This post is a really great observational piece. I live in the UK and people always have to give the impression 'they're busy', even when they're not. They dare not say they're not busy as though it could be frowned upon or something. I mean how on earth could someone ever find the time to not be busy? That would be a lazy indolent person wouldn't it?!

I noticed even my own parents would have to subscribe to this societal norm which dictates you must always keep busy. And I think this is what you are explaining here, at least in part, with this post.

One of the classics my dad used to say when asked by friends how things are or how he and my stepmum were doing he would automatically respond well we haven't had time to stop really, again it was very important he gave the impression he was busy because otherwise he might look weak and useless somehow.

Work is important and being active is also important, that goes without saying. But you also need to be lazy sometimes, you need time for self indulgence and to unwind and destress. That's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. We all need to do that, right? Perhaps if more of us found the time to be less busy, worry less about unhelpful societal conventions we might just still get things done but be a bit happier too.