When You're Tired, but Stuff Gotta Get Done

AFarmer91·Mar 17, 2023

I can tell Spring is close. I got my first cold of the season! While sick, a big part of me still wanted to remain productive! Yes, I was sneezing all over my keyboard but...must...remain...productive. In the end, the drowsiness won out. I am not good at being sick. Is that funny or sad?!I have read articles that discuss efficiency. And read books that state rest is revolutionary but the balancing act is easier said than done.

Thoughts?

ironmissy·Mar 17, 2023

I hear you and I used to be you. Until my body said no more! I talk about my burnout experience and exactly about productivity obsession in my blog: https://thecaringtechie.substack.com/p/burnout-internal-causesIf you haven’t reached burnout yet, then good for you! But that’s most likely what’s coming. Also it doesn’t have to be this way!! But this is just my experience. You need to understand your own “why”. Why do you think you must remain productive at all times? What about not being productive you find unacceptable? Is it something that was imposed on you growing up? Do you feel guilty when you spend time on leisure activities? What do you think taking time off says about you?I think we need to get rid of productivity obsession as a cultural norm and stop seeing it as a badge of honor. But the change needs to start with us. I hope this helps!

AFarmer91·Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for sharing this post. The questions you answered brought up some interesting truths I had to face. I am looking forward to talking to my therapist! BTW, I am loving the 4 part series!

AFarmer91·Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for sharing this post. The questions you answered brought up some interesting truths I had to face. I am looking forward to talking to my therapist! BTW, I am loving the 4 part series!

pauliner·Mar 22, 2023

I agree w/@ironymissy - burnout is TOO real. I second all of her reflection questions. Listen to your body. One mindset shift that helped me: rest is productive. When Im not feeling up for it, my highest priority of the day becomes how can I get the best quality rest today? How can I hold my inner child today? What does she need? Recognizing rest as a win and giving myself credit/permission/authority to rest helped alleviate the guilt and shame story I had in my head. I define my best as showing up with what I have the capacity for at that time. Somedays that's 80%, some days its 25% - either way I'm taking the win.Another helpful lifestyle change, I've started cycle syncing. People with periods are naturally more fatigued in their luteal week - right before the cycle starts. It's often compared to winter. It's a great time for more introspective work, planning, drafting vs outgoing work like meetings, travel etc. This helps me tune into my body/needs more regularly and not create unnecessary stress with unrealistic expectations. I am able to be productive in a way that plays to my natural strengths at that time.