Free tools for balanced productivity
Lately, I've been thinking about how beautiful it is that there is contrast to nearly everything in life. And how both are necessary for balance. Yin and Yang. Positive and Negative polarity. Joy and Sorrow. Being in the light casts a shadow. Success isn't sweet until we've risen from failure.
When it comes to our own self-concept, there should be a similar balance. Room for two truths to exist, in equilibrium. We can be both tired and energized. Powerful and humble.
Self-worth based on 'output' is a notion that many women have deeply held limiting beliefs and conditioning around. It shouldn't take us 10, 20, or 30 years to figure out that there is contrast in productivity too. That burnout isn't the contrast, rest is.
The tools I'm introducing today, which I use regularly, provide a complementary approach for times when you need to focus your efforts but don't want to push yourself into burnout territory. They work with the conscious and subconscious minds-- are another example of the contrast within.
The use of these tools is a self-compassionate approach to productivity.
1. 8 (Self-Compassionate) Ways to Be More Productive is a cheat sheet of some of my best advice for getting more done with ease instead of self-criticism, force, or a hustle culture mindset.
8 Ways To Be Productive
.pdf
Download PDF • 379KB
Â
2. Binaural beats playlist Binaural beats are said to provide many of the same benefits as meditation: lowered stress, increased focus, elevated mood, and more. In this playlist, I have saved the tracks I use to help me. Read below for information on how these soundtracks work to put the brain in a desired state.
"When two tones of slightly different frequencies are played in separate ears simultaneously (usually through headphones), the human brain perceives the creation of a new, third tone, whose frequency is equivalent to the difference between the two tones being played. This auditory illusion is called a binaural beat.
Some evidence suggests that the tone being perceived can alter brain waves through a process called entrainment, in which brain waves align themselves to an outside beat or frequency. Since different brain wave patterns are associated with certain states of mind, from relaxed to anxious to productive, binaural beats have been theorized to impact mood, focus, and sleep by altering brain waves."
-from Psychology Today
Â
3. Our Soul’s Expansion– Are you getting overwhelmed by your To-Do list? This YouTube meditation from Sarah Blondin (IYKYK) is one I listen to whenever I start to lose connection to who I REALLY am and what I am ACTUALLY here to do. Best listened to with earbuds when you can rest and relax.
I'd really love to hear from you if this article helped you consider the conditioning you have accepted in relation to your output, gave you an idea or two, or helped you be a little kinder to yourself.
Xo,
Sarah