Finding Balance: How to Boost Productivity Without Burning Out
Striking the right balance between being productive and burning out can feel impossible sometimes, but I know it can for me. Hustle culture made us all tired (well, maybe not everyone… but still!). Too much focus on work can lead to burnout, while too much downtime and doom scrolling can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. But here’s the good news: there’s a way to stay productive while still keeping your energy levels in check—without feeling overwhelmed.
Aim to focus on intentional productivity, which means being thoughtful about how you use your time and energy and single-tasking all the way!
3 Key Benefits of Gentle Productivity
1. Intentional Productivity Makes You More Efficient
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing better. When you’re mindful of where your energy is going, you actually become more efficient. Research from Baumeister and Tierney (2011) shows that managing your mental energy wisely leads to better productivity. You don’t need to push yourself harder; you just need to be intentional with how you approach tasks - (schedule those side quests for another time). Think of it as working smarter, not harder.
2. Mindfulness Reduces Burnout and Boosts Focus
Ever notice how taking some big deep breaths or walking away from your screen and going outside can clear the mental fog? Studies have shown that practising mindfulness, even briefly, can significantly reduce emotional exhaustion and increase job satisfaction (Hülsheger et al., 2013). Our Mindful Productivity sessions start with just a few minutes of mindfulness to help you centre yourself before diving into work. The result? You’ll feel more focused, less drained, and ready to tackle what’s in front of you without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Deep Work Leads to Better Results
Taking inspiration from Carl Newport’s idea of “deep work,” the focus here is on quality over quantity. Deep work is about dedicating focused, uninterrupted time to a task—something most of us don’t do enough. When we engage in deep work, we’re not multitasking or scattered; we’re fully immersed in what matters. This kind of focused productivity can help you get more meaningful work done in less time without burning out YAY!
Intentional, mindful productivity isn’t about hustling or pushing yourself to the edge. It’s about working purposefully, using your energy wisely, and taking small, mindful moments to stay centred.
References:
Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the greatest human strength. Penguin Press.
This research highlights the importance of managing mental energy to improve productivity, supporting the idea of intentional productivity rather than simply working more.
Hülsheger, U. R., Alberts, H. J. E., Feinholdt, A., & Lang, J. W. (2013). Benefits of mindfulness at work: The role of mindfulness in emotion regulation, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(2), 310-325.
This study shows that mindfulness can reduce emotional exhaustion and improve focus and job satisfaction, supporting the idea that mindfulness enhances productivity.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
Cal Newport’s concept of deep work emphasizes the importance of focused, uninterrupted time on tasks, which can lead to more meaningful productivity without burnout.
