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Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty trying to be the “perfect” parent? In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Israa Nasir, licensed psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, to unpack how the pressure to always “do more” is impacting parents and their children. Israa shares how toxic productivity is driven by perfectionism, fear of inadequacy, and cultural expectations—and how it leads to chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and strained family dynamics. Together, she and Dr. Meg explore practical ways to break the cycle of overfunctioning and reclaim peace and presence at home. In this episode, you'll learn: What toxic productivity looks like in real-life parenting How fear and societal expectations fuel burnout The long-term emotional effects on both parents and kids How to set flexible boundaries and prioritize well-being Simple tools like micro-breaks, reprioritization, and self-worth reframing Empowering advice for single moms carrying it all About Israa Nasir Israa Nasir is a NYC-based psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health educator. She helps high-achieving individuals overcome perfectionism, burnout, and emotional dysregulation. Her new book Toxic Productivity is a compassionate guide to reclaiming mental space and joy in a hustle-obsessed culture. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to Toxic Productivity00:50 – What is Toxic Productivity?02:05 – How It Impacts Parents and Children04:31 – Parenting Rooted in Fear08:40 – Breaking the Cycle of Overachieving12:07 – Reprioritizing and Setting Boundaries26:26 – Separating Self-Worth from Productivity32:16 – Advice for Single Moms Navigating Overload36:34 – Final Reflections and Empowering Takeaways Resources & Links Toxic Productivity by Israa Nasir → Toxic Productivity — Israa Nasir Learn more about Israa Nasir → Israa Nasir Expert parenting coaching with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com Sponsored by: Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEG Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG) Acorns – Start investing with spare change: acorns.com/drmeg Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter wear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG) Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: acornsearly.com/drmeg WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts. KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/DRMEG Børn Shoes – crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com – comfort never looked so good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feeling the relentless pull to work harder, do more, and prove your worth through productivity? That's not ambition talking—it's internalized capitalism, and it's keeping you trapped in a cycle of overwork and burnout. This week, we're tackling the insidious ways internalized capitalism uses toxic productivity to take advantage of us, and how we can fight back.Ambition should empower you, not exhaust you. It's time to call out the lies we've been sold about hustle culture and start reclaiming a healthier, more fulfilling drive.In this episode, Caitlin unpacks:- The key difference between healthy ambition and toxic productivity- How internalized capitalism keeps you working more than you should be- The mental toll of “doing it all” and how internalized capitalism forces you to- Caitlin's personal experience on leaving corporate and why- the propaganda machine against workers unionizing- Why saying "no" is a radical act of self-careIf you've ever questioned the grind and wondered if it's okay to slow down, this conversation is a must-listen.
If you struggle with feeling the need to be productive 24/7 or you've used the phrase “I'll sleep when I'm dead.”, you're going to want to listen to this episode, where we're getting into the topic of toxic productivity—the drive to be constantly 'on' and productive, even at the expense of our well-being. We'll explore what toxic productivity is, why so many of us fall into this trap, and how it can impact our health, happiness, and even our work. Join us as we unpack the signs of toxic productivity, discuss how to recognize it in your own life, and share strategies for finding a healthier, more sustainable approach to productivity.We'd love to connect with you! Instagram: @moreandthensomepod TikTok: @moreandthensomepod moreandthensomepod@gmail.com
Workplace wellness is broken. Free snacks, ping-pong tables, yoga-at-lunch—none of it actually works if your workplace culture is toxic or disconnected. So what does create a thriving, healthy work environment? According to today's guests, it starts with leadership—and it's a lot less about perks and a lot more about people. We're diving deep into the real future of workplace wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer, co-founders of Workr Beeing and co-authors of the book Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives. These two powerhouse I/O psychologists have spent their careers studying what actually works when it comes to employee well-being, team dynamics, and leadership. Spoiler alert: most wellness programs are missing the mark completely. Workplace wellness doesn't start with nap pods or smoothie bars—it starts with people feeling seen, heard, and valued. If you're a leader, this episode is your wake-up call. If you're not a leader, it's your permission to want more than burnout and survival. Connect with Patricia & Katina: Website: https://workrbeeing.com Book: https://workrbeeing.com/book/ Podcast: https://workrbeeing.com/podcast/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciagrabarek/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katina-sawyer-ph-d/ Related Podcast Episodes: Belonging (At Work) with Dr. Beth Kaplan | 286 Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254 Who's Entitled Now?! with Dr. Jessica Kriegel | 237 Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code TIWW for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Check out Happy Mammoth and use code POWERFUL for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Two weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, I reconnected with previsous guest, Israa Nasir, therapist, clinical strategist, and author of "Toxic Productivity,” During our short conversation Israa explains the mindset that compels us to chase relentless achievement, often as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling left behind.Israa shares her personal journey and why she wrote her book. She looks at how society's views on productivity impact our work, relationships, parenting, and self-image. We also discuss the emotional side of productivity advice. It is important to recognize our core values to achieve healthy productivity.We also cover the impact of AI on the future of work, mental health, and leadership. Israa highlights both the risks and opportunities that AI presents, stressing the need for thoughtful guardrails and intentional use to enhance, rather than diminish, human value and connection.Whether you're grappling with burnout, feeling pressured to constantly perform, or curious about navigating productivity in the age of AI, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical advice. Enjoy the episode.Social Links Instagram Well.guide Israa's Linkedin Links In the ShowToxic ProductivityHBR article on Toxic productivity Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Reconnection01:28 Discussing Toxic Productivity02:25 Personal Journey and Book Genesis03:16 Impact on Relationships and Society06:20 AI and the Future of Work15:11 AI in Mental Health: Risks and Benefits15:56 Regulatory Challenges in AI Adoption16:49 Disparities in AI Adoption Among Clinicians18:30 Personal Reflections on Productivity20:04 Where to Find the Book20:48 Future Plans and Career Aspirations21:24 Speaking Engagements and Workshops23:21 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Productivity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stress—it's everywhere, unavoidable, and, if we're being honest, usually the enemy. But what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? What if stress isn't just something to manage but something we can leverage? Today, we're flipping the script on stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an award-winning physician, researcher, and expert in lifestyle medicine, stress science, and longevity. She's been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal, hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast, and has over 6 million views on her TED talk about stress and the body. In her new book, The Stress Paradox: How to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier with Stress, she unpacks how the right kind of stress can actually make us stronger, healthier, and more resilient—if we learn how to use it correctly. