Why being busy isn’t the same as progress.
by Juhi Sarvaiya
Work. Work. Work. That’s all we think about, that’s all we are told about, that’s all we dream about.
We’ve all been there – running between classes, juggling part-time jobs, pulling all-nighters, taking on extra classes and projects, and feeling guilty for taking breaks. In today’s hustle culture, being busy is often mistaken for being productive. But does filling every hour of your day mean you’re getting ahead?
Student life has become a constant race—grades, internships, extracurriculars, social life, networking. But at what cost? Burnout is on the rise, and students are struggling with stress, exhaustion, and mental health issues. One study cited that over 55 percent of university students experience moderate to severe symptoms of burnout while in school.
So, if being constantly busy isn’t the answer, then what is?
Today, we as students are expected to excel in every aspect of life. But the truth is, being constantly “busy” doesn’t mean you’re actually making progress.
- The ‘To-Do List Addiction’- the more tasks you check off, the more accomplished you think you feel. But are these tasks actually moving you toward your long-term goals?
- The Guilt of Rest – Many students feel taking breaks is ‘wasting time’, – but in reality, rest (to the mind and body) is what allows us to do our best work.
- Social media and Productivity pressure – Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram glorify overachievement and encourage hustle culture, making students feel like they’re falling behind if they are not constantly hustling and excelling at everything they do.
- University culture – The academic system often rewards working harder, not smarter, pushing students to prioritize workload over everything else.
I’m sure you’ve either heard of it or experienced it yourself, but the cost of always being busy and overworking yourself can lead to feeling burnt out, anxiety, sleep deprivation, cognitive overload, and so much more. It can slowly start affecting your lifestyle, from your eating habits to your lack of movement. True productivity isn’t about doing more; it is about doing what matters in a sustainable way. (and also, you gotta enjoy life, right?!)
So, instead of glorifying the “grind”, let’s redefine what productivity should look like.
- Quality over quantity: A well-thought-out study session beats five hours of mindless note-taking and cramming.
- Rest, the best Productivity Tool: Breaks, sleep, and movement are essentials! And yes, that includes spending a day on the couch, watching your comfort show, and enjoying a slice (or three) of pizza! Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what your mind and body need to reset and refuel.
- The power of saying ‘no’: Not every opportunity adds value. Prioritize what aligns with your goals instead of filling your schedule with meaningless tasks, jobs and projects for the sake of it.
- Tap Into Campus Resources: Whether it’s mental health support, tutoring, or wellness events, use the free resources available through SUO.
And look, we get it—this is easier said than done. As a student myself, I know that sinking feeling when you open LinkedIn and see someone else’s endless list of accomplishments. It’s easy to think, “Okay, I’ll just hustle a little more. Maybe then I’ll feel better about where I’m at.”
But deep down, you know it’s more than that. Real progress comes when we give ourselves the space to rest, reflect, and grow—not when we’re running on empty. That’s when the best ideas show up, when we feel the most excited again, and when motivation feels natural, not forced.
- And if you’re ever on campus and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. SUO puts student well-being at the forefront. Whether you’re having a rough week or just need to chat (without it being a big deal), the Resource Centres are always open. You can swing by, grab a snack, and talk to someone who gets it—someone who has been in your shoes.
- Use your SUO Health and Dental Plan – many students don’t realize it covers part of mental health counselling, so you can get support without the financial stress. Currently, the SUO Health Plan offers students 1,1100 annually for counselling and mental health coverage
Plus, SUO hosts stress-relief workshops, self-care initiatives, and low-key community events (checkout The Picnic!). Through clubs and course unions, you’ll also find mindfulness activities, study groups, and exam prep events to help you stay balanced and find your people. Follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date with everything going on on campus
Being busy isn’t the same as making progress. You don’t need to hustle 24/7 to prove your worth. The rest is productive. Balance is powerful.
Let go of the pressure to do it all—you’re already doing enough.
And if you need support, SUO’s got you. We’re here to help you thrive, not just survive. 
