From Toxic Productivity to Stillness: How Nature Can Help
Why slowing down might be the most productive thing you do this year.
From Toxic Productivity to Stillness: How Nature Can Help
It’s that strange time of year - the limbo between the festive vibes that define a new calendar’s beginning and the return to routine has passed and we’re into that stage, where the days blur together and the "wait, what did I do last week?" confusion feels universal
Work, after taking a rare breather, has started to stretch / yawn itself awake…quickly, and the planner your weird Aunt gave you for Christmas sits on the desk, full of scribbles, highlights and post-its, quietly judging your overcommitment and foolish (her words not ours) ambition.
The start of the year stress is real, and for many, it feels like in mid-Feb there’s an unspoken vow to leap straight into “head down mode” among us workers, which quickly turns into that phrase we all love and hate, yet is oh so real - toxic productivity. You’d think the, now distant, downtime would have changed us, made us step back from doing this again…
Instead, it feels...like more of the same. Like being in a tiny boat, paddling aimlessly with no map, no sunscreen, and just a vague sense you should be somewhere - doing something less while some internal prison guard (aka cultural expectations) makes us feel guilty for not doing more, and more, and more. So, instead of, scrolling endlessly through videos of otters holding hands, competitive speed-knitting, or someone attempting to deep-fry an entire watermelon, you’re “smashing out spreadsheets” as there's a voice in the back of your mind quietly whispering: “...I’m sure I’d be better at this if I actually sat still for a while…?”
The Myth of Constant Productivity
If you’ve been wondering if you should listen to that little voice a bit more, turns out, you’re not alone. According to the Harvard Business Review, over 60% of professionals feel they have to be constantly productive - and it’s impacting their (read: our) mental wellbeing in all the worst ways (source).
Here’s the thing: life isn’t about cramming every second with stuff. Sometimes, the best ideas - and the best moments - come when you step away, close your mental tabs, and just...be. It’s also how Jobs, Gates, Einstein and Carson came up with their best ideas (to name a few).
Finding Stillness in Nature: An Antidote to Burnout Hiding in the Open
We all need some help sitting still though right? Culture’s inducted us into the productivity cult long long ago. So we’d better get a good guide for our journey to a better place…and guess who one of the best mentors is - that’s right, it’s Nature.
Nature’s scientifically proven to help us de-stress, focus on the simple things, and even slow down our perception of time. Spending time in nature is an antidote to both burnout and toxic productivity, allowing you to reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way.
When we studied 407 guests as part of the Unyoked x AllTrails Global Nature Study, we found that being outdoors was 51% better at boosting wellbeing than mindfulness. And when it comes to burnout? Nature’s 47% more effective than mindfulness at helping you feel human again.
There’s a reason people throughout history have headed into the wild when looking for space to think, not just the local cafe. In nature, you’re not just stepping away from the chaos; you’re stepping into something slower, something simpler…
It’s a reminder that life’s not about keeping up - it’s about tuning in.
3 Steps to Leave Toxic Productivity Behind This Year
Shake off the constant need to do and embrace the art of being and it could be the best thing for your wellbeing this calendar year. That’s all easy to write though, how do you put it into action?
Use your calendar for good: block out time for breaks and down-time throughout the days/weeks. Call them some fancy project name like “Dilapidated Jaguar” if needed, but tuck 20mins aside here and there for a walk, meditation or a bout of nothing.
Create space for deep Nature: set time aside in your quarter or year to get to the outdoors. Whether it’s an off grid retreat like we specialise in here, or just a hike in the National Park, book it in advance so you don’t wake up natureless (and stressed) in December.
Say no: you can say it, in a variety of ways. Sometimes not, like not to the boss’ face mid all-hands, but sometimes yes. It’s a question of prioritisation, and while hitting goals are important, so is our mental wellbeing. Make sure yours is balanced.