Exploring Self Worth Outside Of Productivity
YOU DESERVE TO DERIVE JOY FROM YOUR WORK.
However, our culture’s obsession with productivity often leads us to developing habits that are harmful to our self image, our confidence, as well as our overall physical and mental health. This toxic obsession with productivity is a result of a culture that functions around capitalism–which is an economic and political system in which private individuals rather than the government hold means of production, and where the free market determines prices of goods and distribution.
Not only does this system result in a huge wealth disparity, it also enforces the idea that your value is not inherent, but based on how much and how quickly you can provide labor for others. This cultural mindset punishes those who are already struggling by framing it as their own fault: if they just worked harder, they would be alright. But oftentimes, those struggling the most are also those working the hardest in a system designed to keep them from monetary success or security.
Despite the constant cultural messaging, your value is in no way related to your productivity! You are more than your job title–you’re complex and always changing, so there’s no way you can be defined by just one thing.
SO HOW IS IT THAT LINKING YOUR PRODUCTIVITY TO YOUR VALUE IS HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH?
When we believe that our value only comes from what we produce or accomplish, we’re setting ourselves up to be afraid to ever stop being productive, because if we are, what does that say about us and our worth? But pushing yourself to the point of burnout can have disastrous effects on your health. For instance, sleep deprivation is linked to high blood pressure, a lower sex drive, and an increased risk of diabetes. In addition, when we push ourselves, we are more likely to abuse stimulants such as caffeine or amphetamines. As a result, working to the point of burnout can not only wreak havoc on your health and relationships but actually make you less productive in the long run.
IT’S TIME TO REFRAME YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH REST.
When we measure our worth by our productivity, rest becomes the enemy. Any instance when we’re resting or relaxing instead of constantly working or pushing ourselves is “wasted time.” But rest is necessary for all of us. There’s no way to keep up the momentum we need to take care of ourselves if we don’t leave any time for rest and recuperation. Rest helps you take care of your body and gives you a chance to recenter, ground yourself in the present moment, and connect more with the environment around you. Working to reframe your relationship with rest from one where rest represented a threat to your self worth, to one where rest is a tool you use to take care of yourself, is a great first step in separating your productivity from your worth.
TO GET STARTED, HERE ARE 10 TIPS ON HOW TO EXPLORE YOUR SELF-WORTH OUTSIDE OF PRODUCTIVITY:
IDENTIFY YOUR INNER NAG
Do you sit down to catch up on your favorite show after a long day’s work, only to have an inner voice pipe up, listing off all of the errands or additional work you could be doing? Learn to identify that part and speak to it. Tell it that relaxing is being productive. Ask it what it thinks would happen if you rested. If you can (and it feels genuine), send it warmth and appreciation as it’s trying to help and support you. Remind that voice that working endlessly isn’t the only way to be productive; finding ways to take better care of yourself (including prioritizing rest) is a form of productivity too–and one that takes your holistic health into consideration. When you run yourself too thin, you’re more likely to get sick, whether it’s heart disease, depression, or the common cold. And, when you’re sick, it’s so much harder to work.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Sometimes, we can wake up with so much anxiety that it feels like a panic attack is coming on. Other days, we may notice a tightness in our chest as we plow through to-do lists. Perhaps you have a headache and nasal congestion. Modern medicine can do wonders, from stopping a panic attack to clearing up your sinuses. And if your body is screaming at you to take a break, consider listening.
BE NICE TO YOURSELF
Treat yourself as you’d treat the people that you love. When you see friends or lovers going into burnout mode, you’d likely offer to cook them a meal and suggest that they take a day off or at least have a chill weekend. Likewise, if someone you care about only values themself based upon their professional productivity, you’d probably take time to remind them of everything else they have to offer. Why not do this for yourself? Check in with your inner dialogue periodically to ensure that you treat yourself as you’d treat others.
RECONNECT WITH HOBBIES
It’s crucial to make time for your hobbies outside of work. And if you don’t have any hobbies outside of work, it’s time to get some. A hobby can be anything–the only requirement is that it brings you joy. It’s also a great way to check in with yourself: how do you enjoy spending your time? When there are no expectations for productivity or money making, what is it you’d like to be doing? Spending time on something that exists purely to bring you joy will help to remind you that there’s a lot more to you than how productive you can be at work. So whether it’s playing an instrument, knitting, going on walks, or creative writing, find time for a project that exists solely to make you happy.
RECONNECT WITH FRIENDS
Beware of getting on a work–crazed hamster wheel, only to get off and realize that you’ve lost touch with most of your friends. Friends, family, and lovers are there in good times and bad. A support system is essential–plus, you deserve to have some fun! Your friends need you, too. Regularly check in with friends and loved ones. Schedule quality time together, put it in your calendar!
CREATE BOUNDARIES
It’s hard to tell anyone “no,” but setting boundaries is crucial to your well-being. When you’re off the clock, you’re off the clock. So don’t check your work email during off-hours unless you absolutely have to. If you’re sick, take a sick day. It’s your right. And, if you have too much on your plate to take on anything else, say so.
STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Far too often, our feelings of self-worth come from comparing our personal and professional success to others. This issue is only heightened with social media. But even though we often do it ourselves, when looking at other’s posts we often forget that we’re seeing a very selective, curated version of someone’s life. No one likes to broadcast when they’re struggling, so you’re only seeing the highest highs of everyone in your social circle–but there is a lot more to their successes than what you can see, and a lot more mess behind the scenes. People don’t post harsh feedback from their boss, the agony over deciding to go back to school or switch careers, or the stress of wondering if you’ll make rent. So, in addition to avoiding your email, be mindful of scrolling on your phone when you're having “rest” time. Set boundaries for the amount of time you can use social media apps, and unfollow people if you want and/or need. . If you’re going to be on social media, it’s crucial to do it mindfully and with consideration to your mental health.
REMEMBER THAT MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH
It’s easier to call out sick when you’re puking from a stomach bug than when you’re dealing with anxiety after a night of insomnia. But mental health is health. Your boss doesn’t need to know all of the details, just that you’re ill and unable to work. Learn to hold your mental health to the same caliber as your physical health.
TAKE A VACATION
Sometimes you need a more extensive break than a mental health day. Do not feel bad about taking a vacation. Sometimes we need a change of scenery and more than a day off to reset. But, if you do go on vacation, make sure (again!) to leave your work behind. Give yourself a true break to totally disengage from the pressures of productivity and see how refreshed you feel after. Trips can be pricey, so if a full-fledged trip is out of the question, or you feel uncomfortable traveling due to the pandemic, consider taking a few days off for a staycation to chill at home, sleep, chill and cuddle with your pillows, friends, lover(s), partner(s) and pets.
CONSIDER WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL
In addition to staying on top of regular check-ups, consider working with a trained therapist to help you refocus your self-worth. Today, sessions can be done virtually, allowing you to find a therapist located anywhere in your state. Sometimes, we need someone to support us in realizing how what these parts are communicating, how they’re impacting our mind and body and to remind you that you deserve downtime.
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