Reading Practice: The Busyness Trap – Why Being Busy Isn’t Always Better

🧠 The Busyness Trap

“How are you?”
“Oh, I’m so busy!”

This is a common answer we hear every day. In today’s world, being busy has become something to be proud of. We wear it like a badge of honor. But here’s an important truth: being busy all the time doesn’t always mean you are successful or happy.

This way of thinking is part of what people now call hustle culture—the idea that we must always be working or improving ourselves, or we’re falling behind.

🐢 When Free Time Was a Status Symbol

Did you know that in the 1840s, in France, people used to walk their pet turtles in public parks?

They weren’t just being cute. This was a way to show everyone how much free time they had—because walking a turtle slowly was a symbol of wealth, leisure, and status. The slower your lifestyle, the more powerful you appeared.

Fast forward to today, and it’s the opposite. If you're “too busy,” people may assume you’re important or successful. That’s why many feel pressure to work all the time, even when they’re exhausted.

⚠️ The Dangers of Being Too Busy

Being busy all the time can lead to serious problems like:

• Stress and anxiety

• Burnout

• Poor sleep and health

• Lack of creativity

• Missing out on real life

Just doing more doesn’t always help us move forward. It can stop us from doing what truly matters.

🧘‍♀️ How to Escape the Busyness Trap

Here are some smart ways to take back your time:

• Say no to things that don’t matter.

• Block free time in your calendar—just for rest.

• Do a time audit—track how you spend your day.

• Automate tasks using tools like Systeme.io or online calendars.

• Redefine success: focus on peace and purpose, not just productivity.

Remember: rest is not a reward—it’s part of the process.

🧩 Are You Busy or Fulfilled?

Ask yourself:

• Am I doing this because I want to—or because I feel I have to?

• Do I feel proud of how I spend my time?

• When was the last time I rested, without feeling guilty?

You don’t need to prove your value by being exhausted. Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is pause.

📚 Vocabulary Support

• Hustle culture – The idea that we must always be working hard to succeed.

• Badge of honor – Something people feel proud of or use to show off.

• Burnout – Extreme stress or tiredness caused by working too much.

• Time audit – A way to track or check how you spend your time each day.

• Automate – To use technology to do tasks for you automatically.

❓ Comprehension Questions

Choose the best answer (A, B, or C):

• What is the “busyness trap”?
  A) A way to save time
  B) A dangerous type of computer virus
  C) The belief that being busy means being successful

• What was considered a sign of wealth in the past?
  A) Walking very fast
  B) Having free time and walking turtles
  C) Having a busy calendar

• Which of the following is a problem caused by being too busy?
  A) More free time
  B) Improved sleep
  C) Burnout

• What is one way to escape the busyness trap?
  A) Add more tasks to your to-do list
  B) Say “no” to some invitations
  C) Always check your email at night

• What does the article suggest about rest?
  A) It's only needed if you’re lazy
  B) It's a waste of time
  C) It's an important part of being productive

✏️ Practice Task

Write 5–6 sentences about your weekly schedule.

• Are you usually busy?

• Do you make time to rest?

• What changes could you make to feel more balanced?

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