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ The difference between good stress and chronic stress—and why we need the good kind ✅ How stress impacts brain health, aging, and longevity ✅ Five key stressors that shape our physical and mental well-being ✅ Practical strategies to harness stress so it strengthens you instead of exhausting you Stress isn't the villain—it's a skill. When we stop fighting it and start using it, we sharpen our focus, build resilience, and improve our long-term health. Let's make it work for us instead of against us. Connect with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist: Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stress-Paradox-Longer-Healthier-Happier/dp/006334596X LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegoodstressdoctor IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodstressdoctor/ X: https://x.com/TheGoodStressDr/status/1895568273963384878 FB: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodstressdoctor/ 10 Simple (And Affordable) Tests For Your Health & Longevity (FREE) https://drsharonbergquist.com/10-tests-to-extend-your-healthspan Related Podcast Episodes: 181 / Stress Less and Fear(Less) with Rebecca Heiss How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
What is it that drives our focus on productivity?That colors our experience of work, life, and relationships? Is the motivation to 'do', to achieve, and to push ourselves driven by a subtle undercurrent of fear?A craving to stay relevant, A whisper in the back of our mind that says: If we don't optimize our lives, fill up our calendars, and stay busy, we will be missing out on something. Unsure of exactly what, but sensing that that something is important. Perhaps that if we don't keep up we won't be happy, or even worse, we won't matter. If left unchecked this fear can lead to a mindset that today's guest, talented therapist, founder of digital mental health brand Wellguide, and author, Israa NasirCalls 'Toxic Productivity' This mindset that is marked by a number of distinct characteristics: Being singularly focused on outcomesFeeling good about yourself only if you get those outcomesDeprioritizing other parts of your life in pursuit of an outcome.Israa shares from her depth of wisdom and expertise that one of the unintended consequences of this mindset is that we can stop thinking about our lives.That curiosity is replaced by just adopting what other people are doing so that we are on par. And so we feel good about ourselves.In today's conversation we are going to dive into Israa's work, and the Toxic Productivity Mindset in more depth. Together we will explore the possibility of letting go of fear and learning to meet life from a place of love. Israa and I will unpack questions such as:How we might approach working, living, and loving in ways that bring us fully alive? That actually make us happy?And that are not contingent on outcomes, but rather are driven by curiosity, a love of the process, and of knowing and caring about ourselves more deeply? For more on Israa's beautiful book Toxic Productivity, and the incredible work she is doing please visit Israanasir.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Imperfectionism and the Art of Living Well | Oliver BurkemanA Revolutionary Remedy for Uncertainty - In Our 20's and Beyond | Dr. Meg JayEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show
Today, I'm joined by Israa Nasir, a New York City based psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of Well Guide, a digital community for mental health awareness. With a specific focus on mental health, identity formation, and healing for the AAPI first and second generation immigrant community, Israa has been featured in Time, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Vogue India, and other major publications. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our conversation, drawing from her work with corporations and institutions such as Google, Pepsi, Ernst and Young, Meta, and Yale University. The key moments in this episode are: 00:03:19 - Exploring Toxic Productivity Mindset 00:11:25 - Embracing Nuance and Balance 00:15:32 - Intersection of Identity and Toxic Productivity 00:19:53 - Decoupling Productivity and Self-Worth 00:25:28 - Reimagining Productivity Connect with Israa Nasir Website: israanasir.com Instagram: @well.guide LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/israanasir Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai
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Productivity, Productivity, Productivity - the word is being thrown around by the broligarchs who are pushing the hustle-grind with unreasonable deadlines, back to back meetings and a way to put human needs at the backburner. I talk about how brobsession with efficiency over effectiveness leads to toxic productivity, undermining our well-being and ignoring their duty of care towards their teams. But efficiency has never been as powerful as effectiveness, and then these latest diktats … and you'll find me having a laugh but the matter is serious nonetheless. I highlight why toxic productivity compromises our wellbeing and forcing us to participate in a work culture that's helping no one. Then there are 'influencers generously sharing their way' but what's the real cost of falling for that? We need to redefine success to include genuine contributions and impact over mere activity, and create inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives. *** Key Points *** Balancing efficiency with effectiveness. Prioritise genuine contribution over busyness. Advocate for our wellbeing. *** Resources *** Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.
At the start of the year, many of us feel overwhelmed by the thought of achieving our goals. According to our guest on the show, Risa Williams, this disconnect often arises from the pressure to constantly perform and the fear of not measuring up.Risa, a therapist and author, joins us to share her insights on how to break free from toxic productivity, embrace self-care, and shift between different roles with intention. Whether you're balancing family life, work, or personal time, Risa's practical tools will inspire you to show up as your best self in every area of your life.Today we…Learn to Shift Between Roles: Discover how to "take off the hat" and move between work, mom, and personal time with clarity.Understand Toxic Productivity: Hear why pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout and how to break free from this cycle.Prioritize Self-Care: Find out how resting and giving yourself grace can lead to greater productivity and energy.Be Present: Learn how focusing on the moment can improve your relationships with your kids, partner, and yourself.Embrace Small Shifts: Hear Risa's advice on making small changes that add up to big results for your mental health and overall well-being.For the show notes and all the links mentioned in today's episode, head to secretsofsupermom.com/224.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected! Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com! Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.com Secrets of Supermom on Facebook Secrets of Supermom on Instagram Text us your feedback or questions!
