Busy ≠ Better

Asslamu alaykum,

Life feels like a constant rush.

We’re all busy, always on the move, and rarely do we have a moment to catch our breath.

With university back in full swing, my days are packed with lectures, extracurriculars, family events, Islamic Studies… honestly, it’s overwhelming.

It got me wondering, have I managed to move past this chaotic phase in my life?

The truth is, I haven’t. And I don’t think I will anytime soon.

Recently, I saw a post on Pinterest that struck a chord: “Don’t complain your plate is full when you asked to eat.”

I chose to fill my schedule, fully aware it could lead to burnout.

But what I didn’t realise was how deeply I’ve blended my personal and professional life.

Every part of my life — my work, my LinkedIn posts, academics, creative pursuits, Quran recitation, family time — they’re all intertwined.

And this, ladies, is how Amal reached burnout.

I’m now learning that to avoid burnout, I need to see each part of my life as separate.

But how?

That’s the big question.

I started researching burnout prevention, trying to understand why I felt exhausted and out of sync.

With long commutes to university, packed mornings, and late returns, I wondered where I could fit the things that uplift me — faith, hobbies, financial goals.

It felt impossible… until today.

I think I’ve finally cracked my personal system.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Start anywhere, anytime.

Whether it’s November 3rd or 5 PM, there’s always space to fit something in.

I realised I don’t need perfect conditions or heaps of energy to start.

I need to normalise the imperfections of life.

If I remember an assignment, I’ll tackle it right then.

If I feel the urge to study Arabic, I’ll squeeze it in, even if it’s late.

If I have time for YouTube, I have time for Quran.

It’s about breaking free from the idea that everything has to be “just right” to begin.

Yes, I deserve to have a break of course, but it is the procrastination that is killing my progress.

Procrastination→ No Progress → Disappointment → Packed To-do List → Burnt out.

So here I am, hacking my own system — and I’ll be sharing the journey with you all along the way.

Barakallah feek,

Amal ❤️‍🩹