Never before have human beings had so much information to take in. Whether it’s the hundreds of emails we mechanically devour daily or our seemingly ingrained need to be available 24/7, we have evolved to become an overwhelmed species. Are our rushed lives taking a toll on us that we don’t even know about? Are we doing it to ourselves? And when will we ever learn to relax? Clinical psychologist at the Rotman Research Institute (at Baycrest Health Sciences) Dr. Nasreen Khatri, who has been researching this topic, gives us the answers.
Doctor, have you found in your research that we tend to be more subconsciously used to this crazy rushed lifestyle in North America only, or is it really a global thing?
Well, there are busy people everywhere. However, the prevailing North American attitude seems to be in sync with a rushed life. We seem to equate “busy” with important, productive and valuable. Some countries, such as Denmark, do have policies that allow for an easier work-life balance. But on an individual level, “busy” seems to be the new “fine.” When I was growing up, the stock response to the question “How are you?” was “Fine.” Now it’s “busy” or “crazy busy.” That says a lot about how we view our cultural lifestyle.
You always hear about how keeping busy is actually great for you, so is it easy to get caught up with this kind of lifestyle and miss the line that defines healthy busyness and straight-up craziness?
Yes. the saying “A change is as good as a rest” is not as relevant in our wired world as it was a generation ago. What studies show is that, when people think they are multitasking, they are actually doing a lot of quick task switching, which impairs concentration and the ability to consolidate information and learn. We need to rest and sleep to be able to allow our brains to process all our myriad of daily experiences. When we don’t rest, we are at risk for depression and anxiety, everyday stress and, as we age, cognitive problems. Deciding the right level of busyness for you should take into account how you feel emotionally, your physical health and energy level. One of the best things you can do for your brain is to exercise regularly. What’s good for the heart is good for the brain!
How does the “sandwich generation” come into play here? Oh, and what does it mean?
The “sandwich generation” is a term that is often used to describe the baby boomer cohort. It refers to an individual who is “sandwiched” between caring for aging parents (who are living longer) while simultaneously raising children (who take longer to launch) and working full-time jobs (we retire later). However, the reality is that the boomers are more of a pizza generation than a sandwich! Due to changing family structures, later marriages, divorce and living away from family, there are many lateral as well as hierarchical caregiving responsibilities.
For example, many people are caring for spouses, ex-spouses, friends, siblings and others. Fully 51 per cent of the North American population is unmarried; this is a huge demographic shift from a generation ago and changes the caregiving landscape greatly. The pizza analogy captures the fact that there is a growing web of these relationships that pretty much stretches out in every direction. Although many people in caregiving relationships derive meaning and satisfaction from them, there is also the downside that too much caregiving can tax finite time, energy and financial resources that are associated with higher rates of depression and impaired cognition. In my own research, we found that depressed spousal caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with dementia benefited greatly from group cognitive behaviour therapy.
Why do you think we’ve become a generation that’s so obsessed with success that we’re willing to forgo sleep to attain it?
Well, there are probably a confluence of factors, including economic competition and need, plus the idea that we live in a meritocracy and the related feeling that if we work hard enough we can reach our goals. Technology now makes us reachable 24/7, blurring the lines between work and off-work. We are much more aware of others’ lives and accomplishments through television, Internet and social media. It is also a cultural value to emphasize material and professional success. But forgoing sleep is a big mistake. Most of us are walking around sleep-deprived on any given day. Lack of sleep impairs cognition and lowers mood. Sleeping even 30 minutes more a night would be useful for many people. It’s the little things that count: taking a walk, catching a nap or enjoying nature.
Is it possible to actually become addicted to perpetual busyness?
Like the frog in slow boiling water, it’s often hard to know when to stop! Addiction is one model, but not everyone is addicted to technology. Another is economics — everyone spends money. We must learn to view technology as expensive. Just like you wouldn’t throw all your discretionary income away, discretionary time should not be frittered away surfing the Net.
