HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY CULTURE
Productivity is frequeantly appriciated in our modern
world. Productivity means completing tasks efficiently, using time and energy
wisely, and moving closer to personal or professional goals. It's about
balance, that is Setting clear goals and working towards them, Using time
bravely and effectively without burning out, and Ensuring efforts lead to
meaningful results. When approached healthily, productivity can bring a great
sense of purpose and satisfaction.
But What Happens
When Productivity Turns Toxic? Toxic productivity is when the drive/ activities
to be productive becomes harmful. Instead of feeling accomplished, you feel
trapped ,constantly needing to "do more," even when it's not
necessary or healthy. It shows up as: Guilt when resting ("I should be
working..."),
Pushing through
exhaustion instead of listening to your body, Tying your self-worth to output
("I'm only valuable when I'm productive"), and not even prioritizing
personal life, hobbies, and health because work always comes first. This come
at a level of thinking relaxing time feels like wasting time....In simple
words, toxic productivity convinces you that you are never doing enough , no
matter how much you achieve.
Where Do You
Stand? Ask yourself questions like; Do I feel guilty when I take a break? Am I
chasing goals without knowing why? Has my health or relationships suffered
because of work?
If "yes"
rethink your approach. Awareness is the first step to change. It's not about
doing less, it's about doing better for yourself. You are not a machine. Your
worth is not measured by your productivity.
How to Break Free
from this? thinking and making little changes like that given below may help
you for it;
Redefine
Success:- Success is
not just about how much you do; it’s about how much meaning you find in it.
Setting
realistic goals:- Setting
realistic goals involves making them specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant, and time-bound (SMART), breaking them down into smaller steps, and
adjusting them as needed based on progress and circumstances.
Prioritize
Meaningful Work:- Focus
on what truly matters, not just what looks impressive.
Embrace Rest
as Productive:- Rest is
essential, not optional. It fuels your best work.
Set
Boundaries :- Work
has its place and so does your personal life.
Let Go of
Guilt:- Rest, joy,
and leisure are human needs, not luxuries.
Celebrate
Being, Not Just Doing:-
You are valuable simply because you exist, not just because of what you
produce.
Detox Your
Feed:- Unfollow
accounts that glorify hustle without balance.
Reconnect
with Joy:- Make space
for hobbies, laughter, and small moments of happiness.
Seek
professional help from a psychologist:- if you find difficulty to maintain seek help from a
psychologist/counselor. Seeking help is not weakness, it’s a brave step.
Written By- Ms. NEENU NASNIN - Consultant Psychologist (Mindmaris Counsellors India Pvt)
