The trap of toxic productivity

This is not going to be another typical ‘how to increase your productivity’ post.

Remember this time, four years ago? The global lockdown and anxiety over COVID-19, with ever-changing regulations and the constant anticipation of updates every two weeks. Between binging Tiger King and watching celebrities trying to be relatable – sorry, Gwyneth, but we were in fact, NOT all on the same boat – everyone seemed to dive headfirst into the productivity spiral. From banana bread craze to starting side hustles, taking online classes, learning new languages and making sourdough starters, everyone was on a mission to maximize their time at home.

If these activities worked for you, great. Besides, this is not an attempt to mock anyone. I’m more interested in exploring why this sudden surge in productivity became the new standard.

In today’s social media era, productivity hacks and time management strategies dominate online conversations. Our feeds are filled with “inspirational” content on how to thrive. As we scroll through, we’re bombarded with a constant stream of ‘must‘, ‘stop that and do this instead‘, and ‘have to‘ messages, dictating how we should live our lives.

There are 24 hours in the day – you have to use them well. Get good sleep. Meditate. Wake up at 6 am. Or actually, be better than everyone else and start your day at 4 am. Stretch out. Journal. Make good, nutritious meals. Exercise. Work. Work on your side hustle so you can retire early. Socialize with your friends. See your family. Spend quality time alone. Watch something compelling, but don’t doom-scroll. Limit your screen time. Read a book. Have a comprehensive skin care routine. Floss. Go to bed early. Wake up tomorrow and do the same thing again. Choose your future. Choose life.

Totally relatable and most importantly, quite realistic. Right? Is this really what having it all looks like? This goes way further than just social media content – into societal norms and expectations. Moreover, it’s not free of charge – advice comes with a cheat-sheet, a class or a must-have-products to achieve the best version of yourself. And all of it excluding things like socio-economic class, educational background, parenthood, etc.. – just completely disregarding the spectrum of various human conditions. But this is a whole another rant, for another post. TBC.

It’s a trap: as we become more efficient and productive, our mental health suffers. We find ourselves in a cult of “being busy” while neglecting our innermost needs. Anxiety, depression, and burnout have become increasingly prevalent, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Instead of resting, we search for more ways to power through and continue to be productive.

Ultimately, we need productivity – nothing would ever get made without it. But we don’t need the kind of toxic productivity that leaves no room for rest, our personal circumstances, our needs, or our health. Sometimes we don’t need to thrive – we just need to survive. We need to remind ourselves that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, to stumble and falter along the way.

I am no stranger to the cult of toxic productivity. I remember the time when l have already quit my job and I was on my notice period, stretching out the last atoms of energy and patience. And yet, I got this adrenaline shot of productivity – I am going to be the perfect, most productive employee during that time. Definitely not going to be another person who has checked out during their final weeks of work.

I am cringing at myself, as I write this. I had this idea to set an example. Leave no loose ends. Create a perfect handbook. Write everyone in my team (we are talking 20 people here lol) a personalized feedback with an encouraging message what to do next. Make life easier for those who certainly didn’t make mine. Suffice to say that didn’t happen – the idea was crazy enough to roll with it. I made sure nothing was pending as I left the job and that was more than enough. But to me it seemed not enough at all. At the time, I had shame and guilt how I could have done it better.

Looking back, I realize that sometimes, good enough truly is enough. While my intentions were good, I now understand that my energy would have been better spent on self-care and preparing myself for the next chapter of my life. It was a valuable lesson in the dangers of toxic productivity and the importance of setting realistic expectations for ourselves.

Ultimately, we’re all just trying to navigate this journey called life as best we can. We may not always get everything right, but each day presents us with new opportunities to learn, grow, and find our own version of happiness amidst the chaos and demands. Where I am from, we often joke – if you can do something today, leave it for tomorrow.

So, take a break today. Remember to breathe. Leave something on your to-do list for later. Choose your future. Choose life.