“I’m So Busy” – The New National Greeting (and Why We Might Want to Retire It)
Ask almost anyone how they are these days, and chances are you’ll hear it:“I’m so busy.”
It’s said with a sigh, a groan, or sometimes even a hint of pride — as though being busy has become the ultimate badge of honour.
For some, it’s practically replaced “hello” as a standard social greeting. But beneath the surface, there’s something worth paying attention to here.
When Busy Becomes a Red Flag
Whenever I hear “I’m so busy” — especially from someone who always says it — I start to wonder. Are they so busy that there’s no room left for anything but work and sleep? Are they constantly running on fumes, skipping the things that make them feel alive? And, perhaps most importantly, are they even aware of how much this pace is impacting their wellbeing?
Because here’s the thing: sometimes “I’m so busy” isn’t just a description of a full schedule. It can be a sign of overwhelm, a lack of boundaries, or even a subconscious attempt to seem important or indispensable. It might also be the default reply when someone has been saying “yes” to everything and everyone without stopping to consider if that’s actually sustainable.
A More Mindful Alternative
Recently, a friend told me he’s decided to stop answering with “I’m so busy.” Instead, when someone asks how he is, he says something like: “Oh, I’m working on a lovely project, and even though it’s taking up a lot of my time, I’m really enjoying it.”
I love this because it’s mindful and intentional. It tells me where his energy is going and how he’s feeling about it. It opens the door for a richer conversation — one that’s more than just a status update on his calendar.
Why It Matters
Our words shape our reality. If we keep telling ourselves (and others) “I’m so busy,” we reinforce the idea that life is a relentless to-do list. We train ourselves to live in a constant state of urgency — and often, stress follows close behind.
By answering differently, we can shift the tone, reframe the moment, and remind ourselves that we are more than our workload.
Lightening the Load — and the Language
Now, I’m not saying you should pretend you’re floating through life with endless free time (unless you are, in which case, lucky you). But there are other ways to respond that invite connection and reflect more of who you are, not just how packed your diary is.
Here are a few ideas:
Focus on the good: “I’m really enjoying my garden right now — it’s keeping me busy in the best way.”
Share a small win: “I’ve been diving into a new project, and it’s been so rewarding.”
Express how you feel: “Life’s full at the moment, but I’m feeling grateful.”
Keep it playful: “I’m juggling a few things, but no plates have smashed yet.”
The Takeaway
Being busy is not a personality trait — it’s ‘a state of life’ that can ebb and flow. And while it’s perfectly fine to have full days and long to-do lists, it’s worth noticing the story we tell ourselves (and others) about it.
Next time someone asks, “How are you?” try skipping the “I’m so busy” autopilot and choose something more mindful. You might just find the conversation — and your own awareness — opens up in unexpected ways.
After all, you’re not just busy. You’re living.
