This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254

Nov 20, 2024

Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist and author of "Toxic Productivity," dives into the dangers of being overly obsessed with productivity. She discusses how societal pressures lead to guilt when resting, creating a toxic cycle that harms mental well-being. Israa emphasizes the difference between genuine productivity and mere busyness, encouraging listeners to prioritize self-care and meaningful connections. Her insights help redefine productivity, advocating for rest as an essential element of a fulfilling life beyond just completing tasks.

34:47

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Episode guests

Israa Nasir

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Quick takeaways

The conversation highlights the distinction between genuine productivity tied to personal goals and the harmful busyness dictated by societal expectations, emphasizing the need for balance and meaningful endeavors.

Israa Nasir stresses the importance of self-awareness and emotional awareness in combating toxic productivity, encouraging individuals to reevaluate their commitments to foster healthier work habits.

Deep dives

The Issue of Toxic Productivity

Toxic productivity refers to the obsession with being constantly productive, often leading individuals to feel guilty when not engaged in work. This mindset equates self-worth with achievement, resulting in a cycle of overworking and burnout. People have become conditioned to prioritize busyness over meaningful productivity, leading to an unhealthy relationship with work. The conversation emphasizes the need to redefine productivity, recognizing that it's not merely about completing tasks but accomplishing what aligns with broader life goals.

Intro

4min

Understanding Toxic Productivity

9min

Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Productivity

11min

Breaking Free from Toxic Productivity

12min

Redefining Productivity: Embracing Rest and Meaning

4min

We’ve become obsessed with productivity, confusing it with busyness and setting unrealistic expectations to perform 24/7—leaving us feeling guilty when we’re not “doing enough.” That’s exactly why I’m excited to dive into the topic of toxic productivity with today’s guest, Israa Nasir.

Israa, a New York City-based psychotherapist, writer, and founder of WellGuide, brings deep expertise in mental health, identity formation, and healing, particularly for AAPI first- and second-generation immigrants. She has spoken at prestigious organizations like Google, Meta, and Yale University and serves on the Mental Health Advisory Board for PopSugar and August. Her new book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, offers strategies to break free from the hustle culture and reclaim what truly matters.

Because at the end of the day, it won’t be the hustle, emails, or to-do lists that define your life—it’ll be the joy you shared, the impact you made, and the legacy you leave behind. So let’s stop glorifying busyness and start embracing a life worth celebrating.

Connect with Our Guest: Israa Nasir

Website: https://www.israanasir.com/

Book: https://www.israanasir.com/toxic-productivity

IG: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@israajnasir

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israanasir/

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