Being productive can be a good thing for moms, it ensures that things get down around the house and community. Productivity can ensure that a home is run smoothly and that there are little roadblocks in the way. Since productivity has always been labeled as a “good trait” to have, some don't recognize when it becomes toxic. There is such a thing as “too much of a good thing,” and it is important for mom to know when it is time to tone it down a little bit.
The culture right now is labeling everything as “toxic.” According to the New York Times, everything has the ability to be toxic if you get too much of it, and this even includes water. It means that something has gone so far that it has become detrimental to the health and wellbeing of those involved, this can be reflected in a person’s physical health and mental health.
What Is ‘Toxic Productivity?’
Toxic productivity is something that can affect moms, and it may even be something she does without realizing it. According to Huffington Post, toxic productivity is an unhealthy need to be productive at all times. The inability to stop working and getting things done and can be applied at home.
For moms, it’s the constant need to be on top of the housework, watching the children, and doing other tasks around the house. This is also the inability to sit and relax while the children are napping or occupied and have some moments to relax.
Do You Do It?
Since productivity is generally seen as a good trait, it can be hard to notice if you do it. According to Create Cultivate, there are some warning signs that your productivity levels are a bit toxic.
•If mom is coming down with a lot of common colds or suffering from headaches, then she could be doing too much and not taking enough time for herself to relax.
•Having unrealistic expectations is another one, and this can happen when mom has a to-do list that has more tasks on it than can physically be accomplished in one day.
• The other glaring sign is having an “issue” with rest. If your children are napping, or occupied with TV or a task, and you have a hard time sitting down to drink a cup of coffee or read a book, this is a problem and a sign that something toxic is going on.
How To Fight Toxic Productivity
Finding time for yourself to focus on self-care is important for moms, ignoring this need can cause mental health issues as well as physical illness. That is why it is important to fight through toxic productivity.
According to WMC 5, there are some things that mom can do. One of the best things to do to fight toxic productivity is to establish boundaries with your balance. What may help is creating a schedule of what can be completed on each day and incorporate some time for resting in there. If mom is distracted by her phone, checking work e-mails, or other things, make sure it is turned off at a specific time each day. Setting boundaries with yourself is the best way to make sure productivity levels stay within a healthy range.
Sources: WMC 5, New York Times, Huffington Post, Create Cultivate