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How to Be Busy: Unhurried Living Even When Your Calendar Is Chaotic
A lighthearted, practical guide for how to find a bit of calm during seasons of life when you simply can't not be busy, from Rachelle Crawford, the author of Messy Minimalism.
How nice it would be to clear the calendar--to just stop doing so much stuff. Except kids get sick and the work project awaits and elderly relatives need care. No matter how well you hack it, manage it, slice or dice or delegate in some seasons of life, busyness is a given.
The solution, writes Rachelle Crawford in How to Be Busy, is not to merely declutter your calendar or unsubscribe from the busy life. Because busyness can't always be avoided. Because being in relationship with and caring for others means that some seasons of life are packed. Because sometimes, no matter how many times you say no, you're still swamped.
The trick lies in learning how to be busy. With her signature warmth and laugh-out-loud transparency, Crawford offers sensible pivots and simple practices. You can practice under-committing, learn the fine art of saying no, bubble-wrap your busy seasons, establish a busy protocol, and learn how to eliminate digital distractions. Here are tough-love tips for unhurrying your busy days, ideas for giving a gift to your future stressed-out self, strategies for identifying the season in which you are living, and end-of-chapter tips for how to be busy well.
Busy isn't always the enemy, and a chaotic calendar isn't always a failure. Sometimes a full schedule is simply the result of investing in what matters and doing the right thing. But while busy is a matter of the calendar, hurry is a matter of the heart. Find help for living your deep, meaningful, unhurried life--right in the middle of your busy one.
How nice it would be to clear the calendar--to just stop doing so much stuff. Except kids get sick and the work project awaits and elderly relatives need care. No matter how well you hack it, manage it, slice or dice or delegate in some seasons of life, busyness is a given.
The solution, writes Rachelle Crawford in How to Be Busy, is not to merely declutter your calendar or unsubscribe from the busy life. Because busyness can't always be avoided. Because being in relationship with and caring for others means that some seasons of life are packed. Because sometimes, no matter how many times you say no, you're still swamped.
The trick lies in learning how to be busy. With her signature warmth and laugh-out-loud transparency, Crawford offers sensible pivots and simple practices. You can practice under-committing, learn the fine art of saying no, bubble-wrap your busy seasons, establish a busy protocol, and learn how to eliminate digital distractions. Here are tough-love tips for unhurrying your busy days, ideas for giving a gift to your future stressed-out self, strategies for identifying the season in which you are living, and end-of-chapter tips for how to be busy well.
Busy isn't always the enemy, and a chaotic calendar isn't always a failure. Sometimes a full schedule is simply the result of investing in what matters and doing the right thing. But while busy is a matter of the calendar, hurry is a matter of the heart. Find help for living your deep, meaningful, unhurried life--right in the middle of your busy one.
189 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3986 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 19, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
ARC read: thank you NetGalley and Rachelle Crawford for letting me be apart of this ARC read!
“It isn’t our business we need to address, it’s our hurried state of living.”
Rachelle Crawford’s book is all about the PROPER way of being busy, separating the word ‘busy’ from living in a ‘hurried’ state where so much anxiety, overwhelm and disease can live (I say disease because my RN mind goes to how being ‘hurried’ can affect our overall health, such as cardiac disease, high blood pressure, etc.)
This book is written as such an easy and enjoyable read. She has a lot of her own life experiences to explain specific situations and it also adds humor into information that could have been so dry.
Rachelle makes a lot of wonderful points that we can put into practice in our own lives to try to live a less hurried life, even in the midst of the busy moments.
•
Some of my favorite points in this book:
- “Margin’
- [ ] “This is what time margin does as well. It prevents us from becoming overwhelmed and distracted. It gives us a chance to live in the moment rather than just get through it and then on to the next one.”
- [ ] Time margin will be different in many different times in your life; currently I’m in my pregnancy era and have chosen to give myself a WIDE time margin to focus on my body and getting ready for birth and being a new mother.
Other notable quotes:
- “Our definition of simplicity must evolve with every new season we enter, role we assume, and challenge we face.”
- “Sorry, I can’t. I don’t have the capacity for that right now.”
ARC read: thank you NetGalley and Rachelle Crawford for letting me be apart of this ARC read!
“It isn’t our business we need to address, it’s our hurried state of living.”
