The One Behavior That's Sabotaging Your Study Sessions

Written by Contributor, Shereese Maynard, MS, MBA She/Her

Medical students often feel immense pressure to be productive at all times. They prioritize never-ending to-do lists over their well-being, believing that the more they accomplish, the more successful they'll be. However, this mindset of "toxic productivity" can actually be detrimental to their physical and mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, and self-esteem issues. Let's explore what toxic productivity is, how to recognize if you've fallen into its trap, and strategies for mitigating its negative effects.

What is Toxic Productivity?

According to Clinical Psychologist and Instructor at Harvard Medical School Natalie Datillo, toxic productivity occurs when we feel compelled to be productive at all times, even at the expense of our own well-being. We become obsessed with crossing items off our to-do lists and judge our self-worth based on how much we've accomplished. This unhealthy mindset can make us feel guilty for taking breaks or engaging in leisure activities, as we believe that any time not spent working is wasted. Over time, toxic productivity can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Does this sound like you?

Here Are Five Signs You've Entered Your Toxic Productivity Era:

1. You feel guilty for taking breaks or engaging in hobbies.

2. Your self-worth is tied to your productivity level.

3. You sacrifice sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to work more.

4. You have difficulty enjoying leisure time without feeling anxious or restless.

5. You experience physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues.

Mitigating the Symptoms of Toxic Productivity

If you've recognized signs of toxic productivity in your own life, don't despair. There are steps you can take to break free from this unhealthy mindset and prioritize your well-being:

1. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Remember that it's okay to have limits and that rest is essential for productivity.

2. Schedule breaks into your day and prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

3. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that your worth is not tied to your productivity level.

4. Establish boundaries between work and leisure time, and be fully present in each moment.

5. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're struggling to manage toxic productivity on your own.

Here's the thing: While the pressure to be constantly productive can feel overwhelming, it's important to remember that our output does not define our worth. By recognizing the signs of toxic productivity and prioritizing our well-being, we can break free from this unhealthy mindset and find a more harmonious, fulfilling way of living and learning.

If your study habits aren't actionable, and you aren't seeing the results you want, reach out to LAS. We're happy to help.

Resources for this post

1. Harvard psychology expert: The No. 1 mistake that can lead highly successful people to burnout.