Human-being versus Human-doing: Are You Busy or Just Distracted?
My journey taught me that it’s easy to get caught up in a life of constant “doing.”
The world moves incredibly fast these days, and it's quite easy to take on the attitude of 'doing' instead of 'being': filling our schedules with endless tasks, lists of things to do, and activities. We think it makes us productive, successful, or even fulfilled. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself—Am I doing this to avoid what's really going on inside me?
If you find yourself constantly on the go, rarely taking a moment to pause, breathe, or reflect, you may be using busyness as a distraction. You’re not alone. Many of us do this unconsciously, and it’s a pattern that’s hard to break. But what if I told you that slowing down and just “being” could offer the clarity, healing, and inner peace you’re craving?
Examples of “Human Doing” Behaviors
Overloading your schedule: "Sorry I’m late, I’m just so busy" or "Sorry, I have no time" might be things you often say. When every hour of your day is booked—from work meetings to social events—it’s easy to feel like you’re being productive. But is all this activity really serving you, or is it a way to avoid confronting uncomfortable emotions? Constantly overloading your schedule can be a way to escape feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or even stress. Filling every moment with tasks might seem like a way to stay on top of things, but it often prevents us from reflecting on our deeper needs.
Mindless scrolling or binge-watching: "Oh, just one more episode" or "I don’t spend THAT much time on my phone" might sound familiar. These are the things we tell ourselves when we get sucked into social media or streaming services. What starts as a quick check of your notifications or a single episode of your favorite show can easily turn into hours of passive consumption. This distraction pulls you away from your own inner world, giving you a temporary escape from emotions like boredom, stress, or anxiety. While it may feel harmless, these habits can become a way of avoiding emotional growth.
Bad eating habits (self-medicating with food): "I deserve this brownie; I had a long day!" How many times have you treated yourself to comfort food after a stressful day? Many of us use food, especially sugary treats, to reward ourselves or to soothe emotions like stress, sadness, or anxiety. It feels good in the moment, but it’s a temporary fix that doesn’t address the root of what’s really bothering us. Over time, these bad eating habits—this "self-medicating" with food—can become a way to distract from underlying emotional pain, leaving both your body and mind out of balance.
Overworking: "I just have to finish this one thing" or "My team needs my help" are common justifications for staying late at the office or checking emails over the weekend. Overworking can be a socially acceptable way to avoid dealing with personal issues. Some people throw themselves into work because it offers a clear sense of achievement, something they might not feel in other areas of their life. While being productive might seem like a good thing, overworking can become a way to avoid emotional struggles like dissatisfaction, unhappiness, or unresolved trauma. The temporary validation from professional success can’t fill the emotional void in the long run.
Short-Term Distractions vs. Long-Term Healing
These "human-doing" behaviors might offer temporary relief, but they don’t address the root cause of our inner discomfort. They are short-term distractions, a way to mask the stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction bubbling beneath the surface. While staying busy might keep you distracted in the moment, it ultimately prolongs your journey to healing.
On the other hand, becoming a “human-being” means stepping away from these distractions, sitting with your thoughts and emotions, and engaging in practices that promote long-term healing and personal growth.
Healthy Ways to Be More Present
It’s not about abandoning your responsibilities, but about working on yourself—taking the time to pay attention and listening to what’s truly going on in your life. This is the key to starting your journey from “doing” to “being.” It’s not always easy, but getting help and reaching out to those who can guide you along the way is important. In the meantime, here are some simple tips to help you cope and become more mindful in your everyday life:
Mindful breathing: Start with a few moments each day to focus on your breath. This simple practice can bring you into the present moment and create space for reflection.
Conscious movement: Whether it's yoga, walking, or stretching, engage in movement that allows you to tune into your body and mind, instead of rushing through the motions.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions that you've been avoiding. It’s a safe space to explore what's truly going on inside you.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no. Protect your time and energy by setting limits, so you don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks that don’t serve your personal growth.
Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the positives in your life. Gratitude helps you stay grounded and focused on what really matters.
“It’s not about abandoning your responsibilities, but about working on yourself.”
Benefits of Embracing “Being”
When you shift from constantly “doing” to being more present, you’ll start to notice profound changes. Instead of feeling drained, you’ll have more energy. Instead of feeling like you're running on autopilot, you’ll become more intentional with your time and actions. Being present in the moment promotes long-term healing, reduces stress, and helps you grow emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
I know it might feel overwhelming to start slowing down and facing what’s going on beneath the surface. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I understand. The work isn’t easy, but I can tell you firsthand—it’s worth it. It’s possible to make real, lasting changes in your life. I did the work, and while it was hard, the reward of truly knowing myself and being at peace was amazing. You can do it too. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support along the way.
Over the years, I’ve helped many people go through the same process. With BodyTalk, we work together to get to the root cause of their struggles. The benefits of slowing down, being present, and truly getting to know yourself are monumental.
Take the Next Step
If you're ready to explore how you can move from distraction to deeper healing, take a look at the resources on our website or visit our FAQ page to learn more about how BodyTalk can support you on your journey to being, rather than doing.
