We live in a world where we are constantly busy. If we are not at work and in front of screens keeping busy, we are glued to the small screens in the palms of our hands. 

We are constantly either preoccupied with things to be done or keeping ourselves busy with something because there is nothing else to do. Just as a child has a nanny, television and gadgets have become babysitters for adults. Doing nothing, which is good for relaxation, reflection and introspection is seen as the equivalent of boredom.

We live in a world where motivation gurus constantly remind us about the importance of time; that every minute not used is time wasted and may become the reason for undesirable life circumstances. With this notion, we dive into a state of perpetual dissatisfaction and lack. We become overwhelmed with feelings of guilt for every minute of inactivity and when undesirable situations occur, even if they may be beyond our control, we blame ourselves.

The state of overstimulation has become our normal life. Every moment of inactivity grips us with anxiety because we have become addicted to being busy. If we are not busy with ourselves with work, any free time is used for enjoyment – which is sometimes basically nothing but a deliberate distraction from facing our demons. We use leisure not for relaxation and detoxification but more stimulation in the name of entertainment and fun, then at one point may wonder why our society must deal with a great deal of mental health issues. 

We wonder why there is so much unpleasantness and disgruntlement – as mostly exhibited especially on social media and daily interactions. Because, although the root cause of our emotional instability is staring us right in the face, it is the same route we resort to for coping with sadness; slowly drifting into the flames of dissolution.

The question is, how far and for how long are we willing to continue with this state of overstimulation? When shall we have the nerves to admit and individually admit that it is a problem and that it needs to be addressed before it turns into a generational crisis? Because, obviously, moving on without any intervention or awareness will be costly. 

Without any admission that we have become victims of overstimulation, be it from gadgets, social indulgence, and sexual activity, we can only anticipate the worst. 

We can only wait to see the symptoms of everything we try to ignore drag us into despair. We may not be able to change the world we live in or achieve riddance of overstimulation; but we must acknowledge its existence, create awareness, and create sustainable and effective interventions. This may not be achieved today or tomorrow, but as we know, getting started is all that matters.  

As to how this can be achieved, a simple write up like this can be the point of departure; a departure to a society that is willing to engage in discourse of this nature and aware of the dangers of overstimulation of any kind and creates a safe space to mitigate its harms; a society that is accommodative of a variety of preferences of lifestyles and goals; a society that promotes the culture of moderation and self-control for mental and emotional stability for the benefit of all.

E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com

Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka.

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