While perusing Maria Nemeth’s excellent book The Power of Money, I came across a phrase I had never heard before but which described my lifestyle too well for my liking: “Occupation.” Take this “Busyholism Inventory” adapted from the book. (If you’re too busy to take it, you can also just assume it’s one and skip right to the suggestions below):

Use the following scale to rate:

1 = not true at all
2 = somewhat false
3 = don’t know
4 = somewhat true
5 = absolutely true

1. I am tired most of the time.
2. I always seem to be on the go.
3. Most people in my life (spouse, friends, family) don’t appreciate all that I have to do.
4. I get very frustrated if I can’t finish a task or if I get interrupted and have to leave it for later.
5. On Sunday (or my day off) I have a list of things I have to do before I can play or rest. I rarely get to the play and rest part.
6. I often feel isolated from my loved ones.
7. When I do something I like, I am too tired to really enjoy it.
8. I feel guilty when I’m resting or just taking it easy.
9. When I’m doing something (like watching a son or daughter play soccer), I often miss out on the fun because I’m too worried about what to do next.
10. I use substances like caffeine or sugar to propel me into action during the day and turn to alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) to relax at night.
11. I feel resentful because I am not doing the things I really want to do.
12. I feel like I have more responsibilities than most of my family or friends.
13. I tend to do things in a hurry, like swallowing food or putting on clothes.
14. I forget to take care of myself (I don’t eat, drink water, or use the bathroom) for long periods of time.
15. My friends and family tell me that they don’t see me enough. Or, when I’m with them, they tell me I seem emotionally withdrawn or withdrawn.

There are no total ‘Cosmo Quiz’ scores to compare against, but suffice it to say that if you identify with any of the above descriptions, you’ll benefit from the suggestions that follow…

1. Take a day off

(Note I didn’t say a “free” day, that would never happen, would it?)

Taking a day to review your life’s direction, meaning, and purpose is one of the most powerfully productive things you can do, which even we confirmed busy addicts can often justify to ourselves.

For maximum impact, completely remove yourself from your home and work environment to minimize the siren song of busy distractions. Let’s face it, it’s easier not to answer emails or take phone calls when you’re not near a computer or phone.

2. Slow down and smell the cheese

When my daughter was two years old, her favorite song was called ‘Slow down and Smell the Cheese’. In the song, a frantic mouse named Tutter runs around, shoving his cheese around the mouse hole, when he finally cries out in exhaustion, “So little time, so much cheese to poke!”

Just for today, spend time in the slow lane, literally and metaphorically. Take a little extra time this morning and drive to work in the slow lane. If you’re traveling by train or bus, make a deal with yourself that you won’t rush to the next one, no matter what.

As the mouse’s friend, a bear appropriately named ‘Bear’, sings: ‘Life is so much better when you smell feta!’

3. Get support

While there are no official support groups for ‘Busyholism’ (let’s face it, we’re all too busy to attend meetings!), you can create your own support system. This week, experiment with getting support by making sure to ask for support at least three times a day, even if (especially if!) you feel like you don’t need it.

Have fun, learn loads and relax!