How To Combat Burn-Out & Over-Productivity

In a world that often glorifies productivity and constant hustle, it’s easy to find ourselves trapped in the cycle of perpetual motion, a bit like chickens laying eggs; we’re the chickens, and our work, shiny Instagram accounts, ‘perfect’ families, and ideal body-shape are the eggs. But let’s reflects on the societal pressure to be productive all the time and the need for balance in our lives.

Embracing a new perspective

I think productivity has become a kind of modern religion, with productivity gurus (google it and you’ll find millions of them) dictating how we should live our lives. But here’s the thing: our worth is not solely determined by our ability to produce and be productive.

Being productive all the time is absolutely not a healthy or sustainable way to live. It’s simply a part of the mania of modernity and consumerism; social media, our phones, constant news, notifications, comparisons, judgements, and pressure—is there any wonder people burn-out, have high blood pressure, or binge eat?

And yes, we can certainly acknowledge the value of productivity on productive days—shit needs to get done, it’s as simple as that. But there absolutely needs to be a more balanced approach.

How to combat over-productivity

Let’s question the pervasive idea that being productive all the time is the ultimate goal. Tools like the Pomodoro technique and to-do list apps are great, but what about… wait for it… not using an app for every facet of your life? Balance is different for everyone, and you need to find your own sweet spot with this. But generally speaking, my rules for living a more joyful, unproductive life involves embracing the idea of slowing down, and incorporating moments of joy, presence, and acceptance into your live.

We already know this—you already know this: the impact of constant productivity on mental health can be enormous, you might not even realise the impact it’s having until you get sick, or try to slow down and find your heart racing. So let’s take a step back and learn to understand our energy levels and cycles. Acknowledging that societal norms often push us to ignore our natural rhythms, I encourage you to be kind to yourself and communicate your needs to those around you.

The takeaway

In a world that often emphasises doing over being, I want to be the reminder that your value is not determined by your productivity. Slowing down, accepting our limits, and finding joy in existence are essential components of a balanced and fulfilling life.

Listen to this topic over on The Yoga Revolution Podcast: On burnout & productivity (28 mins). Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.