Productivity is something we all strive for on the daily and has been fetishized in many Instagram influencers and motivational accounts, but what does “productive” even mean?
Productivity is often used as an excuse to not take care of ourselves. we tell ourselves that if we’re not “productive” then we must be lazy and unimportant. this simply isn’t true! Productivity shouldn’t be our goal, it should be a side effect of taking care of ourselves and doing what we love.
Productivity is often used as a weapon against ourselves.
You can’t be productive if you’re not taking care of yourself! Productivity should flow from your wellbeing, and not the other way around. Productivity doesn’t mean anything if it comes at the cost of our inherent worth, health, and happiness. Productive people are more likely to experience burnout since they put so much pressure on themselves to do more than others in their own eyes and everyone else’s. This isn’t even about being lazy either, because we all need rest breaks too!
Here are some things you can do to help get in touch with your own version of productivity:
- Start by figuring out what makes you happy and do more of those things! for example, if you love reading, make time for at least one book every week. or if you like being active, set aside time each day to go on a walk or swim.
- Productivity should flow from your wellbeing, and not the other way around. Productivity means nothing if it’s at the expense of our mental health or self worth. Productive people are more likely to experience burnout since they put so much pressure on themselves to do more than others in their own eyes and everyone else’s. This isn’t even about being lazy either, because we all need rest breaks too!
- Figure out what makes you happy and do more of those things!
- Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Productivity should be a side effect of taking care of ourselves, not the other way around!
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, please reach out for help. You are not alone and there is no shame in seeking treatment.
You can locate a therapist in your area here:
https://www.findatherapist.com/
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends! Productivity and wellbeing are important topics that we should all be talking about more openly. Thank you for reading! 🙂