Toxic productivity convinces you that your worth is tied to achievement. But when does ambition turn into exhaustion? Dr. Z sits down with psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir to talk about why so many people feel trapped in the endless pursuit of doing more. Israa explains how productivity has seeped into every part of life—relationships, self-worth, even rest—turning what should be fulfilling into something depleting. She breaks down how to recognize the signs of toxic productivity, why the inner critic fuels it, and what it takes to step off the hamster wheel without guilt. They also explore the deeper forces at play, from family dynamics to cultural expectations, and challenge the belief that success means pushing harder at all costs. Israa shares ways to shift your mindset, including a simple life audit to reclaim your time and energy. And maybe the most surprising takeaway? Letting yourself just be “good enough” might be the key to a healthier, happier life! Quotes “Productivity doesn't just refer to work. In our hustle-oriented world, productivity is a measure of love, relationships, personal health, personal growth. All of these domains of our life have been now kind of wrapped with this productivity-oriented mindset.” (04:33 | Israa Nasir) “If your intention is arbitrary, outside, external, that is a big red flag that what you're pursuing is unhealthy.” (07:48 | Israa Nasir) “The inner critic is often trying to protect us from pain. Its methods are to scare you so that you don't do anything. So the inner critic will terrify you of trying new things by telling you that you're a failure. Because what it's trying to do is protect you from the pain of putting yourself out there.” (24:03 | Israa Nasir) “We are so friggin' dynamic. Like we are these multifaceted, complex-brained individuals on this earth... and we're all just like, ‘Oh no, I have to be married before 30.' What a distillation of a beautiful, beautiful life that we've been given.” (36:16 | Israa Nasir) “Can you embrace being mediocre somewhere? Can you find a good enough point for everything? Just a good enough point for this email, a good enough point for the workout, a good enough point for the type of friendships you have. Find the good enough point, and then anything beyond that is extra.” (45:27 | Israa Nasir) Links Connect with Israa Nasir: www.israanasir.com Toxic Productivity:https://amzn.to/3C8e9Yg Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/ Connect with Dr. Z: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/ https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologist https://www.youtube.com/@DrJaimeZuckerman Get my FREE breathing exercise here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/newsletter Register for my on demand virtual courses here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/workshops Order my workbooks! *Find Your Calm / Find Good Habits* http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/books Shop my new Mindfully Messy hoodie here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/apparel Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Overdoing? Tired all the time? Can't say no? This is the episode for you! Relax for less than 10 minutes and learn 5 quick and easy strategies to stop frantically “doing” and lean into “being”.
Israa is a psychotherapist, speaker, and founder of the digital mental health brand WellGuide on Instagram. Israa creates meaningful and thoughtful experiences about our emotional wellbeing through therapy, workshops, engaging creative content, and speaking engagements. She has been featured as a mental health expert on Business Insider, NBC News and teenVogue, to name a few. Israa has been a licensed therapist for 10 years (in Ontario, Canada and now in New York State). She is certified for Cognitive Behavior Therapy at The Beck Institute and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy at The Albert Ellis Institute. Israa is currently licensed as a limited permit mental health counsellor in New York State. She has spent 6 years working the digital mental health field. In this episode, we unpack the myths and realities of toxic productivity and the outdated idea of "paying your dues." We explore how systems play a role in creating shame and guilt around productivity, and the harms of "hustle culture."We also discuss the impact of burnout, the ways we can create healthier habits, and how to regulate difficult emotions as a way to prevent burnout and increase one's overall well-being. FOLLOW ISRAA: INSTAGRAM: @well.guideBOOK: Toxic ProductivitySTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
Kimberly and Isra Nasir Author of Toxic Productivity delve into how societal pressures and personal experiences shape our understanding of productivity and self-worth. They discuss the impact of natural disasters on personal reflection, the balance between work and personal life, and the importance of recognizing and managing shame and scarcity mindsets. The conversation highlights the need for intentional choices in parenting, education, and personal growth, emphasizing the cultural shifts brought about by the internet and social media. EPISODE SPONSORS: Magic Mind: Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle at magicmind.com/feelgoodpodjan LMNT: Get a free 8 single serving sample pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOOD. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Toxic Productivity 02:47 The Impact of Natural Disasters on Perspective 05:58 Understanding Toxic Productivity 08:47 The Role of Parenting and Education 12:10 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 15:05 Managing Shame and Over-Functioning 17:57 Cultural Shifts and the Internet's Influence 25:01 Navigating Modern Communication Overload 25:58 The Myth of Meritocracy and Generational Challenges 27:49 Cultural Shifts and Redefining Success 28:49 Creating Healthier Work Environments 30:16 The Importance of Self-Boundaries 32:15 Mindful Living in a Fast-Paced World 33:30 Undercommitting for Better Balance 35:28 Transformative Power of Writing 38:35 Reconnecting with Creativity and Play 43:48 The Invitation to Self-Awareness and Action
Linda & Soo Jin speak with Israa Nassir - a therapist, speaker, and author of the recently published book 'Toxic Productivity.' They dive deep into the unique challenges faced by eldest daughters, especially those from immigrant families, and explore the concept of toxic productivity. Follow Israa - Israa IG: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/?hl=en Israa's Book Toxic Productivity: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Productivity-Reclaim-Emotional-Demands/dp/196230535X Follow Yellow Chair Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/ Website : https://yellowchaircollective.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yellowchaircollective Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Eldest Daughters and Labor 00:35 Welcome to the Yellow Chair Podcast 00:36 Guest Introduction: Isaa Nassir 01:17 Israa's Background and Eldest Daughter Experience 02:58 Understanding Toxic Productivity 04:50 Eldest Daughters and Toxic Productivity 07:11 Cultural and Gender Dynamics 17:27 Boundary Setting and Emotional Caretaking 28:47 Empathy vs. Codependency 35:12 Strategies for Breaking Free from Hustle Culture 37:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Today I am thrilled to have on the show Israa Nasir to talk about her book Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, which came out November 19. Israa is a psychotherapist, speaker, and the founder of the mental health brand WellGuide, a digital community for mental health awareness. I love getting her WellGuide Substack, so make sure to subscribe to “The Well Guide” if you love this book and this conversation, which I know you will. Her work is centered on transforming the way we talk about mental health, taking it from a place of shame to a place of empowerment. You may have seen her work on NBC or in Teen Vogue, Huffpost, or Vox, and she's been invited to speak everywhere from Google to Meta to Yale. We know anecdotally what productivity is, but what is toxic productivity? It's something Israa has battled herself, as have I. Today on the show we not only define toxic productivity but healthy productivity, as well, and what that might look like; how we can separate a false sense of urgency from a true sense of urgency; that multitasking is not possible for the human mind; and how so many of us are using productivity as a barometer of self-worth and as a way to meet our emotional needs — and how this will never serve us. There is also a connection between shame and toxic productivity I think you'll be really interested to hear about. Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More by Israa Nasir
This podcast episode explores toxic productivity, the unhealthy obsession with constant busyness, and its toll on mental health. It also provides five actionable steps to overcome it!