Rachelle Crawford’s book is all about the PROPER way of being busy, separating the word ‘busy’ from living in a ‘hurried’ state where so much anxiety, overwhelm and disease can live (I say disease because my RN mind goes to how being ‘hurried’ can affect our overall health, such as cardiac disease, high blood pressure, etc.)
This book is written as such an easy and enjoyable read. She has a lot of her own life experiences to explain specific situations and it also adds humor into information that could have been so dry.
Rachelle makes a lot of wonderful points that we can put into practice in our own lives to try to live a less hurried life, even in the midst of the busy moments.
•
Some of my favorite points in this book:
- “Margin’
- [ ] “This is what time margin does as well. It prevents us from becoming overwhelmed and distracted. It gives us a chance to live in the moment rather than just get through it and then on to the next one.”
- [ ] Time margin will be different in many different times in your life; currently I’m in my pregnancy era and have chosen to give myself a WIDE time margin to focus on my body and getting ready for birth and being a new mother.
Other notable quotes:
- “Our definition of simplicity must evolve with every new season we enter, role we assume, and challenge we face.”
- “Sorry, I can’t. I don’t have the capacity for that right now.”
July 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I found this book to give very practical advice for managing busy schedules but also giving you a glimpse at real life. It isn’t ever going to be perfect, but how you deal with it is super important.
I found this book to give very practical advice for managing busy schedules but also giving you a glimpse at real life. It isn’t ever going to be perfect, but how you deal with it is super important.
June 26, 2025
Love the premise of this one… how to be busy well!
December 23, 2025
A Practical and Enjoyable Guide to Time Management for All Ages
"How to Be Busy" by Rachelle Crawford is a refreshing and highly engaging guide on how to better manage our time and embrace a productive life, making it suitable for readers of all ages — including myself and my 12-year-old son. Crawford’s writing style is incredibly approachable, and her ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps is what makes this book such a joy to read.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how Crawford takes what could be a dry topic — time management — and turns it into an exciting read. She is an expert at blending real-life examples with advice that anyone can implement immediately. For instance, in the chapter where she discusses The Power of Focus, she shares a story about how someone turned their chaotic schedule around by simply focusing on one task at a time, instead of multitasking. This was something my son immediately connected with, as he struggles with balancing schoolwork and hobbies. The example gave him a practical way to improve his daily routine.
What really stood out to me was how Crawford uses relatable and concrete examples that make her tips easy to understand and put into practice. Her explanations are clear and concise, but they also include enough depth to keep the reader thinking long after they’ve finished a chapter. For example, her advice on creating a schedule that aligns with personal values isn’t just theoretical; she lays out step-by-step instructions on how to build your own schedule, and even shares worksheets to help guide you.
The book is also filled with helpful tips on balancing productivity with self-care. Crawford’s gentle encouragement to prioritize mental health and break big tasks into manageable chunks was a huge takeaway.
Overall, "How to Be Busy" is a must-read for anyone wanting to be more mindful and intentional with their time, no matter their age. Rachelle Crawford makes productivity not only accessible but enjoyable. It’s a book that has made a real difference for me and my son, and I’m confident it will do the same for anyone who picks it up.
"How to Be Busy" by Rachelle Crawford is a refreshing and highly engaging guide on how to better manage our time and embrace a productive life, making it suitable for readers of all ages — including myself and my 12-year-old son. Crawford’s writing style is incredibly approachable, and her ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps is what makes this book such a joy to read.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how Crawford takes what could be a dry topic — time management — and turns it into an exciting read. She is an expert at blending real-life examples with advice that anyone can implement immediately. For instance, in the chapter where she discusses The Power of Focus, she shares a story about how someone turned their chaotic schedule around by simply focusing on one task at a time, instead of multitasking. This was something my son immediately connected with, as he struggles with balancing schoolwork and hobbies. The example gave him a practical way to improve his daily routine.
What really stood out to me was how Crawford uses relatable and concrete examples that make her tips easy to understand and put into practice. Her explanations are clear and concise, but they also include enough depth to keep the reader thinking long after they’ve finished a chapter. For example, her advice on creating a schedule that aligns with personal values isn’t just theoretical; she lays out step-by-step instructions on how to build your own schedule, and even shares worksheets to help guide you.
The book is also filled with helpful tips on balancing productivity with self-care. Crawford’s gentle encouragement to prioritize mental health and break big tasks into manageable chunks was a huge takeaway.
