Productivity is highly celebrated and valued in our culture. We are taught that there is a strong positive correlation between productivity and success. However, productivity can harm our physical and mental health when it becomes toxic. In this blog post, we will explore what toxic productivity is, the signs of toxic productivity, and how to stop it.
Toxic productivity is when you're too focused on simply being productive, neglecting everything else that matters – like mental and physical wellbeing. It involves placing productivity above all else, including your wellbeing. A toxic productivity culture teaches you that your worth is tied to your productivity and that you should always strive to do more, even at the expense of your health. This can lead to serious mental health issues, such as anxiety and burnout.
Feeling guilty or anxious when you take time to relax may be a sign of toxic productivity. This can manifest as a constant feeling of needing to be doing something productive, leading to a spiral of focusing only on work and neglecting rest and relaxation time. Recognising these signs early on is vital to prevent them from escalating.
It may be a sign of toxic productivity if you constantly say you're 'too busy' to do things. Being busy all the time can also affect your relationships and social life.
It may be a sign of toxic productivity if you feel like you're never doing enough, even when you're accomplishing a lot. Constantly feeling like you need to do more can lead to fatigue and feeling overwhelmed. This may also lead to a spiral effect, where you'll constantly feel the need to do more as you've not done 'enough', never really hitting that satisfactory level.
If you're sacrificing sleep and self-care to be more productive, it's a sign of toxic productivity. While it's important to be productive, taking care of your physical and mental health is equally important. This means taking appropriate breaks, balancing your time between work and personal life, and setting aside time purely dedicated to looking after yourself.
If you're feeling burnt out, it's a sign that you may be engaging in toxic productivity. Burnout results from constantly pushing yourself to do more and not giving yourself a break, causing immense tiredness and fatigue.
Setting realistic goals is a key strategy to avoid feeling overwhelmed and prevent burnout. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones can help you make progress without feeling like you have to do it all at once. This not only makes you feel good but also allows you ample time to rest and take breaks, promoting a healthier and more sustainable approach to productivity.
Prioritising self-care is not just a suggestion, it's a necessity for avoiding burnout and maintaining good mental and physical health. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and take breaks when needed. Remember, your wellbeing is in your hands.
Saying 'no' is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of self-awareness and self-care. It's essential for avoiding overcommitment and preventing burnout. It's okay to say 'no' to projects or activities that you don't have the time or energy for. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it's perfectly normal to need some time for yourself.
You should not feel 'obliged' to take on everything at once, especially when you're fully aware you are overworking. More often than not, simply voicing out that you have too much on your plate at the moment will allow your managers or co-workers to better understand and sympathise with you, too.
If productivity is becoming too important in your life, it may be time to reevaluate your values. While it is good and important to be productive, make sure to balance your priorities and ensure that you're spending equal amounts of time doing work and taking care of yourself. Consider what's really important to you, and focus on activities and goals that align with those values.
Toxic productivity is a harmful culture that can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. By recognising the signs of toxic productivity and learning to prioritise self-care, set realistic goals, and take breaks, we can achieve healthy productivity that promotes our wellbeing. Remember, it's not about doing more; it's about doing what's right for you. If you have any queries, feel free to contact our team over at INTERLUNAR to schedule a call for some guidance!
