The Productivity Trap
And Why Being Busy Can Become a Nasty Habit
I had some time off over Christmas, and it felt WONDERFUL. But ever since then, my feet have barely touched the floor. Whether it’s seeing clients (which I love, of course!), running the podcast, writing my book, marketing my business, planning my wedding, going to the gym, trying to eat vegetables, seeing friends and family, keeping my flat tidy, keeping my relationship thriving—etc, etc, etc—I haven’t really been paying attention to me as a separate entity from my tasks, to-do lists, and business.
And today, that really hit me.
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What You’ll Learn from This Newsletter:
Why being busy isn’t always the same as being productive.
How slowing down can actually improve your mental health and well-being.
The importance of meaningful activities beyond emails and to-do lists.
Practical steps to break free from the cycle of constant busyness.
The CBT Perspective on Busyness
CBT teaches us to notice the patterns we get stuck in, and I’ve been stuck in a big one: the belief that productivity is king. That if I just stay on top of everything, I’ll feel better, more in control, more successful. But in reality? It’s the opposite. I’ve been so focused on doing that I haven’t stopped to ask: What am I actually trying to achieve here? Where is my quality of life? What do I truly value?
The Productivity Trap
Monday is usually busy for therapists. In fact, so is every day! But today felt a little quieter. And in the absence of urgent tasks, I noticed something strange—I found myself filling the space with things I didn’t really need to do. Just for the sake of staying busy.
That’s when I caught myself. Why? Why do I feel the need to fill every gap?
CBT calls this behavioral conditioning. We get so used to being busy that stillness feels uncomfortable. Like we’re slacking. Like we’re falling behind. But here’s the thing: rest isn’t wasted time. Slowing down isn’t failure. It’s actually what keeps us sane.
What If There’s Another Way?
One of my biggest values is efficiency. I get agitated when things don’t work the way I want them to—and quickly! I feel guilty when I haven’t wrung every last drop of productivity out of my day. And somehow, in my mind, these tiny tasks—emails, admin, logistics—start to feel like they’re the things that determine my success, my health, my relationships.
But what if that’s not true?
What if this constant productivity is actually taking me away from the person I want to be? What if slowing down—really slowing down—is the thing that makes me better in every other area of my life?
Take my last paragraph far too literally: when I first started my therapy practice, I loved the idea of being my own boss. I imagined leisurely mornings, working from cozy cafés, soaking in the freedom of self-employment. The reality? I’ve been too busy doing to actually enjoy the life I’ve built.
So today, I’m deciding—since I do have time—to actually slow down, rest, and enjoy the moment. And maybe you should too.
Book a Free Consultation – Let’s Break the Cycle Together
If this resonated with you—if you feel stuck on the treadmill of productivity, unable to switch off, always chasing the next thing—CBT can help.
Together, we can figure out what’s driving this constant need to do more and work on shifting the patterns that keep you stuck.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced mindset.
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