Overall, "How to Be Busy" is a must-read for anyone wanting to be more mindful and intentional with their time, no matter their age. Rachelle Crawford makes productivity not only accessible but enjoyable. It’s a book that has made a real difference for me and my son, and I’m confident it will do the same for anyone who picks it up.
April 12, 2025
As someone with ADHD, I need a personal development book to be engaging, kind, and not make me feel like a trash human for not having my life together. How to Be Busy hit the mark.
Ironically, I procrastinated writing this because I was too “busy” (read: scrolling and avoiding responsibility). But that’s kind of the point—this book isn’t about erasing busyness. It’s about being intentional, protecting your energy, and quitting the stuff that doesn’t serve you—books, commitments, habits, all of it.
Rachelle Crawford’s writing feels like a hug and a pep talk from the wise, slightly sarcastic friend you didn’t know you needed. The story about Grandma Sally and her unapologetic “no” to dinner plans because of an 11 a.m. curtain appointment? Iconic. She wasn’t judging her time—she was judging her capacity. And that shift in mindset is everything.
I also loved the reminder that you don’t owe it to a book (or anything, really) to keep going just because you started. Sunk cost bias is real—but so is your peace and something I'm very guilty of.
Some parts leaned more into parenting and family chaos (not my current life season), but the core takeaways are universal: Don’t overcommit. Don’t fill your calendar to the brim just because it’s technically empty. And don’t feel guilty saying, “Sorry, I can’t. I don’t have the capacity for that right now.” (Seriously, that line is gold.)
If you’re burned out, overbooked, or tired of pretending “scrolling” is self-care, this book is for you. Come for the humor, stay for the wake-up calls. And maybe, just maybe, let that half-read book or 10,000 unread emails go. You’re allowed.
Ironically, I procrastinated writing this because I was too “busy” (read: scrolling and avoiding responsibility). But that’s kind of the point—this book isn’t about erasing busyness. It’s about being intentional, protecting your energy, and quitting the stuff that doesn’t serve you—books, commitments, habits, all of it.
Rachelle Crawford’s writing feels like a hug and a pep talk from the wise, slightly sarcastic friend you didn’t know you needed. The story about Grandma Sally and her unapologetic “no” to dinner plans because of an 11 a.m. curtain appointment? Iconic. She wasn’t judging her time—she was judging her capacity. And that shift in mindset is everything.
I also loved the reminder that you don’t owe it to a book (or anything, really) to keep going just because you started. Sunk cost bias is real—but so is your peace and something I'm very guilty of.
Some parts leaned more into parenting and family chaos (not my current life season), but the core takeaways are universal: Don’t overcommit. Don’t fill your calendar to the brim just because it’s technically empty. And don’t feel guilty saying, “Sorry, I can’t. I don’t have the capacity for that right now.” (Seriously, that line is gold.)
If you’re burned out, overbooked, or tired of pretending “scrolling” is self-care, this book is for you. Come for the humor, stay for the wake-up calls. And maybe, just maybe, let that half-read book or 10,000 unread emails go. You’re allowed.
September 25, 2024
How to be Busy was a mixed-bag read for me. As someone constantly busy both at work and at home, I guess I went into reading this book hoping for a miracle solution, but of course that was an unrealistic expectation. On the plus side, I enjoyed the author's lighthearted approach and the little anecdotes sprinkled through the book which were instantly relatable and gave a friendly tinge to the advice. The advice itself wasn't bad; it was just that for me personally, the useful ideas were generally things I do already while some of the others just weren't applicable to my situation. And I think that will always be the case with a book like this one: if the advice suits you it's a great read, but if it doesn't it could feel like a waste of time reading it. That said, there were a couple of new-to-me points that I think it might be worth testing out for me, so in the end I am giving this book three stars. How good this book will be for other readers will depend on their personal situations, but it's certainly worth checking out if you need to get on top of a busy schedule.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
In a world that constantly feels like it’s running at full speed, How to Be Busy by Rachelle Crawford is exactly the kind of book we all need. It doesn’t shame you for having a packed schedule or tell you to quit everything and move to a cabin in the woods. Instead, it acknowledges that sometimes, busyness is just life—and teaches you how to handle it in a way that won’t leave you completely burnt out.
What I loved most was how hilarious this book is! So many self-help books feel preachy or heavy, but Crawford takes a lighthearted approach that makes everything feel way less overwhelming. Her humor keeps things engaging while still delivering super practical tips, like how to set boundaries, eliminate unnecessary stressors, and create a system to handle the inevitable chaos of life.
