Toxic productivity grips you with the urge to stay busy, constantly chasing personal or societal standards. It can throw other parts of your life off balance. We live fast, and society often stamps a ‘successful person’ label on those who do the most, the fastest. As a coach, I see this mindset in my clients and myself: the belief that packing more into less time brings bigger rewards.

During my stint as the lead digital designer at a top-notch marketing firm in Cape Town, I got a real taste of the hustle. It was all about agility and top-tier work, which, honestly, cranked up my daily stress. I was caught in the hustle, trying to prove my worth non-stop.

In the ad game, any downtime used to freak me out. Was I doing enough? But as I settled into the role, I learned the value of those quieter spells. They were lifesavers for my mental health and key to a balanced, long-term game plan in my career.

I share this in my coaching: I’m on the same journey as my clients, figuring out this whole success thing. You’re stepping into the great unknown, fresh out of school or university. It’s not all scary—it’s ripe with chances to level up. But watch out because that’s where toxic productivity likes to sneak in, playing on our fears of the uncertain path ahead.

I reached out to two students for their insights on maintaining productivity without compromising their well-being. Chloe, an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, and Zaahirah, 22, who recently aced her psychology degree at UWC, offered up some real gems:

Are there any particular study habits or time management techniques helpful in staying productive without sacrificing your mental health?

Chloe:
“I’m a reading and writing learner, so I always summarise my work weeks in advance. For Maths and Science, I jot down key points from each chapter as these are practice-heavy subjects. If I’m stuck, YouTube videos are a huge help. Regarding mental health during exams, my faith plays a big part—I trust that things will pan out as they are meant to be, recognising my limits. Stress affects me a lot, so I use calming and concentration pills from the pharmacy. It’s crucial to make time for myself, particularly during exams. Feeling good aids in studying, so I maintain self-care routines like skincare, regular hair washing, and keeping my room tidy.”

Zaahirah:
“As a fourth-year university student, I managed my study habits by prioritising tasks by due dates, tackling the earliest ones first, and inputting them into my calendar. This reduced stress and gave me a sense of control, preventing my workload from overwhelming me. If I had several essays, I’d handle one a day, starting with a rough draft weeks in advance. I focused on one module per day without multitasking, which improved my concentration and the quality of my work. For time management, I avoided university work on weekends, aiming to finish by Friday, which balanced my life and boosted my mood for the coming week. I studied from 9 am to 5 pm without many breaks, allowing for complete focus, and treated myself to a snack after as a reward.”

Have you ever sought support from teachers, peers, or family members when feeling overwhelmed? How did this support contribute to your overall well-being?
Chloe: “During school, I rarely sought help from teachers, preferring to figure things out independently or consult friends. The hesitation to ask for help stemmed from feeling inadequate compared to peers. Some teachers focused on specific students, neglecting the class as a whole. Only one teacher during my matric year encouraged questions, making me comfortable to seek assistance. She noticed changes in my behaviour, offering support and even involving my parents. This teacher, along with my supportive family, shifted my perspective on school work, lifting my spirits during challenging times and fostering a positive outlook on life.”

Zaahirah: ” I sought out support from my university friends as we could relate to one another and help motivate one another to keep going till we reach our goal, which is to graduate from university together. I sought advice from my tutors whenever I was unclear regarding my tasks as I always felt they were the best ones to approach if something was unclear as they would be the ones marking my assignments and practices. I also sought support from family and friends who aren’t attending the same university, as this allowed me a break away from all the university talk and allowed me a social life. ”

Can you share any insights or lessons you’ve learned about balancing productivity and self-care during your high school/ varsity experience?

Chloe: “High school can be tiring, no matter your grade. So it’s important to get enough REST. It’s crucial to set realistic goals, prioritise tasks & create a schedule. Learn to say no when necessary, communicate with others about your boundaries & make time for activities that recharge you. Also, avoid overcommitting & trying to achieve things only because you want to be better than someone. You have to want to reach goals and be in competition with yourself, not others.”

Zaahirah: “ As a fourth-year university student, I’ve learned some valuable tips for success. First and foremost, prioritise self-care by incorporating activities that enhance physical and mental well-being. Set realistic goals, breaking down tasks into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm. Develop effective time management skills using tools like planners and seek support from lecturers, tutors, and classmates when facing challenges. Balance academics with a social life, learn to say no to avoid over-commitment and embrace flexibility during busy periods. Regularly assess your schedule, adjusting as needed, and don’t forget to celebrate even small achievements for a positive mindset and increased motivation.”

The feedback from Chloe and Zaahirah shows they’re tuned into the personal habits and skills essential for staying productive without harming their mental health.

In places like South Africa, with limited jobs and rising self-employment, many feel a non-stop focus on business goals is the key to happiness. Yet, as Gary Vee, a renowned entrepreneur, says, this relentless hustle can isolate you from life’s simpler joys. This ‘hustler mindset’ can be counterproductive, especially for young people. Not everyone thrives like Gary Vee, and the pressure to always do more can lead to burnout and a feeling of never being enough. Young adults often sacrifice mental health for success, overlooking relationships and personal growth.

Furthermore, this relentless drive can squash creativity. Adhering to strict standards and timelines limits original thinking, trapping young minds in a cycle of conformity and limiting their innovative potential.

A 2022 study by Andisa Liba of Floatpays shows that younger workers (18-24) prefer their work environment more than older colleagues, underscoring the need to understand how productivity influences belonging.

As a coach, I advocate for balancing hard work with self-care. Recognising limits is key to achieving success without compromising well-being. Prioritising mental health and downtime is crucial for young adults to escape the toxic productivity trap.

Key to a healthy, productive mindset:
Support Structure: Essential for personal and professional well-being. Having someone to share ideas with and who believes in you is vital.
Environment: A nurturing space, be it home, school, or work, is critical. It should foster authenticity and productivity, as toxic environments can negatively impact functioning and security.
Beliefs and Values: Our internal framework shapes our reality. It’s important to assert your capabilities and overcome self-doubt. Journaling can be a powerful tool to explore and understand your beliefs and values, transforming limiting beliefs and reinforcing positive ones.
Working Structure: Understanding your unique way of working is key. Establish routines and structures tailored to your situation, whether in school or at work.

For instance, a structured routine might include:

Morning Routine: Rise early, meditate or stretch, and have a healthy breakfast.
Work/Study Mode: Set clear goals, organise your day, prioritise tasks, and use focused work sessions like the Pomodoro technique.
Afternoon Break: Take a lunch break and engage in physical activity.
Evening Routine: Wind down, reflect, plan for the next day, and enjoy a balanced dinner.
Leisure Time: Pursue hobbies and continuous learning.
Night Routine: Reduce screen time, establish a calming pre-sleep ritual, and ensure adequate sleep.
General Tips: Use organisational tools, stay hydrated, maintain social connections, and be flexible with your routine.

Adapt this routine to your needs, focusing on effective work and self-care.

Let’s get real: toxic productivity is a buzzkill for our goals. It’s high time we redefine success to value balance and well-being, not just the grind. Let’s champion a culture where we measure success on our own terms, promoting personal growth and mental health. Ditching the relentless hustle helps us all—let’s thrive on our own terms.

QUESTION: How do you define success in your life?

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