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Writer's pictureJenaya Huxter

The Productivity Irony: When Working Harder Means Working Against Your Health


A person in a yoga pose with hands pressed together in a prayer position, embodying mindfulness and balance, with a text overlay reading 'THE BALANCING ACT BETWEEN WORK AND WELL-BEING'.

For many of us, immersing ourselves in work seems synonymous with success. Each day brimming with tasks, the ticking clock becomes our only soundtrack. I, too, once believed that success was a linear journey directly linked to relentless hard work, and I shaped my life around this conviction.


Counting Hours, Not Progress


The metric of success in today's world often pivots on the hours logged in. But as I've come to realise, longer hours don’t always translate to better outcomes. Without even noticing, I began to miss those small moments of joy outside of work that truly mattered.


The True Cost of Burnout


Pushing oneself relentlessly might offer short-term gains, but the long-term costs are steep. Continuous overexertion can lead to various health setbacks, such as disturbing patterns of hair loss and even heightened diabetes symptoms.


Redefining Productivity: Quality Over Quantity


True productivity isn't about enduring countless hours behind a desk. It's about making those hours count. It’s about understanding when to push and when to pause. The moments when I've felt genuinely productive were not the exhaustive late nights but the times when I approached tasks with clarity and intention.


Finding Balance Amidst the Chaos


Over time, I've come to value the importance of balance. Taking a step back isn't a sign of weakness but of strength. Recognising the need for rest, looking for self-care tips, setting boundaries, and allowing ourselves time to recuperate is integral to maintaining both our health and productivity. Prioritising tasks and recognising that we can't be everything to everyone is crucial.


While the modern hustle culture glorifies constant grind, it's essential to discern what truly matters. Genuine productivity shouldn't come at the expense of our health. As we strive for success, we must also ensure that our well-being isn't left by the wayside. After all, our health isn't just one aspect of our life—it's the foundation upon which all else is built.



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