In an age when every slot on our calendars seems to be filled—and often double-booked—many people feel overwhelmed by their own schedules, constantly regretting the commitments they’ve made. New psychological research is pointing to four “hidden drivers” that push us into cycles of compulsive busyness, as well as offering four concrete ways to break free from the trap of over-commitment (“Why We Overbook Ourselves—and Constantly Regret It,” published in Psychology Today on May 16, 2025) (Psychology Today).
This story matters to Thai readers because the culture of overworking and constant activity is not unique to Western countries. In Thailand’s cities, rising digital engagement, work demands, and a growing social scene—often visible in chat groups, Line notifications, and weekend events—have together contributed to what many describe as “ชีวิตที่ยุ่งสุดๆ” (“super busy lives”). Chronic busyness influences mental health, social relationships, and even workplace productivity across generations and sectors in Thai society.
Rather than being merely an issue of ambition or poor time management, psychologists argue that our tendency to overbook masks much deeper psychological patterns. The research identifies four fundamental psychological drivers of chronic busyness: the desire for control, the fear of missing out (FOMO), an unconscious response to death anxiety, and the emotional paradox that overcommitment can actually deepen the stress and dissatisfaction we hope to escape.
First, the lure of busyness is identified as a kind of coping mechanism. Especially in rapidly modernizing societies like Thailand, keeping busy is often seen as a badge of honor—a mark of productivity, success, and social value. However, this pattern provides, at best, only short-lived relief from deeper, often unexamined feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. The article points to recent research published in BMC Psychology (Liu et al., 2023), which demonstrates that people who frequently overcommit themselves not only experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, but may be using this pattern to numb unresolved inner discomfort.
Secondly, the research highlights the familiar phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out), which has become more pronounced with the rise in digital connectivity—something that hits home for Thais, especially youth, who are among the world’s most active social media users (statista.com). Studies such as Gupta and Sharma (2021) show that the urge to be included drives people to accept more events, projects, and invitations than they can manage, resulting in elevated stress and lower life satisfaction (NMIMS Management Review). The quest to keep up with others through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok fuels this restlessness.
Another deep driver is what psychologists term “death anxiety”: a subtle, often subconscious urgency to accomplish as much as possible before time runs out. The article draws upon “terror management theory,” which suggests that humans seek solace from mortality by pursuing meaning and significance through relentless activity (Naidu & Chew, 2023). For many Thai professionals and students, this existential push is visible in the pressure to amass qualifications, achievements, and life experiences.
Paradoxically, all this busyness creates its own mental distress. Rather than relieving anxiety, the research shows, overcommitment can intensify it. Findings from the Journal of Health Psychology (Porru et al., 2020) confirm that those with overloaded schedules report higher psychological distress and poorer mental health. This creates a vicious cycle familiar to anyone who feels compelled to add just “one more thing” to an already packed week.
“These four drivers—busyness as control, FOMO, death anxiety, and the overcommitment paradox—are all about coping with inner discomfort. Our calendars have become a way to avoid sitting with uncertainty, imperfection, or the simple experience of being,” the Psychology Today article’s author, a clinical psychologist specializing in mindfulness-based therapies, explains.
So how do we break this cycle? The article outlines four practical solutions, grounded in psychological research and clinical experience.
First, “mindfulness with a purpose” encourages people to pause and reflect before agreeing to new commitments. Even a moment of breathwork or journaling can clarify whether a “yes” is coming from genuine intention or from autopilot anxiety. Mindfulness apps, now popular among Thai young adults, and traditional practices such as “ยุบหนอ-พองหนอ” (noting rising and falling in Vipassana meditation) can play a key role here (Thailand Meditation Centers).
Second, the article stresses the importance of “brave boundaries.” Learning to say no can feel uncomfortable at first, especially for Thais who value social harmony (“เกรงใจ”). But setting boundaries is described as an act of self-respect and necessary for reclaiming one’s time. Mental health advocates at Thai universities and corporate wellness programs increasingly emphasize boundary-setting in training and counseling sessions (Matichon Weekly).
Seeking therapy is listed as another important intervention. Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are now more widely available in Thailand’s urban centers. These modalities help people explore the emotional roots behind compulsive busyness and develop healthier coping mechanisms (Bangkok Mental Health).
The final recommendation is to perform routine “values check-ins.” Rather than aiming for perfection, the process involves making small, regular assessments of whether one’s commitments align with personal values and long-term goals. This can be done through quiet reflection, guided workshops, or even socially through group dialogues—an approach that resonates with traditional Thai temple retreats and community wisdom circles.
For Thailand, the implications are far-reaching. The temptation to overbook is amplified in a society where family events, merit-making, school, work, and even casual gatherings are increasingly organized, tracked, and shared online. Overcommitment isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a cultural challenge, affecting student stress, professional burnout, and even the nation’s wider mental health statistics. According to the Department of Mental Health, rates of reported workplace stress and student anxiety have steadily risen, especially post-pandemic (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand).
Experts in Thai mental health policy, speaking for the Ministry of Public Health, note that “the pressure to be ‘productive’ can detract from time spent in meaningful rest and connection. Addressing underlying causes helps our society become healthier and more resilient.” Senior counselors at a major Bangkok university agree: “Finding a balance between ambition and wellbeing should be a national priority. Educating people about the hidden drivers of overcommitment is essential, especially with rising academic and professional competition.”
Thailand has a long tradition of balancing effort and sabai (wellbeing). Cultural events like Songkran and Loy Krathong, which encourage letting go and communal slowing down, remain essential reminders of the value in rest and reflection. But as Thailand modernizes and digitizes, there’s an urgent need to consciously protect these cultural roots.
Looking ahead, the danger of widespread burnout looms if the deeper psychological causes of overcommitment are ignored—particularly as Thailand’s digital economy and urban lifestyles accelerate. Yet, the opportunity is equally great: by normalizing self-reflection, therapy, and open discussions around mental wellbeing, Thai society can move toward a more sustainable and joyful way of living.
Practical steps Thai readers can take today include: setting aside time each week for quiet reflection, using mindfulness or meditation apps, learning to say no graciously, and performing regular “values audits” of their schedules. For workplaces and schools, investing in mental health resources and creating environments where slowing down is encouraged—not shamed—can make a tremendous difference in collective wellbeing.
Ultimately, the research urges everyone—regardless of background—to get curious about why they overcommit, and to treat their time as a valuable resource, not just another box to tick. For Thailand, this may mean weaving ancient wisdom and modern psychology together, allowing space for rest, and redefining what it truly means to “live well.”