Feeling like anxiety and panic are running the show? You're not alone. But here's the thing—anxiety isn't supposed to be part of what it means to be doing woman's work. Yet, so many of us experience it that it feels like it's become part of the job description. In this episode, we're flipping the narrative from “What's wrong with me?” to “What is my body trying to tell me?”—because it's time to panic less and live more. Our guest, Dr. Nicole Cain, is a trailblazer in integrative mental and emotional wellness. With a degree in clinical psychology, training in EMDR, and a license as a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Cain takes a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, psychological, and holistic health. She's also the author of Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever. If you've been feeling like anxiety is calling the shots, this conversation is here to remind you—you get the final word. Your body isn't betraying you; it's communicating with you. Thanks to Dr. Cain, you'll learn it's not about fixing what's "wrong" but about tuning in, listening, and giving your body exactly what it needs. So here's to living lighter, loving harder, and reminding anxiety that we're the ones in charge. Connect with Dr. Nicole Cain: Website: https://drnicolecain.com/ Free quiz: https://drnicolecain.com/anxiety-quiz Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737883/panic-proof-by-dr-nicole-cain/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNicoleCain/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe-hcFYhi5QMmXcR_kNippQ/ Podcast: https://drnicolecain.com/podcast/ Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 How Our Dysregulated Nervous Systems Are Impacting Us with Victoria Albina | 244 Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
If you've ever wondered, "When will it feel like I've done enough?" this episode is for you.
What happens when the pursuit of productivity begins to harm your health, relationships, and happiness? In this episode, Israa Nasir joins us to discuss Toxic Productivity—the unhealthy obsession with achievement that can take a toll on your well-being. She outlines key warning signs, like disengagement and emotional dysregulation, and explores how societal pressures perpetuate this cycle. But it's possible to break free. Israa shares practical strategies for reconnecting with your motivations, setting boundaries, and cultivating a healthier, more balanced relationship with productivity. ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win! Topics [0:00] Introduction and a Behavioral Grooves giveaway! [6:59] Speed Round with Israa Nasir [12:36] Red Flags of Toxic Productivity [18:04] Slowing Down to Speed Up [24:47] Generational and Social Influences [30:07] Myths of Productivity [35:00] Emotional Awareness and Self-Reflection [45:23] Practical Advice for Avoiding Toxic Productivity [53:01] Desert Island Music [57:50] Grooving Session: Awareness, slowing down, and finding balance ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Take the Behavioral Grooves Survey! More About Israa Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety Let's End Toxic Productivity Musical Links Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime John Mayer - Free Fallin' Ghazal Music - Rafta Rafta Wo Meri
Join Israa Nasir as she explores the concept of toxic productivity and its impact on our lives. In this episode, Israa discusses how striving for constant productivity can drain our emotional energy and distort our sense of self-worth. She shares her personal journey as an immigrant and a therapist, connecting her experiences to broader cultural pressures that valorize output over well-being. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What's up, Brave Table fam? It's Dr. Neeta here, your sassy, warm, and always-brave guide to unpacking life's biggest questions. This week, we're diving into a conversation that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about productivity. Are you addicted to the hustle? Is your self-worth wrapped up in your to-do list? Well, buckle up, because today, the brilliant Israa Nasir—psychotherapist, mental health educator, and author of Toxic Productivity—is here to shake things up. Israa gets real about the immigrant hustle mentality, self-worth, and how shame and toxic productivity can sneak into our lives. We explore why achievement often equals acceptance in immigrant communities and how we can break free from these cycles to embrace joy, rest, and intentional living. This isn't just a conversation—it's a full-on permission slip to savor the slow and redefine what success looks like for you. Get ready to feel seen, heard, and totally inspired. What you'll get out of this episode… Your worth isn't your to-do list—your value is inherent, not earned! Rest isn't lazy—it's revolutionary, fueling your creativity and joy! Break the immigrant hustle mentality—success doesn't require self-sacrifice! Triggers aren't the enemy—your reactions are; manage them to build resilience. Self-awareness is your superpower—ask “Why?” to reclaim your time and energy. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Welcome to The Brave Table + Meet Israa Nasir [00:02:00] What Is Toxic Productivity? [00:07:00] Israa's Journey from Hustle to Healing [00:16:00] The Checklist Lifestyle: Why We All Deserve More [00:22:00] Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem: Understanding the Difference [00:27:00] Productivity Dysmorphia: Why It's Never “Good Enough” [00:33:00] Braving Difficult Conversations with Family [00:40:00] Managing Unresolved Shame and Triggers [00:46:00] The Art of Rest and Rejuvenation [00:53:00] How to Redefine Laziness + Where to Get the Book To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to support@globalgrit.co
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The Fat-Burning Man Show by Abel James: The Future of Health & Performance
Do you feel a constant pressure to optimize every aspect of your life?What if hyper-optimization protocols actually do more harm than good?The glorification of hustle culture has given many of us the nagging feeling that no matter how much we do or accomplish, it's never quite enough.Living in a cloud of frantic, urgent, reactive energy can even cause us to lose sight of who we are and why we're working so hard. If you want to reclaim your time, energy and purpose in life, you need to rebel against cultural norms and conditioning that does not serve you. You'll be in good company. Studies have shown that no matter their field or area of expertise, peak performers share a unique characteristic: they take time for complete rest and recovery. So when was the last time you created space for rest, or experienced the unexpected joys of under-committing and doing nothing for a minute?If your identity is in any way defined by over-achievement, hyper-optimization, perfectionism, or an obsession with productivity, this episode is for you. And listen, I may be behind the microphone, but I'm just as guilty of all of this tomfoolery as the rest of you!Today, we're here with Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and the founder of WellGuide—a digital community for mental health awareness. Israa's new book, "Toxic Productivity" is strong medicine for anyone who's ever felt the pressure to be constantly busy, constantly achieving, and constantly proving their worth. In this episode with Israa, you'll hear:Why hyper-optimization protocols often do more harm than goodWhy chasing and achieving the next big win can eventually lead to feeling more empty and disconnected than ever beforeHow to break free from the constant pressure to achieve and optimize every aspect of your lifeHow to build meaningful relationships in a hyperconnected but lonely worldAnd much more…One quick note. Israa recorded this from a hotel room in the middle of her book tour, and her wifi connection was low-quality and dropped a few times, so we did our best to cobble it back together. Apologies in advance for any audio or video issues. As a recovering perfectionist myself, perhaps releasing an imperfect show is indeed part of the recovery process. :)Read the show notes: https://fatburningman.com/israa-nasir-why-hyper-optimization-protocols-do-more-harm-than-good/Go to https://www.israanasir.com/ to get Israa Nasir's new book, "Toxic Productivity"Join the Abel James' Substack channel: https://abeljames.substack.com/ Listen and support the show on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/6ZBhFATsjzIJ3QVofgOH Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fatburningman Like the show on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fatburningman Follow on X: https://x.com/abeljames Click here for your free Fat-Burning Kit: http://fatburningman.com/bonus Brought to you by:Prime Protein from EquipFoods.com - Save 15% off your first order or 30% off your subscription with code ABELJAMESJuvent Micro-Impact Platform from Juvent.com - Save $500 off your purchase with code WILD
