The constant quest for productivity has evolved into a mantra within our lives. We navigate a world where efficiency and high performance are qualities eagerly sought after.
However, where do we find the boundary between healthy productivity and that which becomes detrimental to our mental well-being?
Functional Productivity: The Balance.
Functional productivity finds its essence in the delicate balance between efficiency and the mindful preservation of mental well-being. In this way, we manage to carry out tasks effectively while maintaining a sense of satisfaction and overall well-being. The brain operates in harmony.
This state of productivity is achieved through proper time management, setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-reflection, and embracing mindfulness.
Neuroscience supports the importance of rest periods, essential for our brains to recharge energy.
Here's the undeniable truth: to truly rest, you must grant yourself permission.
Engaging in seemingly idle activities, such as indulging in a Netflix binge on the couch or spending an entire afternoon at home, becomes a necessary act of generosity towards our neurons.
While these tasks may appear inconceivable or unconventional for someone striving for superproductivity (as societal expectations often dictate), they are indispensable for unlocking heightened productivity.
Pro Tip: If the notion of "doing nothing" feels overwhelming, consider rephrasing it as "I'm taking a break" or "I'm replenishing my brain's energy" – an essential ritual for enhancing efficiency in the subsequent task.
Toxic Productivity: When Efficiency Takes a Toll.
On the flip side, toxic productivity rears its head when the relentless pursuit of efficiency starts to erode mental health, entangling us in an exhausting cycle of overexertion while often disregarding signals of fatigue and burnout.
Chronic stress and anxiety become constant companions, casting a shadow over different aspects of our lives:
Cognitive: marked by scattered thoughts, difficulties in concentration, compromised decision-making and planning, along with a decline in the quality of memory.
Emotional: characterized by irritability, apathy, emotional and physical fatigue, anhedonia (difficulty finding joy in things), and heightened sensitivity.
But... why does this happen to us?
Being compelled to sustain an exceptional standard 24/7 in one or multiple facets of our lives (such as being the top performer at work, curating the coolest leisure experiences with Instagram-worthy friends in trendy locations, consistently improving our running pace every week, among others) thrusts us into a perpetual state of vigilance.
The fear of slowing down lingers, as if doing so would expose our perceived inadequacies and undermine the image we project of our capabilities.
Remaining ensnared in this heightened state of alertness fosters prolonged and detrimental stress over time.
As you might be aware, cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in our ability to react swiftly in specific situations – helping us make quick decisions when needed. It's our ally in survival, like hitting the brakes when an unexpected car appears or swiftly catching our child as they slip on the stairs.
The challenge arises when cortisol is not released momentarily but lingers over an extended period. You see, dear friends, cortisol, when not regulated properly, becomes neurotoxic, directly impacting the intricate network of our neurons.
Indeed, when utilized appropriately, cortisol is a survival aid; however, misusing it can throw our brains into disarray, triggering biochemical changes that disrupt the delicate balance of connectivity.
We find ourselves in a perpetual display—a legacy from our upbringing and the demands of contemporary society. At this juncture, it's essential to delve into and reshape our belief system through exploration and reeducation.
Mastering Balance: Tactics for a Healthy Productivity.
Now comes the intricate part: achieving equilibrium between functional productivity and mental well-being is an art that calls for consciousness and regular practice.
To navigate this path effectively, we can employ and lean on strategic approaches to manage our time and attention:
Establishing structured routines
Efficient agenda management
Environmental control by minimizing auditory and visual distractions
Identifying time-consuming activities
Learning the art of setting boundaries and gracefully saying "no"
Skillfully prioritizing tasks
However, the crux lies in undertaking a journey of self-discovery to trace the origins of our belief system. Understanding how long these beliefs have accompanied us and comprehending their impact on our present is essential.
For this, a valuable piece of advice could be to seek therapeutic guidance, providing a supportive framework for delving into our inner selves.
Beyond the synergy of productivity strategies and self-awareness, we can enhance our efforts with a potent tool—mindfulness. Embracing mindfulness allows us to shift from autopilot to intentional living, fostering a deeper connection with the present moment.
And now, as an HR professional, how can we enhance the well-being of our talent and support them in adopting functional productivity tools and stress management techniques?
One of our key recommendations is to offer teams immersive experiences and workshops that facilitate the seamless integration of tools that contribute to their overall well-being.
Feel free to explore some of our workshops:
Productivity Workshops:
Mindfulness Workshops and Experiences:
Conclusion.
Striving for productivity should not force us to compromise the well-being of our mental health. Acknowledging and honoring the brain's limitations is crucial to attain a state of functional productivity that is both sustainable and enriching for our everyday lives.
Article co-authored with María Garau, a licensed Psychologist and Neuropsychology Expert (License Number: 19502).
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