This isn’t about avoiding being busy—it’s about learning how to do it well and in a way that still leaves room for joy, self-care, and sanity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re being pulled in a million directions (so, basically everyone), this book is a must read. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachelle Crawford, and Broadleaf Books for the eARC of this book.
What I loved most was how hilarious this book is! So many self-help books feel preachy or heavy, but Crawford takes a lighthearted approach that makes everything feel way less overwhelming. Her humor keeps things engaging while still delivering super practical tips, like how to set boundaries, eliminate unnecessary stressors, and create a system to handle the inevitable chaos of life.
This isn’t about avoiding being busy—it’s about learning how to do it well and in a way that still leaves room for joy, self-care, and sanity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re being pulled in a million directions (so, basically everyone), this book is a must read. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachelle Crawford, and Broadleaf Books for the eARC of this book.
May 21, 2025
"If you're going to be on your mat, be on your mat"
As a chronic overcommitter, this book was exactly what I needed to read. It's easy to get caught up in your to do list instead of being present, and Rachelle is great at *gently* telling us to "stop that!"
With humor and real-life examples, this book feels like talking to a friend (who is supportive and has lots of practical solutions - how does she know what problems I am having when I didn't even tell her?!) Whether it's a guide on what to start de-cluttering first, or simple but efficient tricks to enjoy the little moments, this book is a great tool to use for slowing down.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
As a chronic overcommitter, this book was exactly what I needed to read. It's easy to get caught up in your to do list instead of being present, and Rachelle is great at *gently* telling us to "stop that!"
With humor and real-life examples, this book feels like talking to a friend (who is supportive and has lots of practical solutions - how does she know what problems I am having when I didn't even tell her?!) Whether it's a guide on what to start de-cluttering first, or simple but efficient tricks to enjoy the little moments, this book is a great tool to use for slowing down.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 16, 2025
How to Be Busy is a refreshing perspective on time management, especially for busy parents. I liked that this was a practical approach - she acknowledges that busyness is a default factory setting for parenthood and that busyness isn't always avoidable. A good reminder that we've forgotten how to rest, play and do nothing, especially in the era of digital maximalism. A reminder and caution that even our leisure time can be exhausting and that you have to evaluate your expectations based on the season of life you're in.
A quick read with practical and applicable tips and tricks!
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick read with practical and applicable tips and tricks!
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
I LOVED this. Sometimes there is no avoiding being busy and not all busy is bad busy. I want my kids to do (reasonable) sports, I want to have time for family/friends, time with my husband, time with my kids, help out at school, etc. but there is a difference between being busy and being completely overwhelmed. This was wonderful and easy to read about how to handle busier seasons, how to only let them be a season and not live your whole life as unbelievably busy, and how to cope when things are super crazy. I really enjoy Rachelle's conversational tone and her nods to minimalism (her previous book) and digital detox. A perfect read for this stage of life.
May 2, 2025
How to Be Busy is a witty, heartfelt guide to thriving in life’s chaos without burnout. Rachelle Crawford’s humorous, relatable storytelling pairs with practical strategies like embracing “time margin” and saying “I can’t” guilt-free. Perfect for the overwhelmed, it redefines busyness, prioritizing joy and self-care. A must-read for anyone navigating a packed life with sanity intact.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC, all opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC, all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2025
This was an easy read, however I suspect I'm not the target market as I've done a lot of work to remove the "busy" and chaotic from my life. There wasn't a lot in here that was new to me. Having said that, it gives a lot of practical advice and I enjoyed a lot of the anecdotes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Broadleaf books for the advance copy.
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Broadleaf books for the advance copy.
3.5 stars
November 1, 2025
Practical advice on looking at your commitments and schedule in a different way - managing the chaos. Very relatable for parents, especially the parent who takes point on child care. The framing of concepts in more relatable terminology was more digestible than books focused purely on time-management and productivity (this is not that kind of book).
September 2, 2025
This book was just what I needed before the busy fall season ramps up. Rachelle’s stories are funny and heartwarming, and she offers a realistic framework for navigating a busy life with kids activities.
April 15, 2025
This was a solid, quick read with practical advice for managing hurry and busyness.
July 4, 2025
Funny, practical, and makes you feel human and seen. Overall, great book and highly recommend.
October 31, 2025
Listened to the audio book - narrator/author is easy to listen to and keeps an engaging pace. Filled with nuggets of wisdom and fun stories.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews