Finding Balance: ‘Get It Girl!’ Hosts Talk About Overcoming Toxic Productivity

Have you ever felt pressured to never take a day off or relax without feeling guilty? Do you ever feel anxious because you think you should be doing more? Or do you find it hard to set boundaries when it comes to work? If so, you might be experiencing Toxic Productivity.

Believe it or not, productivity can become toxic when you constantly feel the need to be productive, focusing exclusively on your to-do list and neglecting your well-being. This term describes a habit of continual work and output, often at the expense of personal well-being and mental health. Let’s explore what toxic productivity is, how it affects our lives, and the tools we can use to manage it.

What is Toxic Productivity?

While toxic productivity isn’t an official diagnosis, it can have serious effects on your physical and mental well-being. It can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, or self-esteem issues. Toxic productivity is an unhealthy obsession with constantly being productive. It involves feeling compelled to always achieve and produce, often driven by a fear of being seen as lazy or unworthy.

Unlike healthy productivity, which is balanced and sustainable, toxic productivity is characterized by an overwhelming need to stay busy, often resulting in burnout and stress.

Toxic Productivity and the New Era of Remote Work

After the pandemic, the work dynamics have changed dramatically, and one of the consequences of that is overwork. This could be due to different factors such as not taking breaks because you are at home and don’t get to interact with other people, feeling afraid of your supervisor or co-workers thinking you are not working, making you overwork, among others.

All that pressure makes people feel anxious, which can lead to not setting healthy habits at work.

Check out ‘Get It Girl’ hosts chatting about this subject and how it can affect women.

WATCH NOW. Click here to watch the entire episode of Get It Girl!

Tools to Control Toxic Productivity

1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Define specific work hours and stick to them, ensuring that you allocate time for rest and relaxation.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate self-care routines into your daily schedule. This could include activities such as exercise, meditation, reading, or simply taking a walk. Prioritizing self-care helps maintain a balanced lifestyle.
3. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises. These practices can help reduce stress and improve focus, allowing you to manage your time and tasks more effectively.
4. Realistic Goal-Setting: Set achievable and realistic goals. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach prevents the feeling of being overwhelmed and allows for a sense of accomplishment as each step is completed.
5. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Talking about your feelings and struggles can provide relief and new perspectives on managing your workload.
6. Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from digital devices. Constant connectivity can contribute to the pressure of being always available and productive. Set aside time each day to unplug and engage in offline activities.

Don’t let work take over your life! It’s time to relax and enjoy the moment. Tune in to a new episode of  “Get it Girl” every Tuesday on the LatiNation App. Take a break and get inspired!