JACH: A Busy Schedule Improves Mental Health

American psychologists from the University of Colorado Boulder have found that a packed daily schedule lowers the risk of depression and boosts academic performance. According to the study, an objective lack of free time actually benefits students, whereas a subjective feeling of constantly rushing does serious harm to mental health. The findings were published in the Journal of American College Health.

As part of the study, researchers analyzed data from 646 undergraduate students who agreed to share their academic records. Participants reported how many hours per week they spent on lectures, work, commuting, and other activities. It turned out that students with the busiest schedules were less likely to suffer from depressive episodes and earned higher grades than their peers with more free time. However, a chronic sense of running out of time—known as "time pressure"—triggered increased anxiety. According to the researchers, the sheer number of commitments on a calendar isn't inherently harmful to one's psyche; what matters far more is how a person perceives that workload.

A busy schedule can serve as a protective buffer thanks to routine and regular social contact, but it must be meaningful, manageable, and free from the feeling of constant haste. When accompanied by chronic time pressure, the benefits vanish and the mental health risks rise.

Experts emphasize that mindfulness helps soften the negative effects of a packed calendar. Students who are able to stay present in the moment managed heavy workloads more easily without compromising their mental well-being. At the same time, experts warn that sacrificing social life for a busy routine can backfire. Isolation often turns life into a monotonous grind, amplifying feelings of loneliness and making time feel like it is dragging on agonizingly slowly. Therefore, viewing busyness as a cure-all for psychological problems is a mistake—what matters far more is staying engaged while remaining socially active.

Psychologists advise filling schedules with activities that align with personal values. When rushing is unavoidable, experts recommend deep breathing practices to stay grounded in the moment. While the total number of hours in a day cannot be changed, people hold the power to transform their attitude toward time, the researchers conclude.