Give Me a Break! How Today’s Productivity Obsession Sabotages Our Ability to Truly Unwind
It’s a Sunday, a day of rest — the only day of the week I don’t need to be awake at 9:00. I set my alarm for 10:30, hoping for some extra sleep, but my body jolts awake at 9:15. Must… be… productive.
Sound familiar? We’ve all felt it: the relentless pressure to be productive or risk feeling like a failure. So here I am, sitting at my desk instead of lounging in bed, convincing myself that writing an article for Medium is a worthy pursuit for my budding writing career.
But let’s pause and consider the bigger picture. This constant drive to be productive isn’t just a personal quirk; it’s a societal epidemic. According to a survey by Statista on Champion Health UK, the most common type of stress is work-related stress, with 79% of participants saying they felt it. And 74% of people feel so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov).
So why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we equate our worth with our productivity, even on days meant for rest and recovery? Let’s delve into the stereotypes of being a “hardworking” member of society and the guilt that accompanies a rare day off.
The fear of being perceived as ‘lazy’ is a stereotype that I personally identify with on a daily basis, having grown up with the idea that to be successful is to be a ‘self-made’ businesswoman who works for herself and answers to no man. She cannot show weakness, and she must NEVER take a day off. Some of these women have children on top of it all — luckily enough I’m not one of those women.
‘Workaholic’ culture has become a popular phenomenon across the globe, and it promotes constant productivity, long hours, and overworking to measure success. This hustle is often celebrated as a badge of honour, and people are looked up to for their commitment to their work, but it is all at the cost of inevitable burnout, mental health issues, and strained relationships.
When I was in my first year of university, studying Society, Culture, and Media, I felt more pressure from myself than from my professors or classmates. I had a constant desire to be on top of everything, submitting assignments weeks before their deadlines due to an overwhelming fear of failure that I imposed on myself.
My effort to be the best student came at the cost of missing out on core experiences that traditional first-year university students, or “Freshers,” typically enjoy. I was too mentally overwhelmed to go to parties, join any clubs or societies, or fully engage with my flatmates. Instead, I selectively socialised, always prioritising my academic responsibilities over forming lasting memories and connections.
So how do UK workplaces and institutions combat stress? Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working measures have been put in place to allow workers and students to perform their tasks from the comfort of their homes, giving them a sense of safety and solace in their workspace (Statista, 2020).
UK workplaces and institutions implement various strategies to combat stress among employees. One approach is the promotion of flexible working hours, allowing individuals to better balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Furthermore, many organisations offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), providing confidential counselling and support services to help workers manage stress and mental health issues. According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these initiatives have shown positive results in reducing work-related stress and improving overall well-being in the UK workforce.
Many employers have introduced company benefits to their job descriptions to attract potential applicants. These perks often include free gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, and complimentary on-shift snacks. By offering these benefits, companies and businesses signal their commitment to employee well-being and create a more attractive workplace environment, which can help fascinate additional applicants.
Despite the growing access to mental health support, the stigma surrounding reaching out for help is still prominent in the United Kingdom. Within the workplace, the fear of being perceived as vulnerable and incapable often prevents employees from seeking help or disclosing their struggles, making it more difficult to access the necessary resources for mental well-being management.
If your mental health is struggling, you can take time off and receive statutory sick pay much like any physical illness (under the Equality Act 2020).
I am no stranger to a rough mental health day, and I think that it is fundamental and beneficial for people to open up about their difficulties and share a vulnerable side. This not only breaks the stigma surrounding mental health, but it is also incredibly healing to the individual. Talking about my stress and anxiety has been life-changing for me and my relationships with friends and family, as well as the relationship I have with myself.
Taking time off for yourself and your personal growth is one of the most courageous things a person can do, especially in this generation. The obsession with productivity is prominent, and the cause of workplace stress and burnout. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your success be. Take things at your own pace and prioritise rest.
And for my extra hour in bed on a Sunday? Well, that’s still a work in progress.
