The busy-brag creates a toxic, dangerous cultural phenomenon that will (literally) be the death of us.

We hurry to yoga class, 'make good time' in the grocery store, multi-task when we make dinner and finish the day with some speed-reading before bed. At work we proudly give our meeting updates with a look of pain: "Hi, I'm very busy". Surely, all of this cannot be good for our health ...and before I lose your attention let me quickly say:

I recommend everyone stop using the word "busy".

And I have 3 specific reasons why:

#1: No one actually cares

People habitually say they are busy and wear it like a badge of honour. They usually mean "I'm important". But being busy doesn't equate to adding value - if anything it suggests being disorganized.

#2 Creates negative workplace culture

It's not healthy or sustainable to be flat out busy all the time. Or to look busy all the time. Busy isn't always productive and the focus should be on working smarter, not harder.

#3 Hurts those you love the most

Have you ever said to a loved one "Sorry honey, I don't have time to xyz, I'm too busy.....". I admit I have, so please learn from my mistakes and don't ever say that. It sends the message 'you're not my priority' because being busy is a myth - we all make time for things that are important to us.