Chapter 1: The Pressure of Productivity

Have you ever encountered a seemingly simple idea that leaves a lasting impression on you?

This resonates with my ongoing struggle with productivity. I often feel overwhelmed by the expectation to be productive every minute of the day. During the quarantine, my friend Lawrence participated in a virtual art class (thanks to @OnlineArtWithKathleen!). Recently, I noticed his art teacher shared a thought on social media: "It's okay not to be productive every moment." Initially, I nodded in agreement, but then I questioned whether I truly believed this. If so, am I embodying that belief?

Truthfully, I find myself scrolling through social media incessantly, which doesn't contribute to productivity. Yet, I still carry a sense of guilt about it. This feeling reminds me of the concept of "mom guilt," which I experience, just like many others. It extends beyond motherhood into various aspects of my life. Time and productivity often create a sense of unease. When I invest my time in activities I enjoy, such as writing this blog post, I feel fulfilled. This type of engagement may not align with traditional notions of productivity, but it certainly nourishes my spirit.

Filling your bucket means dedicating time to activities that enhance your well-being. These pursuits awaken or soothe you, providing the energy to re-engage with life's demands, including work and family. In the early days of motherhood, exhaustion was a constant companion, and napping while my children slept became my primary method of rejuvenation. After these naps, I felt revitalized. However, I often worried that if I had spent that time cleaning or working, I would have been more "productive." In reality, when I was that fatigued, my ability to be productive was severely limited, yet the "what ifs" loomed large in my mind. I mistakenly thought that conventional productivity would bring me happiness, overlooking what I truly needed at that time.

Why do we believe that every moment must be filled with traditional productivity? I grew up in a household where my parents were always busy—my mother managing every aspect of our lives and my father working over 40 hours a week. I sometimes find myself thinking, "My mom would never lie on the couch like this." She would likely be busy organizing or cleaning—tasks I often avoid. (This could be a topic for another post: do women have an innate talent for organizing that I seem to lack?).

Consequently, I often feel disheartened when my life seems solely focused on caregiving and work. While I strive to avoid this mindset, I find myself comparing my energy levels to those of my mother or other accomplished women. I feel the need to be productive while also carving out time for relaxation, enjoying meals, exercising, reading for pleasure, and engaging in lighthearted conversations about pop culture.

Reflecting back on that brief statement I saw on Instagram, "it's okay not to be productive every moment of the day," I wonder why this sentiment isn't more widely accepted. Coupling that thought with something my sister shared, "You're not alive just to pay bills and lose weight," I realize that mental well-being is invaluable. When we acknowledge that our happiness increases when we allow ourselves the freedom to pursue what we enjoy, we can challenge the relentless pressure to be constantly productive.

Sometimes, I feel competitive or caught in a cycle of comparison, fearing that I might fall behind—whatever that means. I must remind both myself and others who resonate with this sentiment that investing time in fulfilling activities is, in fact, a form of productivity. It allows us to approach the more challenging facets of life with renewed energy and clarity. Let’s stop feeling guilty about how we choose to spend our time. It’s time to redefine productivity and the unrealistic expectations tied to it!

Amira enjoying herself and filling her bucket on the swing.

Chapter 2: Redefining Productivity

In this chapter, we explore the concept of productivity and how it can be redefined to align with personal values and well-being.

The first video, "5 Productivity Principles I Use That Actually Work," delves into effective strategies for enhancing personal productivity without the guilt.

The second video, "Top 5 Productivity Tips for Work!" offers practical advice for maximizing productivity in a professional setting, helping to balance work and personal life.