The pressure to maintain a high level of productivity can be overwhelming for anyone, but for those navigating work after a cancer diagnosis, the strain can be even more pronounced. The Fast Company article "What You Can Do to Avoid Toxic Productivity" highlights how societal expectations around constant busyness can create feelings of shame when taking time to relax. But embracing rest and self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially for those who are in treatment or recovery. By taking breaks and shifting the focus from "doing" to "being," workers can foster a healthier mindset that supports both physical and emotional healing.
Toxic productivity often manifests as chronic multitasking or the guilt of not "doing enough." For patients and survivors, managing stress and prioritizing rest is crucial, as their bodies are already under immense strain from treatments and recovery. But you can break free from the cycle of toxic productivity through small, manageable changes. By focusing on one task at a time, reflecting on personal goals, and accepting that rest is part of the healing process, patients and survivors can avoid the pressures of trying to do it all. A shift in mindset and prioritizing well-being over an unhealthy obsession with productivity can make balancing work and cancer a little more manageable.
For more:
- Upcoming Managing Long-Term Stress webinar on 2/5/25
- Getting Organized
- Work & Your Cancer Treatment
- Your Mindset
- Setting Professional Boundaries