term health outcomes. Therefore, if health and quality of life are important priorities for us, we really must consider how we are spending our time.
Sound familiar?
One of the biggest contributing factors is the centerpiece in this linked article from the New York Times entitled “The ‘Busy’ Trap.” There is this compulsion we seem to have with scheduling and committing ourselves to as many events, social functions, etc., as we can. People wear there busyness as a point of pride, as if their lives are somehow more important or meaningful because of all the crap they have going on.
There is nothing inherently wrong with being busy; it is clearly part of the modern condition, espechhially living in Columbus. However, as John Wooden says, “don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.” You can commit yourself to many different things, but they won’t all enrich your life and your happiness to the same degree. Additionally, unstructured time (and sleep) allows our minds to be creative and form new associations, without having to deal with the stress of constantly running from destination to destination.
One thing scientists who study longevity have concluded is that interpersonal relationships and the sense of belonging to a larger community have a massive impact on long-term health outcomes. Therefore, if health and quality of life are important priorities for us, we really must consider how we are spending our time.
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