Fat-Burning Man by Abel James (Video Podcast): The Future of Health & Performance
Do you feel a constant pressure to optimize every aspect of your life? What if hyper-optimization protocols actually do more harm than good? The glorification of hustle culture has given many of us the nagging feeling that no matter how much we do or accomplish, it's never quite enough. Living in a cloud of frantic, urgent, reactive energy can even cause us to lose sight of who we are and why we're working so hard. If you want to reclaim your time, energy and purpose in life, you need to rebel against cultural norms and conditioning that does not serve you. You'll be in good company. Studies have shown that no matter their field or area of expertise, peak performers share a unique characteristic: they take time for complete rest and recovery. So when was the last time you created space for rest, or experienced the unexpected joys of under-committing and doing nothing for a minute? If your identity is in any way defined by over-achievement, hyper-optimization, perfectionism, or an obsession with productivity, this episode is for you. And listen, I may be behind the microphone, but I'm just as guilty of all of this tomfoolery as the rest of you! Today, we're here with Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and the founder of WellGuide—a digital community for mental health awareness. Israa's new book, "Toxic Productivity" is strong medicine for anyone who's ever felt the pressure to be constantly busy, constantly achieving, and constantly proving their worth. In this episode with Israa, you'll hear: Why hyper-optimization protocols often do more harm than good Why chasing and achieving the next big win can eventually lead to feeling more empty and disconnected than ever before How to break free from the constant pressure to achieve and optimize every aspect of your life How to build meaningful relationships in a hyperconnected but lonely world And much more… Read the show notes: https://fatburningman.com/israa-nasir-why-hyper-optimization-protocols-do-more-harm-than-good/ Go to https://www.israanasir.com/ to get Israa Nasir's new book, "Toxic Productivity" Join the Abel James' Substack channel: https://abeljames.substack.com/ Listen and support the show on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/6ZBhFATsjzIJ3QVofgOH Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fatburningman Like the show on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fatburningman Follow on X: https://x.com/abeljames Click here for your free Fat-Burning Kit: http://fatburningman.com/bonus
Fat-Burning Man by Abel James (Video Podcast): The Future of Health & Performance
Do you feel a constant pressure to optimize every aspect of your life? What if hyper-optimization protocols actually do more harm than good? The glorification of hustle culture has given many of us the nagging feeling that no matter how much we do or accomplish, it's never quite enough. Living in a cloud of frantic, urgent, reactive energy can even cause us to lose sight of who we are and why we're working so hard. If you want to reclaim your time, energy and purpose in life, you need to rebel against cultural norms and conditioning that does not serve you. You'll be in good company. Studies have shown that no matter their field or area of expertise, peak performers share a unique characteristic: they take time for complete rest and recovery. So when was the last time you created space for rest, or experienced the unexpected joys of under-committing and doing nothing for a minute? If your identity is in any way defined by over-achievement, hyper-optimization, perfectionism, or an obsession with productivity, this episode is for you. And listen, I may be behind the microphone, but I'm just as guilty of all of this tomfoolery as the rest of you! Today, we're here with Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and the founder of WellGuide—a digital community for mental health awareness. Israa's new book, "Toxic Productivity" is strong medicine for anyone who's ever felt the pressure to be constantly busy, constantly achieving, and constantly proving their worth. In this episode with Israa, you'll hear: Why hyper-optimization protocols often do more harm than good Why chasing and achieving the next big win can eventually lead to feeling more empty and disconnected than ever before How to break free from the constant pressure to achieve and optimize every aspect of your life How to build meaningful relationships in a hyperconnected but lonely worldAnd much more… One quick note. Israa recorded this from a hotel room in the middle of her book tour, and her wifi connection was low-quality and dropped a few times, so we did our best to cobble it back together. Apologies in advance for any audio or video issues. As a recovering perfectionist myself, perhaps releasing an imperfect show is indeed part of the recovery process. :) Read the show notes: https://fatburningman.com/israa-nasir-why-hyper-optimization-protocols-do-more-harm-than-good/ Go to https://www.israanasir.com/ to get Israa Nasir's new book, "Toxic Productivity" Join the Abel James' Substack channel: https://abeljames.substack.com/ Listen and support the show on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/6ZBhFATsjzIJ3QVofgOH Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fatburningman Like the show on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fatburningman Follow on X: https://x.com/abeljames Click here for your free Fat-Burning Kit: http://fatburningman.com/bonus Brought to you by: Prime Protein from EquipFoods.com - Save 15% off your first order or 30% off your subscription with code ABELJAMES Juvent Micro-Impact Platform from Juvent.com - Save $500 off your purchase with code WILD
Have you ever felt like you're working hard but never quite catching up? That might be toxic productivity at play. Today while we listen & learn English we discover how to say no and manage expectations to avoid overcommitting yourself. Did you know that most English conversations use just 500 common English words? If you focus on these words you will see a huge improvement in your English fluency! check out our Most Common 500 English Words Course: https://adeptenglish.com/language-courses/500-most-common-words-course/ So what if working harder on your English isn't the answer? Maybe the secret lies in working less and listening more. By the end of this lesson, you will know how to spot the signs of toxic productivity in your own life. "Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX If you enjoy our podcast and want more great English listening! Please consider joining our premium podcast subscription. Your support will help me continue to create the fascinating English listening content you enjoy. There is a FAQ explaining the paid subscription and how to sign-up here: https://adeptenglish.com/faq/subscription-faq/ or if you've made your mind up and want to subscribe head over to the Spotify sign-up page: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adeptenglish/subscribe or you can subscribe using Apple Subscription from inside Apple Podcasts app. Follow and subscribe to our English language podcast, wherever you listen or watch your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adeptenglish/
