When Productivity Becomes Toxic

Do you ever feel like you aren’t doing enough? Or having a day off, yet you can’t keep still and you always have to do something? Do you feel bad about resting?

We are so easily led to believe that productivity means being constantly busy and using every single minute of our day to the fullest extent, but that can be so toxic and send us on a one-way trip to burnout.

Toxic productivity is masked as the hustle culture, but really it just leads to feeling unmotivated, burnout, and a lack of self-worth. We tend to put our self-worth based on how many things we get done in the day or how much we earn and that it’s so wrong in so many ways.

Being productive is a good thing. However, like everything in life, there is a fine line. Let’s talk about toxic productivity and how you can avoid it.


Balance 

We’re humans, we can’t do everything. We have days that we have to work really hard but we also have other days where we need to stop and truly recharge.

A little tip is to ensure we have time for ourselves in our daily routine. Over time, you will stop feeling guilty for taking time out for yourself.


Set boundaries 

By setting boundaries, you will have free up time for yourself and your loved ones! Doing things you truly enjoy is so important for your mental health!


Be kind to yourself

Make sure you’re being kind to yourself. Have patience with yourself and start setting more realistic expectations.


Give yourself time

Not everything needs to be done immediately. Not everything needs your attention. Choose wisely where you want to spend your energy. Give yourself permission to say “no” when you feel like it’s not the best option for you.


Schedule time to do nothing

Take some time each day to shut off completely. Go for a walk, have a lunch date with a friend, and read. The unplugging part is also crucial. Turn off your phone. Close your laptop. The lack of interruptions helps you be more mindful and focused.


Build breaks into your schedule

Add 10-15 minutes here and there while you’re working. It’s so important for your mental health, that you avoid burning yourself out and actually increase productivity.


Make sure your productivity is healthy and balanced. Always be cautious of your actions and make sure that your work time is for work, and your personal time is for you. Balance is key.

And destroy the idea that you have to be constantly working in order to be successful. Embrace the concept that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of the progress toward a successful and ultimately happy life.

9 Replies to “When Productivity Becomes Toxic”

  1. A lovely post. Just stumbled upon your site searching for things on mindset- one of the things I’m trying to improve. I love your mention of balance here. I was just discussing this with a friend today. Balance is key for so much.

  2. Supriya Shrawagi says: Reply

    I really enjoyed this blog, I come here and always go with a smile on my face. My morning gets better with this app and the blogs.

    1. This is so true. And more often than not happens with us. We are constantly trying to perform better professionally, trying to be better friends, be social, do networking, that we forget how taxing it can be. On top of that there is this peer pressure. The constant need to compare ourselves with others on social media. All of these are really underlying things that we also don’t realise we do it all the time.

  3. I feel like this blog knows my soul and feeds me every time I take the time to sit and read it. Each time I am taken by surprise on how relatable the subject matter is. Thank you for taking the time to make me more self-aware, proactive, and motivated!

  4. A perfect blog for my New Year’s Day! Gives me great hope and motivation for 2023!

  5. Great…..really helps in motivation

    1. This block put resting in good perspective.

  6. Melissa Sookdeo says: Reply

    Very well.said thanks for sharing

  7. Truly underrated content ✨🤌❤️

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