Busy life syndrome: Risks of hyperproductivity

We tell you all about busy life syndrome and the risks that excessive hyperproductivity can have on your health. Don't miss it.

KNOW YOURSELF

What is productivity?

Currently, in all businesses and strategic corporate developments, the term productivity is touted as the backbone of success. The dictionary defines it as the relationship between what is produced and the means used. To achieve it, companies set productivity goals for their staff and offer economic incentives to involve them in achieving business success.

But what cost and benefit are obtained in terms of health and well-being? Are endless working hours reasonable in order to achieve certain goals? Perhaps the means employed are not proportional to what is produced: let's talk about hyperproductivity as a way of life and its psychological consequences.

What is hyperproductivity and where does it come from?

Towards the end of the last century, the broker or yuppie was presented as the prototype of a good worker, changing the model of working life. The multitasking model was established: doing more than one thing at a time, with high efficiency, effective management, and maximisation of resources and use of time. It seemed possible to live continually connected with professional goals, above health or other life goals. However, behind the apparent prosperity of this lifestyle hides busy life syndrome.

What is busy life syndrome and how does it affect us?

What appeared as a way of life, involving prosperity and professional improvement, has been gaining airspace in mental health consultations due to its consequences.

The need to work all hours of the day, manage everything, achieve goals and always be attentive to work issues may seem admirable, but it has its risks: exhaustion, physical and mental fatigue, anxiety, high stress, decreased attention and concentration, inability to disconnect from work, lack of time for rest...

The role of self-demand in hyperproductivity

The constant pressure to maintain high standards generates a high level of self-demand that is difficult to sustain and weakens our emotional resilience. Personal, family and social relationships deteriorate. It leads to a loss of creativity and a decrease in the ability to enjoy other facets of life.

The relentless pursuit of perfection, critical self-assessment, and failure to disconnect can lead to overexertion, burnout and ultimately, the deterioration of mental health.

The right to laziness

Aiming so high professionally ends up taking its toll physically and psychologically. How to remedy it? The so-called "right to laziness" advocates for balance. It is not about negating discipline, a job well done, demand, and productivity, but mitigating the negative consequences that can harm our health.

Here are some ideas to help you:

Be aware of what this situation implies and its harms.
Do not deny symptoms or adverse circumstances, as they imply disorganised life priorities: this is the first step for change.
Set realistic boundaries at work and with work.
Take time for rest, reflection and self-analysis, including of your surrounding life circumstances.
Ringfence daily rest times, in addition to planning leisure and free time activities.
Seek help and support from family and friends and take care of your social relationships - it's just as important as the time you spend at work.
Allow yourself moments of pause, as they are essential for creativity, mental clarity and overall health.