Israa Nasir is a therapist and the founder of Well Guide, a digital wellness platform making therapy tools accessible to everyone. She discusses red flags and green flags in terms of mental health and processes for reflection on how to live a life true to who you are. Look for hew new book, Toxic Productivity.Buy Israa's New Book: TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More Social Media LinksWebsite: https://www.israanasir.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@israajnasir • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israanasir/For Israa's Well Guide https://israanasir.substack.com/If you're interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via iTunes. It costs nothing. It's extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donateYou can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
I am so excited to welcome psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir to the show to talk about her new book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More. If you're a high-functioning codependent, tune in, because I think we tend to struggle with this! Israa shares practical strategies we can use to stop feeling like we need to do it all. We also touch on what healthy productivity looks like, signs you might be falling into toxic productivity, the dangers of running on autopilot, and feeling like you have to prove yourself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/665
In a world obsessed with hustle, Israa Nasir invites us to hit pause. Drawing from her book Toxic Productivity, Israa breaks down the emotional toll of constant achievement and why rest isn't just indulgent—it's essential. From cultural roots shaping work ethics to the loneliness felt by marginalized communities, Israa and Jody peels back the layers of our productivity-obsessed society. Israa shares practical tips for navigating burnout, balancing ambition with well-being, and reclaiming identity in a social media-driven world. If you've ever wondered whether the grind is worth it, this episode might just be the permission slip you need to slow down.Find More Israa:WebsiteInstagramTiktokLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Israa Nasir breaks down the toxic side of productivity and how it's sabotaging your success. We unpack why the relentless drive for perfection leads to burnout, how social media fuels unhealthy comparisons, and why redefining productivity can help you reclaim your well-being. Some highlights we cover: How toxic productivity keeps you stuck and unhappy. Practical ways to replace overwork with sustainable habits. Why an abundance mindset is the antidote to burnout. Enjoy!
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/ Related Podcast Episodes: A Better Way to Define Success with Stella Grizont 7 Keys to Unlock Your Dynamic Drive with Molly Fletcher Can't Get No Satisfaction with Dr. Julie Landry Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Gabe and Melisa are slap happy up top. Then, a listener writes in asking what to do when her boyfriend's mental health is so poor it's making her life miserable. Next, psychotherapist Israa Nasir joins the podcast to talk about toxic productivity, the push to monetize every hobby, and how poverty, comparison, and hustle culture create more suffering. Hypotheticals is run by Melisa and boy, do we miss Allison. And finally, Melisa's origin story of becoming an expert on soap operas. Check out all of our content on Patreon, Ad Free! Watch the full episodes of TLDRI, listen to the full episodes of The Variety Show, watch the International Question and Topix videos, join us for a monthly livestream, PLUS MORE:https://www.patreon.com/justbetweenusThis has been a Gallison ProductionProduced by Melisa D. Monts and Diamond MPrint ProductionsPost-Production by Coco LlorensProduction Assistance by Melanie D. WatsonOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code JUSTBETWEENUS for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/just-between-us/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ever feel as though you're not quite able to ‘do it all?' During the past 2 decades, there has been a huge push into the world of ‘hustle culture.' So many of us feel like we are constant hot messes, rushing around to try and get a million things in our day done. Joining the podcast today is Israa Nasir, New York based psychotherapist and author of the new book “Toxic Productivity.” Israa is here today to help us let go of the belief that our value is defined by how busy and successful we feel. Israa speaks about this as someone who currently has skin in the game, not from a place of hindsight. We are all having to manage this idea of toxic productivity now! We chat: Productivity no longer just applies to work. It's infiltrated our romantic relationships, friendships, parenting and personal health Productivity guilt; the guilty feeling when we ‘relax' The need for external validation can look like people pleasing or a workaholic Chaotic state of a dysregulated nervous system becoming familiar e.g. ”I do my best work under pressure.” “I thrive in chaos.” Dynamics that keep us constantly busy, but never satisfied such as; self-worth, shame, social comparison, burnout, and perfectionism Cultivating a healthier perspective on achievement to understand, manage, and shift our intense emotions You can find more from Israa, including her new book at her website You can follow Israa on Instagram You can watch us on Youtube Find us on Instagram Join us on tiktok Or join the Facebook Discussion Group Tell your mum, tell your dad, tell your dog, tell your friend and share the love because WE LOVE LOVE! Xx See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists keep us on a pursuit to do more and be better. But this constant pressure wears us down mentally and can lead to a whole host of physical symptoms. Today, you're going to learn how to redefine productivity so you can improve your well-being. On this episode of The Model Health Show, psychotherapist and writer Israa Nasir is here to share principles from her new book, Toxic Productivity. You're going to learn about how to reimagine what it means to be productive and how to live a more meaningful life. This interview contains conversations on what leads to perfectionism and how to transform the way you think about success and your worth. You're going to learn strategies you can use to change your thinking, stop shaming yourself, and find new meaning from healthier habits. Israa Nasir has a wealth of knowledge in this area; I know you're going to love her insights on redefining productivity! In this episode you'll discover: How we use productivity habits as a way to self soothe. Why productivity matters outside of the workplace. The difference between productivity and toxic productivity. How productivity makes our relationships transactional. The power of intentional rest. Why the United States has a flawed view of vacation. How parenting norms can lead to perfectionism. What the difference between self-worth and self-esteem is. The problem with connecting your value to your achievements. A strategy you can use to stop shaming yourself. The three types of perfectionism. Why we glorify perfectionism. How to silence your inner critic. The importance of redefining productivity for a healthier life. Items mentioned in this episode include: Themodelhealthshow.com/ourplace - Get up to 40% off toxin-free, ceramic coated cookware during the Black Friday sale! Organifi.com/Model - Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off + free shipping! Toxic Productivity by Israa Nasir - Grab a copy of Israa's new book! Connect with Israa Nasir Website / Instagram Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Our Place and Organifi. Shop Our Place's Black Friday sale at themodelhealthshow.com/ourplace for up to 40% off toxin-free, ceramic coated cookware. Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.
