While perusing Maria Nemeth’s excellent book The Power of Money, I came across a phrase that I had never heard before but described my lifestyle a little too well for my taste: “Occupyism.” Take this “Busyholism Inventory” adapted from the book. (If you’re too busy to take it, you can also assume it’s one and skip 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 of the people in my life (spouse, friends, family) don’t appreciate everything I have to do.

4. I get very frustrated if I can’t finish a task or if I get interrupted and have to put it off for later.

5. On Sunday (or my day off) I have a list of things I must do before I can play or rest. I rarely get to the play and rest part.

6. I often feel isolated from loved ones.

7. When I do something I like, I am too tired to really enjoy it.

8. I feel guilty when I am 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 fuel me into action during the day and turn to alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) to relax me at night.

11. I feel resentful because I’m not doing the things I really want to do.

12. I feel that 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 Or, when I’m with them, they tell me I seem withdrawn or emotionally withdrawn.

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

1. Take a day off

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

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

For maximum impact, remove yourself completely 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 yells in exhaustion, “So little time, so much cheese to push!”

Just for today, spend time in the slow lane, literally and metaphorically. Give yourself 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 catch 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 be real, 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 tons and relax!