Not-good-enough -> Proving -> Performing -> Imposter Syndrome
Burnout is more than "working too much" - it has physical, emotional, relational, existential and spiritual impacts. Burnout affects your whole being, so healing has to as well. Holistic burnout recovery requires getting to the root of how you got here in the first place - to try to prevent the cycle of burnout from happening again and again. To create a balanced, fulfilling life, we must first understand why we overwork— worthiness, identity, or proving ourselves.
Addiction to Toxic Productivity
People-Pleasing -> Perfectionism -> Pressure
In today's fast-paced world, constant productivity is strived for and admired. The cost of this perpetual productivity is exhaustion and a haunting, empty inadequacy because no matter how much you do, there's more. More tasks to do, more expectations to meet, more deadlines to loom. Hustle culture promises rest on the other side of busyness - if you just do more, and more, and more, then you can rest. Then you can relax. Then you can enjoy. But no matter how much you do, it isn't enough. Rest feels impossible. Satisfaction with your work is constantly out of reach - the never-ending to-do list stifles opportunities to celebrate your actual progress.
Productivity in itself not a problem - it is necessary. But when productivity holds your self-worth hostage, it's no longer helpful. Productivity can become toxic when it mutates into an addiction - it feels like you're never doing enough, no matter how much you achieve. Toxic productivity can actually increase procrastination and keeps you from fully living. This addiction to productivity, masqueraded as a covetous virtue, is a set-up to an existential crisis: feeling suffocated by expectations and constantly afraid of slowing down, while also feeling unable to carry on this way. The fear of slowing down is a fear of losing our primary purpose, identity and belonging, when what we do overshadows who we are.
How do you want your life to feel? Connect to that feeling.
The antidote to toxic productivity is soft, slow, intentional living: aligning your actions with your values and desires, rather than societal pressures or expectations. What this looks like for you is unique to you but the foundation is a connection to yourself, others and the world. By slowing down, you can reconnect with your true self and find peace in the present moment. Intentional living moves away from the hustle mindset and embraces a life that prioritizes well-being, presence, and authenticity. It’s about creating space to listen to your inner voice, discover your true desires, and build a life that feels genuinely fulfilling.
Sometimes slowing down can mean literally doing things slower - running errands just a little bit slower, putting away dishes - just a little bit slower. Slowing down can also look like leaving open space in your calendar - not filling everyday with tasks, errands, outings, experiences. Slowing down can also mean finding opportunities to make your life easier - ordering grocery delivery or click & collect, automating bills, setting reminders. Slowing down can be single tasking - just doing one thing. Drinking your coffee. Eating lunch. And doing that one thing with presence and intention.
If you need support for slowing down, you can find a way that fits your needs through interactive worksheets, guided meditations a supportive community, or personalized counselling. If you’re interested in going deeper, connect with me - I would love to hear from you!