I think we're all well aware that our culture has fallen into the idea of being busy is being important. But I'll admit that even in trying to shed this, I still find myself busy. I just agree to things without counting the cost. But then I find myself struggling mentally with bitterness and burnout and I just want to escape. So when this book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, came across my desk, I was eager to have the author on. Israa Nasir is a New York City-based psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of WellGuide—a digital community for mental health awareness. She has a big following on Instagram at well.guide. In her focus on Toxic Productivity she tries to dismantle the myth that “doing more makes you more worthy,” and this is where I dig in with her in this show. My primary interest was how we associate our identity with what we do, and Israa and I really landed a lot on intention, asking ourselves why we do all we do? What is the outcome we are expecting and what need of our own are we trying to fulfill. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to sign up for your FREE 60-day trial Kajabi is offering a free 30-day trial to start your business if you go to Kajabi.com/kevin Go to cozyearth.com/driven and use code DRIVEN for an exclusive 40% discount Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply in minutes at meetfabric.com/WHATDRIVESYOU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Abhay chats with Israa Nasir, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of the book "Toxic Productivity",.They chatted about everything from habits and rituals to her South Asian background to steering toward healthy productivity.(0:00 - 2:57) Introduction(2:57) Part 1 - Slow mornings, rituals and reminders(16:23) Part 2 - Quieting the critic, cultural background accelerating her work, managing emotions(30:15) Part 3 - Epiphanies with productivity, writing the book, masks and parents(48:23) Conclusion
Israa Nasir is a New York based psychotherapist and founder of WellGuide, a popular digital community for mental health awareness. She joins the show to discuss her new book, TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY: Reclaim Your Time and Energy in a World That Always Demands More. We talk why we use productivity to cope with uncomfortable emotions, how to shift from chronic doing to being, how to change bad habits, embrace mediocrity and why we need to learn how to undercommit. We also talk about our shared love for jumbo jigsaw puzzles, dopamine menus, and tips for overachievers to find balance. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Go to tryarmra.com/BLONDE or enter BLONDE for 15% off your first order.Go to betterhelp.com/FILES to get 10% off your first month.Visit DrinkLMNT.com/BLONDE to get a free sample pack with any purchaseGo to start.culinahealth.com to book your first session with a registered dietitian today.Visit qualialife.com/BLONDE for 50% off of Qualia Senolytic and code BLONDE at checkout for an additional 15% offVisit article.com/BLONDE for $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with licensed therapist, mental health educator, and author Israa Nasir to dive deep into the topic of toxic productivity. Israa recently released her debut book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaiming Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More. Her story is rooted in personal experience, having grown up in a culture where productivity and achievement were prioritized above all else. Like many, Israa was driven to constantly push forward, only to face burnout and realize that nonstop productivity was not a sustainable way to live.Throughout this insightful conversation, Israa shares her journey of redefining success and self-worth on her own terms. She explains how she let go of her perfectionist tendencies and began prioritizing genuine rest and self-care, as opposed to the commercialized self-care that is often sold to us. Israa also discusses the impact of her cultural background on her mental health journey and offers listeners guidance on finding balance in an overwhelming world.For anyone who feels pressure to always be "doing more" or finds it hard to take a break, Israa's insights offer a fresh perspective on why slowing down can actually help us live more fulfilling lives. Tune in to learn how to escape the traps of toxic productivity, redefine your values, and reconnect with a more intentional way of living. Whether you're battling burnout or just looking for ways to simplify, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable stories that will leave you feeling inspired to reclaim your own time and energy.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!
