Productivity is the hustle culture’s currency in this world. Even when you’re walking, you have to do something a little productive, like listen to podcasts and audiobooks. When you’re at work, productivity should be at its peak to increase job performance. Sometimes, one’s health is compromised for the sake of productivity—skipping meals, staying up all night, and depriving the body of rest.
Keeping up with the fast-paced lifestyle, however, can do the opposite. It can hinder productivity with its adverse health effects, physically and mentally. Whether it is going on a couple’s vacation, watching reality TV, or having a session of a mommy makeover, taking a break and slowing down is necessary to remain grounded and focus on your goals.
Let your mind wander.
When you pause for a while and sit right at the moment without thinking of anything, the brain has all the freedom in the world. You might start with a germinal idea for a story or a new pitch. Then, the next thing you know, you’ve got the whole outline for your presentation at the back of your head. When you allow yourself to be bored, your brain can explore its many creative facets—and that’s backed by research. Imagine how creative thinking can benefit problem solving and ideation in your day-to-day life.
You’re not exactly productive when you’re sick.
Not taking care of your body is detrimental to your immune system. For example, sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, slow cognitive function, low mood, etc. When you’re hungry because you skipped a meal, chances are you can’t focus on the task at hand. In retrospect, when your health is not at its peak, you’re prone to colds, headaches, and other health issues that will hinder you from being productive. It’s best to think twice before abusing your body because, as Andrew Thomas puts it, “You can’t hustle if you’re dead.”
Consider Bullet Journaling
A Bullet Journal is a system that allows a person to plot their days in a notebook through Rapid Logging. This concept encourages the user to “capture information as bulleted lists.” Events, notes, and tasks have different shapes as bullets so that they are easily distinguishable. As a result, the user can see how their days or weeks are planned out, and they can carry on with their schedule and keep up with tasks. The good thing about the Bullet Journal is that it promotes mindful productivity by reminding people to take into consideration why they are doing what they are doing.
In the world of hustling, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s true purpose because being busy can sometimes be addicting. Psychology Today captures it perfectly: “I’m busy, therefore I’m important and valuable, therefore I’m worthy.”
Sometimes, it’s better to remind oneself that the number of bullets in the journal does not define a person’s worth or significance in this world. What matters is your health and ability to listen to it and take care of it because, without it, you cannot fully carry out the tasks you need to do. Consider getting bored for a few minutes. Your mind may surprise you.
