“Tell me one productive thing you have done today” is a request my dad often posed at the end of the day. I did not understand what he meant initially, but later I realized he was referencing an action oriented with future achievement.
How Do I View Productivity?
I view productivity through quantified value. Specifically, I would judge the value of my day by what I was able to produce professionally. Subsequently, I aimed to have “high value days” and focused solely on my professional achievements to increase my “productivity.” I convinced myself the sacrifice to my personal relationships with family, friends, and myself would survive. However, shortly after I received my master’s degree, I received a major blow to my academic/professional aspirations (another story for a different post) and was left with nothing.
I learned while it is acceptable to establish my career as a priority; it is a dangerous gamble to solely commit to it because career trajectory can flow like water. More importantly, I realized my way of life was unhealthy and my “temporary sacrifices” were in-fact long-term deprivation. People are social beings by design, but I was punishing myself due to my perceived lack of productivity. I missed my family and friends and special moments I could not recreate. I longed for the person I was who loved enjoying life and I vowed to never return to that moment.
COVID
Prior to COVID-19 global pandemic, I had acquired a balance in my productivity. I managed to continue to secure building blocks for my academic and professional goals, reserved time for family and friends, and developed budding personal interests (e.g. Afrobeat dance class).
Unfortunately, I underestimated the impact COVID-19 would have on my mental wellness and subsequent productivity. I struggled for several weeks. I felt “blah” like I was in a funk; but clinically in hindsight I was depressed. I maintained my daily appointments, responded to emails, completed reports, etc. however, I was exhausted. I slept as often as I could, but it was never enough. My concentration was poor, and I experienced significantly more, “wait was I about to do” moments. I was more irritable than normal though I could not recognize a tangible reason. Furthermore, my dependable coping skills were no longer efficient, and I felt myself spiraling out of control.
How I increased my productivity
One day, it just hit me. I realized the changes in my mood, productivity, sleep, etc. were in response to the sudden, extreme shift in my life. I have never been in a situation that prevented me from engaging in regular activities that involved merely leaving my home. My mind, body, and soul were adjusting to my current circumstances in unchartered waters and there was no blueprint to guide me. I told myself, “It is a global pandemic, there are no rules” and decided to give myself grace.
“Gave myself grace”
I recognized a key component of successful adjustment in an unpredictable situation is self-preservation. From there I decided to increase the flexibility in my schedule to have protected time for my adjustment. I utilized a strategy I frequently refer to my clients called “Behavioral Activation” in which you implement activities to boost your mood and productivity.
“Activities that boost your mood and productivity”
- I worked out for endorphins and positive body image
- Ate nutritional foods such as fruits and vegetables, drank lots of water
- Went for walks with my fiancé and reserved quality time for us
- Continued to engage in wedding planning activities
- Had video calls with family and friends. Danced more.
Extending grace to myself, exhaling my thoughts and feelings to my friends, and going hard on my coping skills carried me through. Also, I was able to protecting my personal time from work demands through strong boundaries.
How?
How can adding more “tasks” to your plate help alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, etc. and increase your productivity? The primary goal of behavioral activation is to use your hobbies to put you in good spirits. Typically, we experience good spirits when we are completing hobbies such as meditating, taking a walk, watching reality TV, working out, creating an art piece, preparing a new dish, or visiting a loved one. These tasks not only provide pleasure but personal fulfillment as well. The second goal is to develop a balanced perspective of daily accomplishment. More specifically, we still identify a list of obtainable tasks that are work-oriented but also include a list of pleasure-oriented tasks.
** PRO TIP ** Arrange the tasks to reflect various effort levels (e.g. easy/medium/hard)
What I learned
On a positive note, COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for self-reflection. In my quiet moments, I realized I valued regular time with my thoughts and feelings, I can do more to connect with my family and friends and most importantly, every moment does not need to be accounted for.
Take-Aways
- In times of uncertainty, remember what has worked for you in previous stressful situations. Amp up your coping skills!
- Recognize your humanity and give yourself time to adjust
- Maintain a balanced perspective on circumstances
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