Are you an over-committing over-achiever? In Toxic Productivity, author Israa Nasir argues that you can only maintain that approach to productivity for so long. Eventually you'll burn out, exhausted by all those ‘time management hacks' that organizations (like Mind Tools!) keep suggesting. So this week on The Mind Tools L&D Podcast, Israa joins Ross Dickie and Ross Garner to offer an alternative approach. We discuss: how toxic productivity manifests in our lives how getting rewarded for our productivity tricks us into trying to achieve more how the signals that managers send sets expectations for their teams. The book, by Israa Nasir, is Toxic Productivity. In ‘What I Learned This Week', Ross D recommended checking out the NotebookLM AI-podcast version of our newsletter. Israa recommended the ‘Under the K' venue in New York. For more from us, including access to our back catalogue of podcasts, visit mindtools.com/business. There, you'll also find details of our award-winning performance support toolkit, our off-the-shelf e-learning, and our custom work. Connect with our speakers If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn: Ross Dickie Ross Garner Israa Nasir
Israa Nasir is a distinguished author and therapist known for her work on mental health and productivity. She is the author of "Toxic Productivity: How to Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More." Nasir's expertise lies in helping individuals navigate the intricacies of productivity culture and identity, especially within the context of first-generation immigrants and diaspora communities. Her insights draw from her experiences as a Canadian South Asian and her professional practice assisting young adults in exploring and integrating their multifaceted identities. Episode Summary: Greg invites Israa Nasir, the author of "Toxic Productivity," to explore the pitfalls of relentless striving and the quest for identity. Nasir shares insights on developing a rich, multifaceted existence and the dangers of living fragmented lives due to cultural and societal pressures. They discuss how upbringing influences values of achievement and how understanding one's emotions can lead to a more authentic life. Key Takeaways: The Nature of Toxic Productivity: Understand the detrimental effects of productivity that focuses solely on achievement rather than genuine fulfillment. Identity Integration: Learn how to integrate disparate parts of your identity to create a holistic and dynamic sense of self. Role of Family Dynamics: Explore how familial and cultural backgrounds influence our attitudes towards achievement and belonging. Skills for Emotional Regulation: Gain insights into the importance of emotional literacy and how it enhances personal resilience and authenticity. Intergenerational Self-Understanding: Discover the significance of having an intergenerational perspective to build resilience and a sense of continuity in life's narrative. Notable Quotes: "People want to put you in a box so that you are easier for them to understand." "As long as you're achieving, people were loving you. And so you learn very quickly that you can barter achievement for praise." "We can just show up in our lives more authentically by connecting with our emotions." "Therapy is not accessible to everyone, but the process can be therapeutic without a therapist." Resources: Israa's book: Toxic Productivity Follow Israa on LinkedIn Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
What an episode! In today's episode we talk to Israa Nasir all about burnout, motivation, work ethic, hustle culture, growing and evolving, and so much more. Israa Nasir is New York based psychotherapist and founder of WellGuide (a digital community for mental health awareness with 257k followers on Instagram), reveals the hidden roots of hustle culture and dismantles the myth that “doing more makes you more worthy.” Thank you so much for all your constant love & support. Please show your love by leaving good reviews, ratings, and sharing my show. You are all so special to me Xx Make sure you follow all my social media channels linked down below to also share some future content you would all want to hear! Finda Israa here: Instagram + Tiktok + LinkedIn And her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Productivity-Reclaim-Emotional-Demands/dp/196230535X Website + Services: https://www.foryoufromeve.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foryoufromeve** Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foryoufromeve** Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-e333d6b9?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social** LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Olivia_Eve_Shabo** All Links: https://hoo.be/oliviaeveshabo** This episode is sponsored by betterhelp. Visit betterhelp.com/fromeve for 10% to get 10% off your first month. This episode is sponsored by PrettyLitter. Visit pretty litter.com/fromeve to save 20% off your first order + a free cat toy. This episode is sponsored by Scheduele35. Get 15% Off with code FROMEVE at Schedule35.co This episode is sponsored by UncommonGoods. Visit uncommongoods.com/frome eve for 15% off
This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and therapist, Israa Nasir. Scott and Israa discuss toxic productivity, the connection between productivity and self-worth, and how to transform shame into curiosity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Israa Nasir as she explores the concept of toxic productivity and its impact on our lives. In this episode, Israa discusses how striving for constant productivity can drain our emotional energy and distort our sense of self-worth. She shares her personal journey as an immigrant and a therapist, connecting her experiences to broader cultural pressures that valorize output over well-being. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Productivity is toxic.
This Week: Tech Policies To Reduce Toxic Productivity First, what is toxic productivity? Then, as your teams use technology more often for work, how might your practices be hurting the people who work with you? Finally, what are the better … Continue reading →
In this episode I interview psychotherapist Israa Nasir about all things toxic productivity: the signs and how to heal from it. We also discuss: Productivity isn't about managing time, but rather how you manage your emotionsA radical reimagining of what productivity meansDynamics that keep us constantly busy, but never satisfied such as; self-worth, shame, social comparison, burnout, and perfectionismWays we can focus on “being” rather than “doing” to embrace a healthier and happier lifestyleRecognizing the emotional patterns that drive our toxic productivity habitsCultivating a healthier perspective on achievement to understand, manage, and shift our intense emotions Creating sustainable habits for reaching goals that are authentically meaningful to usGet her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Productivity-Reclaim-Emotional-Demands/dp/196230535XThis episode is sponsored by Zocdoc: stop putting off those doctors' appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/LEAF to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Begin your healing journey with Neurocycle, the app that helps you heal: https://www.neurocycle.app
Are you caught up in the hustle, believing your worth is defined by productivity? Society celebrates constant busyness, promising that the more you accomplish, the more meaningful your life will be. But that's not true. In fact, it often has the opposite effect—diminishing your sense of self-worth and hindering personal growth. Join Whitney as she talks with guest Israa Nasir about how the lure of constant hustle affects our sense of worth. In their conversation, Israa explores the shift from a healthy work ethic to toxic productivity, shaped by societal pressures and early childhood experiences. She also offers practical advice on recognizing and overcoming toxic productivity, highlighting the importance of joy and balance. Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: The transition from healthy work ethic to toxic productivity Clues that indicate if you have a toxic productivity mindset Early childhood influences on productivity The three major subconscious motivators of toxic productivity - shaming yourself, perfectionism, and comparing yourself to others Balancing ambition and healthy productivity Creating rituals for rest Reflection question to ponder: Do I have to do everything that I'm doing? Can I delegate it? Can I let it go? Can I postpone it? Doors to Season to Shift, Whitney's signature, six-week mastermind for moms, close this Friday, September 20th Claim your spot today. Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l Free 5-Minute Guided Meditation l Electric Ideas Podcast Connect with Israa: Instagram | Website | Preorder your copy of Toxic Productivity