Nearly 200 years ago, American philosopher Henry David Thoreau penned these timeless words: “It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy doing?”

Busyness is a funny thing. Recent research suggests that over half of us struggle with it. Work-life balance is a common topic, even making it into some companies’ mission statements. 

Inactivity creates negative perceptions. It’s often assumed to mean laziness, low productivity, and lack of success. Yet, rest and recreation are beneficial to our overall health. 

So how busy is too busy? How do we achieve that work-life balance? 

Dr. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, NYT bestselling author, in-demand speaker, and frankly one of my favorite buddies, has suggested there’s an ideal level of stress for productivity. Too little pressure causes low production; but so does too much. No demands or deadlines makes procrastination easier. But too many can cause feelings of overload and create mental blocks. In short, we simply shut down. 

So, too little busyness or too much can keep us from being our best. 

Today’s “Peace of Wisdom” can be found in seeking an ideal level of activity and stress.