Brace for change, combat the productivity pressure
The human race finds itself in an unprecedented situation today, a state of forced hibernation hitherto unheard of. With no one to fall back for guidance or having experience of living through this before, it’s solely upon us to define how we live through these testing times. The way we, the people, conducted ourselves during the lockdown reveals a lot about the inherent character of our species and the ingrained belief system.
In these times, technology has played the lifeline and the world has managed to actively connect, share inspirational stories and stay updated largely through social media. One trend on the internet that is hard to miss is our eagerness to keep things moving. We embraced the experience of work from home, which is presenting itself with both problems as well as opportunities. Exercise and meditation have rightfully found favour too with the sense of self-realisation setting in. As if it wasn’t enough to fill our days, we went further. Social media posts by users began inundating everyone with elaborate gourmet delights, assorted books read, delightful sketches drawn and watercolours painted, a new language course enrolled online, a blog started - the list is growing at a relentless pace.
As expected, the compulsion to keep hobby classes moving by making them online couldn’t be far behind. Art, craft and dance classes continue on applications such as Google Hangout and Zoom Meetings, with the ubiquitous internet connection acting truant at times.
By the time the second week of the lockdown started, a new metaphor cropped up ‘optimise the pandemic’. The insinuations to ‘fruitfully utilise the extra free hours’ were dotted all over the internet. Some posts reminded us that William Shakespeare wrote King Lear while he was in quarantine because of bubonic plague.
In short, social media users are being conditioned towards what has been termed as hustle culture.
On the surface, there seems to be no harm in trying to be productive or creative. However, let’s not overlook the fact that this pressure to stay productive can both be inspiring and imperiously negative at the same time. In times of crisis, fraught with panic and uncertainty, we don’t owe it to anyone to excel. It’s okay to step back, slow down and wait for the worst to get over. By trying to beat the circumstances, we are invariably adding unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Rather, this time can be used to focus on essentials, on food, sleep, family, health and to evoke inner peace. And yes, to indulge in simple pleasures.
As it is there is no dearth of anxietyinducing news all around. We can discerningly spare ourselves the stress to meet the ex parte productivity challenge. People have their own ways of coping with a pressing situation. Some tend to get more activated, while others prefer to take it easy. Both of these require acceptance, and not any unwarranted judgement. There are larger issues to contend with, that require our time and attention. Our mental and emotional wellness should be priority. Let’s build on and replenish our energy reserves to prepare ourselves for the imminent changes in our world that are sure to crop up once the virus is allayed.
IN A CRISIS, WE DON’T OWE IT TO ANYONE TO EXCEL. IT’S OKAY TO STEP BACK, SLOW DOWN AND WAIT FOR THE WORST TO GET OVER