Daily Flux Report

What you can do to avoid toxic productivity

By Pavithra Mohan

What you can do to avoid toxic productivity

As 2024 comes to a close, you might be feeling the pressure between year-end deadlines and holiday plans. Perhaps you're looking to supercharge your productivity -- or maybe you're thinking ahead to your resolutions and what you might accomplish in the new year.

If you're a chronic multitasker or someone who tends to overcommit, you may find yourself reverting to those habits during this time. But those tendencies can also lead to an unhealthy fixation on your productivity -- or what some experts call toxic productivity, which can cause burnout and take a toll on your overall well-being. "Productivity can create an imbalance in your life when it's the only thing that matters," says author and therapist Israa Nasir. "It's the fastest way to burn out."

Another habit to look out for is feeling guilt about enjoying your free time, or filling your schedule with activities that you view as productive. You might feel like you're slacking if you allow yourself to relax, which can spark feelings of shame. "You don't want to be the person who's not doing something," Nasir says. "Usually, we jump into avoidance to process shame. What better way to avoid an emotion than by busying yourself? It motivates us to skip rest, relaxation, and just being."

Toxic productivity is also encouraged by expectations in the workplace, which can overemphasize the importance of looking busy. Multitasking, for example, might seem impressive but actually requires your brain to switch between tasks, making you less effective overall. Working long hours can also be counterproductive, since your brain needs breaks to function.

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