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.

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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.”

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.

This was an accessible and straightforward guide with practical suggestions about how to manage busy periods in life while still enjoying the day to day.

Very readable and relatable exploration of how to embrace the busy periods of your life and not just survive but thrive. Includes strategies, tips, and personal experiences. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read/review.

This book feels so personal and relatable and I loved the author's voice and personality. When reading about her personal stories, failures, and triumphs, I just kept thinking "Rachelle gets it". The tips for handling a busy life and preserving your time were very helpful and I definitely will be bubble wrapping my life with more margin.

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.