Do you sometimes feel “less than” when you’re not at max productivity all the time? Or do you ever worry that your whole life is running behind schedule? You’re not alone. This phenomenon actually has a name—time anxiety. While you keep asking yourself, “Am I doing the MOST?” you might also be causing your mental health to dwindle.
And as that time anxiety builds, you’re likely also becoming less and less productive—41% of people report being less productive as their stress levels rise. This creates a vicious cycle that can be almost impossible to break out of.
But here’s the thing: Your worth isn’t tied to your productivity. Here are a few tips and tricks to try to get out of your head and truly relax—even if that means doing absolutely nothing for once.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the comparison game. From who has the most impressive career to who’s logging the most hours at the gym, you might feel like you’re not living up to others’ expectations. But remember: social media is just a highlight reel. Try logging off for a few days to hit the reset button.
Relaxing actually helps increase productivity.
It might seem counterintuitive, but you actually get MORE done after you’ve taken a break. Give yourself space to take a walk, fit in a workout, or just spend time doing nothing. That way, when you get back to it, you’re feeling recharged and refreshed instead of totally burnt out.
Stop aiming for “perfect.”
Don’t let “good” be the enemy of “perfect.” Set attainable goals for yourself, so that you can get a true and accurate measure of your hard work. You’ll keep yourself motivated and on track instead of feeling discouraged when you don’t meet unrealistic expectations.
Need help resetting your mindset so your time anxiety doesn’t run your life?
Check out the blog article on our SPARK Philosophy for tips on how to achieve your goals without sacrificing your peace of mind.
