In London, being busy is often glorified. We see it as a symbol of success and status, with our packed schedules becoming an indicator of how much we are achieving. But beneath this façade of "busyness," many of us are falling into the trap of overworking ourselves, constantly staying "on," and sacrificing important aspects of our lives—like health and fitness.
This constant rush to be busy doesn’t necessarily mean we are achieving more. Instead, it can reduce productivity and affect overall well-being.
The link between busyness and physical health, mental clarity, and productivity is something we can no longer ignore.
“Busyness” as Social Status
The notion of "busyness" has evolved into more than just a way to describe our schedules. It has become an identity. Being busy implies you are in demand, important, and succeeding in life. The busier you appear, the more it seems you are accomplishing. However, the pressure to maintain this image can be detrimental. We pile on more tasks, say yes to every opportunity, and feel guilty for taking breaks—all in the name of staying "busy."
According to a study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies, this drive to stay constantly busy is linked to societal expectations, where success is associated with how full your calendar looks, regardless of whether those tasks lead to personal fulfilment.【Westgate et al., 2020】
The need to stay in constant motion often results in a vicious cycle, where individuals fail to reflect on their priorities and instead get caught up in superficial productivity.
In reality, this overcommitment often leads to burnout, inefficiency, and poor decision-making. Studies suggest that constantly being "busy" may lead to "cognitive overload," where our brains struggle to process information effectively due to the constant demand on our attention.【Ophir et al., 2009】
In this state, the quality of work suffers, decision-making becomes erratic, and the ability to manage stress decreases significantly.
The Sabotage of Busyness on Health and Well-Being
What’s the cost of this busyness? For many, it’s their health. When we operate in constant "go" mode, we fail to carve out time for ourselves, particularly for exercise. Physical activity often takes a back seat when our schedules are overloaded, and this contributes to a cycle of stress and poor health outcomes.
A Harvard Medical School article highlights how chronic busyness can negatively impact the body, leading to increased stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.【Harvard Health Publishing, 2018】
When these physiological responses are triggered frequently, they can lead to long-term health issues such as heart disease, anxiety disorders, and depression.
And when we do squeeze in fitness, it’s often treated as another box to check rather than a vital component of overall well-being. This way of thinking can sabotage our fitness routines, leaving us feeling too tired, too stressed, or simply too "busy" to maintain consistency. Skipping workouts because of a packed schedule only increases stress, which further impacts our ability to be productive.
The Mental Impact of Overworking and Burnout
Beyond the physical costs, there’s also a mental toll to consider. The constant pressure to stay busy leaves little room for rest or recovery, which are critical for maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance. When individuals are chronically busy, they often sacrifice activities like meditation, hobbies, and relaxation, which are necessary for maintaining mental health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon that results from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been managed effectively.【WHO, 2019】
Burnout symptoms include feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, and an increase in mental distance from one’s job. Burnout not only affects job performance but also spills over into personal life, making it difficult to engage in self-care practices like exercise or maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
In this state, people may struggle to think clearly, become more irritable, and face challenges managing emotions.
According to Psychology Today, mental exhaustion can lead to a lack of motivation, further hindering one’s ability to maintain a fitness routine, which is often one of the first things to be sacrificed when we feel overwhelmed.【Psychology Today, 2020】
How Busyness Leads to a Decrease in Productivity
Ironically, the more we try to accomplish by staying busy, the less we often get done. Overworking, without taking the time to recharge through rest and exercise, leads to diminishing returns in productivity. Studies have shown that individuals who work longer hours are actually less productive than those who incorporate regular breaks and exercise into their routine.
A study published in The Lancet showed that working long hours was associated with a 33% increased risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of heart disease【Kivimäki et al., 2015】. These risks stem from prolonged sedentary behaviour, increased stress, and lack of physical activity—all factors commonly seen in overworked individuals.
As we chase busyness, we often compromise the very habits that make us productive and happy—like exercise, proper sleep, and relaxation. The irony is that staying constantly busy doesn’t necessarily mean we’re being productive. In fact, the opposite is often true. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that regular physical activity reduced feelings of exhaustion and improved work performance.【Katzmarzyk et al., 2019】
How Weight Training Can Improve Productivity
The solution to this? Prioritising time for fitness, particularly strength training. Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that regular exercise, including weight training, boosts cognitive function, focus, and productivity.【HBR, 2015】
Engaging in physical activity, especially strength training, releases endorphins, improves mood, and provides the mental clarity needed to tackle busy schedules more
effectively.
Weight training, which is what we focus on at Angel in particular, has been linked to better time management and increased mental resilience, helping individuals handle stress more effectively. A study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that strength training improved working memory and cognitive control, which are essential for managing tasks and handling stressful situations.【Loprinzi et al., 2017】
By engaging in weight training for just a few hours a week, busy professionals can improve their energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance their ability to concentrate on tasks.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that regular exercise increases productivity by up to 15%.【Von Thiele Schwarz & Hasson, 2011】
Exercise helps reset the brain and body, providing a mental "break" that increases productivity when returning to work.
The Power of Consistency in Weight Training
Consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to reaping the benefits of weight training. You don’t need hours of free time to see results. In fact, just two or three weight training sessions a week can make a noticeable difference in your overall productivity and well-being.
Research from the American Journal of Physiology reveals that even short, consistent strength training sessions improve physical strength and mental clarity over time.【Schoenfeld et al., 2016】
Weight training helps build a strong foundation of physical health, which is key to maintaining energy levels throughout the day and avoiding burnout.
This doesn’t just apply to the body—consistency in weight training also conditions the mind to handle stress more effectively. Studies have shown that strength training reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mental resilience and helping individuals manage the pressures of a busy life.【Gordon et al., 2018】
Reclaiming Control: Redefining “Success” and “Busyness”
Ultimately, we need to rethink our relationship with busyness. True success is not about how packed your schedule is; it’s about how effectively you manage your time and energy. By carving out dedicated time for fitness, particularly weight training, you’re not just improving your health—you’re investing in your productivity and mental clarity.
A 2014 study from the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests that those who engage in regular physical activity, such as weight training, have better time management skills and are more capable of coping with stress.【Trougakos et al., 2014】
Making fitness a priority doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing what matters most, better. It’s about reclaiming control over your time and ensuring that your well-being is always part of the equation.
Conclusion
The concept of "busyness" as a social status is ingrained in modern London, but it’s time to recognise its pitfalls. Prioritising health and fitness, especially through regular weight training, offers a fabulous way to break the cycle. Not only does it improve physical strength, but it also enhances mental well-being, focus, and productivity.
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