"Busy" has become a handshake: a badge of honour that hides what we actually feel. Problem is, your brain is listening every time you say it.
This week we pick apart the busyness script: why "how are you?" "busy!" is really a social dance, why Rebecca made a conscious decision years ago to never answer with "busy", and what the research says about language literally programming your brain (spoiler: "fake it till you make it" gets it backwards; you're not faking, you're programming). Plus a 10-second grounding practice from Eckhart Tolle you can do in any meeting, and David's favourite pattern-interrupt: asking people what made them smile.
Try it this week: next time someone asks how you are, don't say busy. Tell us what you said instead.
Resources: Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart(00:00) The busy epidemic
(03:24) Why Rebecca never says "busy"
(07:24) Successful ≠ busy
(10:28) The hands-and-feet grounding practice
(12:51) Interrupting the busy script
(21:37) You can't lie to your brain
Dr Rebecca Chabot:
https://drrebeccachabot.com https://purewellnesstasmania.com
David Masterton:
https://158lab.com.au
Wellness for Nerds shares general information and personal experience. It is not individual medical or mental-health advice.