At the start of the pandemic, a new term gained prominence: productivity culture. We felt determined to use the extra time spent inside to be productive and learn new skills. But it’s important to understand how to balance mental health and productivity during COVID-19.
With the pandemic continuing to have its effects, many people also experienced intense shifts in their mental health. Our inability to socialize and connect with our loved ones as usual would cause a great deal of anxiety and stress.
The beginning of the pandemic was a perfect storm of high stress and instability. Many people had more time available which would normally be spent on commuting, chatting with co-workers and attending social events.
Many people—myself included—began feeling guilty as a result. I am still behind on starting a successful side business, writing the next great American novel, or figuring out how to bake sourdough bread.
The fear that I’ve been wasting time adds to the overwhelming stress associated with navigating our new normal. Many of us struggle to fit into a productive culture even without the daily stressors of a pandemic. This new focus on maximizing productivity often feels daunting and impossible—which leads to a greater sense of failure and sadness.
Your Productivity Does Not Equal Your Value
I often reflect on my productivity before the pandemic. Even during my typical routine, devoting enough time to my hobbies and personal goals proved difficult.
But our value isn’t defined by how productive you are. That may mean trying to be a great employee, maintaining a pristine home, establishing a diet and exercise routine, or reconnecting with friends and family.
Now I feel O.K. with doing nothing. I remind myself that my value isn’t based on my completed tasks, which helps ease the guilt of unproductiveness significantly.
Although I feel pride in my accomplishments after a productive day, I treat myself with compassion and understanding when I’m feeling unmotivated and uninspired. I’m better at feeling a sense of peace and satisfaction.
Regardless of my productivity on a given day, I have a lot to offer the world.
Ways to Balance Mental Health and Productivity During COVID-19
Your value and your meaningfulness is not determined by how much or how hard you work. So I encourage everyone to be compassionate and understanding of themselves.
When the mood strikes, spend time doing lighthearted activities that make you satisfied in the moment. Watch a movie on Netflix or enjoy some other relaxing activity that soothes your soul and brings you joy. It will help you appreciate the moment and be free of productivity culture for a little while.
Being productive at work and home often helps your mental health to flourish. But when you’re having trouble trying to balance productivity and mental health during COVID-19, give yourself a break.
