COLUMN #2: PRODUCTIVITY CULTURE

We live in a world where productivity is glamorized. There is this underlying notion that the more tangible achievements you obtain, the more you are praised. The consequences of productivity culture are persistent and constant in the back of my mind. I often have found myself putting a value on my task-based accomplishments and feeling lazy on the days that I do not have something to complete. I am fortunate that I have been able to identify the source to the anxiety of being worthless, yet over time, I have noticed that many other people are also experiencing a variation of this feeling. Productivity culture forces people to feel as though they can not be valued unless they continue to do. However, what if we shifted this productive, always grinding mindset to a mindful one. While living and practicing mindfulness, we are able to step away from always trying to complete something and begin to actually experience and understand our behaviors and daily patterns. There is so much power in shifting the way we go about our days when we move from just doing to actually being. Practicing mindfulness can mean that you have a new sense of awareness for each moment you are in. Being present in the moment will enable you to understand why you do the things you do and maybe allow you to step away from old habits that are backed by negative intentions. For me, going about my days with mindfulness allows me to find meaning in the things I do. Shifting to this headspace has given me the power to identify moments where I am being struck by productivity culture’s negativity, and allowed me to appreciate the simple joyful pleasures in my days that have otherwise been glossed over or disregarded. Practicing mindfulness gives one the opportunity to live your life with positive intentions through the act of being rather than always trying to do. Some ways you can practice mindfulness each day:

- Set an intention for each day or week and consistently come back to that intention throughout the day. Notice where you are at with intention at each point and become aware of any changes in your mindset regarding the intention. I suggest keeping a journal to hold yourself accountable for these check-ins.

- Pay attention to the small daily rituals you have completed. Think about how they make you feel and if they are beneficial or if they can be done differently.

- Find movement each day whether it be stretching, walking, running, or a workout, and notice how your body and mind feel before and after.