In an ideal world and in the right state of mind, every person craves productivity. To be able to say the time has not been wasted. Something has been achieved or something has been gained today. To be able to say to oneself, “There is growth in my life. I am doing the right thing.”
There’s only so much time in a day, a year, or in one’s life, and productivity generally refers to the ability of an individual, team, or organization to work efficiently within that time in order to maximize output, especially at work.
Healthy Productivity
It’s good to be productive at work. But then there are things that need to be checked or maintained. High productivity results from multiple factors, such as an individual’s motivation, personality, natural talent, training or education, environment, support from others, time management, and even luck.
Some people seem to be natural super-producers but others struggle to become more productive and may look to daily exercises and better habits to help them get things done.
Healthy productivity means you understand that when you have proper time management, give time for exercise, eat healthily, and get sufficient sleep, you can boost efficiency both in the short- and long-term thus increasing productivity.
You are able to have the state of mind to remain focused, peaceful, and happy. With all things in check, including your health as a whole, family life, and social life, you can retain balance in your life while being productive. Healthy productivity simply means that.
As the New York Times best-selling author of several books, Gary Keller said, “Productivity isn’t about being a workhorse, keeping busy, or burning the midnight oil. It’s more about priorities, planning, and fiercely protecting your time.”
Healthy productivity equates to completing more important work of excellent quality in less time, without becoming overworked. Working on projects you enjoy and making great strides towards achieving things you really want, all the while having enough energy to enjoy the extra time you have managed to free up.
While doing well at work, healthy productivity helps you still have time to maintain a happy and healthy relationship with family and friends, leaving you time for your hobbies, enough sleep, and relaxation.
With healthy productivity, you are not only invested in your work but also in yourself, your life, and your happiness.
The Prevalence of Toxic Productivity
In this time and age when the world is becoming more competitive and times are rough, we can easily get lost in toxic productivity.
Toxic productivity is when you feel the need to be doing something all the time to remain productive at all costs. Always wanting to be busy. Going to great lengths to finish an impossible task as soon as possible.
Working overtime, even taking work home, working on weekends, and missing out on family outings and a night out with friends are all too common.
You have no time to cook and prepare a good meal and settle on unhealthy take-out; you have no time for exercise or even sleep!
A person’s overly high ambition can drive them to get multiple jobs or to always compete at work by exerting too much effort to be noticed and to gain a considerable advantage against other competing colleagues.
Unfortunately, many companies, specifically bosses, are not all conscientious about their unrealistic demands on their subordinates. So at times, toxic productivity can be inevitable. Individuals have no choice but to suffer because of demands made by their higher-ups.
In summary, the primary difference between toxic productivity and healthy productivity lies in the approach to work and well-being. Healthy productivity encourages a balanced, sustainable, and fulfilling approach to work, while toxic productivity prioritizes relentless work without regard for personal health and happiness.
Cultivating a culture of healthy productivity can lead to more satisfied and productive individuals and teams in the long run.
Working out a positive change
As toxic productivity causes individuals to feel pressured to constantly overwork themselves, often at the expense of their physical and mental well-being it can lead them to burnout, decrease their morale, and eventually experience a decline in overall productivity.
A change from toxic productivity to healthy productivity can be difficult but achievable. It’s all about a healthy work-life balance.
To start, you must learn to set goals and deadlines that are achievable and reasonable. Unrealistic expectations can lead to undue stress. Learn to collaborate with team members to set realistic targets and timelines.
If you are dealing with a difficult boss, you must still try to establish open communication. Set up a meeting to discuss your workload and your concerns. Be open and honest, so you can address issues before they escalate. Your boss may only be unaware of your struggles, but he is really more than willing to help ease your burdens.
Regularly assess your priorities. Periodically, review your goals and priorities. Make sure they align with your values and that you’re not pursuing productivity for its own sake.
Also, make it a habit to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you are not a machine. Everyone has limits, and it’s okay to take breaks and rest when needed. Use your vacation time, and learn to disconnect from work when you are off the clock. This sends your boss or colleagues a clear message that your well-being matters to you.
When you’re not working, make an effort to fully disconnect. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
The importance of self-care, stress management, and mental health support can never be underestimated. Remember that productivity should enhance your life, not detract from it. It’s important to strike a balance between achieving your goals and maintaining your well-being.
If you find yourself constantly struggling with toxic productivity and are starting to feel lost in its endless cycle then do not think twice about seeking professional help or counseling. Energy healing sessions like Intuitive Healing can help you achieve real emotional healing and emotional release, bringing you back to a clear state of mind where you hopefully can start anew.
