The pressure to be constantly productive can be so overwhelming at times. As a teacher, I’ve seen this firsthand, with some people constantly wanting to ‘get ahead’. I’ve been there too, sacrificing my weekends in the past to reduce my workload during the week.
But that was then, and this is now. My own approach to work-life balance has come a long way since I first started teaching, and I’ve learned a lot since I was an ECT (read the list of 50 key takeaways here). With that being said, in the five years that I’ve been teaching, I’ve noticed a massive rise in the term ‘toxic productivity’. It’s emerged as a significant challenge, regardless of your job, where the relentless pursuit of productivity can actually hinder wellbeing. If you’d like some wellbeing strategies, feel free to click here and add them to your daily routine.
Or keep reading to explore the nuances of toxic productivity and how to embrace positive downtime instead.
Understanding Toxic Productivity
Toxic productivity is an obsession with being productive at all times, often at the expense of personal well-being. This mindset can lead to burnout, stress, and just not enjoying your own life as much as you should be. For teachers especially, there can often be a particularly intense pressure to improve and innovate. However, it’s crucial to recognise that productivity should not come at the cost of your mental and physical health.
The pitfalls of toxic productivity:
- Neglecting Downtime: Many of us equate downtime with unproductive activities like binge-watching TV or mindlessly scrolling through social media. While these activities can be relaxing, they often lack the reflective quality needed for feeling truly well-rested.
- Lack of Balance: Focusing solely on work without allowing time for rest and reflection can lead to a skewed work-life balance. You are so much more than just your profession; you are a person, first and foremost. I’ve got all the work-life balance tips and tricks you could ever need, right here.
- Diminished Creativity: Constantly pushing yourself to be productive can stifle creativity. Downtime is essential for allowing your mind to wander and generate new ideas. One quick fix for this one can be as simple as having a shower; if you usually listen to music or play videos in the background as you wash, try doing away with the background noise and simply focusing on the water and your thoughts.
Embracing Positive Downtime
Finding meaningful ways to recharge is absolutely essential. Positive downtime involves doing any activities that bring you joy and energy, without the pressure of being productive. However, some of these activities might actually result in you being inadvertently productive.
As one example: I get my energy from doing things like writing. It helps me to unleash my creativity, yet contributing to this blog is inherently quite productive. Equally, what works for me might not work for you; perhaps you do actually get your energy from doom scrolling. If that’s the case, don’t listen to any online influencers. Nobody knows you better than you, so do what you know works.
If you’re in need of inspiration, however, this is what helps me to embrace positive downtime:
- Reading: Reading a good fiction book can be a relaxing yet intellectually stimulating way to unwind. It allows your mind to explore new ideas without the pressure of immediately using these ideas for anything other than your imagination. I’ve been really into the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch lately; it’s about a detective who can use magic to solve crimes. Pick up yours from my affiliate link if you’re interested.*
- Walking: Taking a walk, especially in nature, can be a meditative experience. It provides an opportunity to clear your mind and reflect on your thoughts. Not only that, but it comes with numerous health benefits too.
- Gaming: Gaming is one activity that I never do enough of but, for me, it offers a crucial break from reality while still engaging your brain. Despite the mixed reviews, I’ve been locked into the GTA Trilogy, trying to complete GTA III for the first time ever for the past year or so. If you want to join me on my journey, use my affiliate link to get your copy.*
- Creative Hobbies: Whether it’s painting, writing, or playing an instrument, creative hobbies can be a fulfilling way to spend your downtime. I try my very best to write 500 words a day towards my novel, and to post on my blog once a week. Usually that goes pretty well.
While downtime should normally be about relaxing, it can also be productive in a way that aligns with your goals. For instance, working on a side hustle or a passion project can be both enjoyable and rewarding, so try out a few new things and see what sticks.
Strategies for Balancing Productivity and Downtime
Finding the right balance between productivity and downtime is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some strategies that I employ to achieve this balance:
Weekly Reviews
Conducting a weekly review can be so valuable for managing your time effectively. Reflect on the past week and identify activities that brought you joy and energy. During the review, identify anything that you did that didn’t bring you joy, or actively zapped your energy – and cut those out immediately.
Time Tracking Tools
Something that I’ve been trying lately when at work is opening a Google Doc and inserting the date and time by clicking CTRL+Alt+Shift. That way, I can track exactly how long I’ve been on a task and come up with end-times in my mind to aim for.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves working in short bursts, typically 20 minutes, followed by a short 5 minute break. This approach can help you maintain focus and prevent burnout. I use the Forest app on my phone to keep me focused, which you can read more about here.
Social Media Blockers
Social media can be a significant source of distraction. Using blockers or setting specific times for social media use can help you stay focused on your tasks. Click here for a whole post dedicated to cutting down on social media distractions.
Embrace the Balance
If you’re only taking away one thing from this post, it’s that t’s essential to remember that downtime is not a luxury but a necessity. As a teacher, I think that it’s actually crucial to model this balance for my students and demonstrate that true productivity is about quality, not quantity.
Take the time to explore activities that bring you joy and energy. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or working on a creative project, these moments of positive downtime can recharge your mind and spirit. Remember, productivity is not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.
What do you like to do to unwind, embrace positive downtime and avoid toxic productivity? Let me know your strategies in the comments below.
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Hardly Hamilton 