Is It OK To Have An Unproductive Day At Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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We’ve talked about unproductive days but the reality is that they can often turn into unproductive weeks and months too. Here’s a quick look at different timeframes and why un-productivity can stretch out: Days. As we mentioned,

1-2 unproductive days per month is pretty normal

.

What to do when you’re feeling unproductive at work?

  1. Take a break. …
  2. Get outside. …
  3. Take a shower. …
  4. Turn off your phone. …
  5. Put on a playlist. …
  6. Check off the to-do list tasks that take less than two minutes to complete. …
  7. Get moving. …
  8. Set up your environment to make you feel better.

Is it OK to not be productive at work?

On

doing nothing


While productivity can be necessary

and even helpful in some instances, it’s also healthy to take time to practice self-care, rest, and just do nothing. “This is a time of uncertainty and that can bring on feelings of anxiety as well as symptoms of depression,” Beecroft tells Supermaker.

Is it bad to be unproductive?

If you find yourself feeling guilty about being “unproductive,” reconsider what that even means. Running yourself ragged will make you tired and burnt out, which will actually hurt your efficiency and productivity in the long run. On the other hand,

unscheduled time can rejuvenate your body and spirit

.

What to do if you’re having an unproductive day?

  1. Figure out why you were unproductive. …
  2. Take steps to minimize distractions. …
  3. Identify a simple task and finish it. …
  4. Give yourself a timer. …
  5. Remind yourself it’s just work. …
  6. Periodically assess and relax if necessary.

Why being unproductive is OK?


Carving out time to completely switch off from work

and relax makes for a better work-life balance, whether you’re spending time with friends or family, having a Netflix binge, or working on a hobby. Taking this time can lead to a better sense of control over your professional life.

How do I get out of unproductive slump?

  1. Get Something Done Today. …
  2. Take a Break, Then Strategize. …
  3. Figure Out How to Get in Your Productive Zone. …
  4. Going Forward, Find a Better Way to Manage Your Time.

How do I stop feeling guilty for not being productive?

  1. Take care of your physical health. Your body will need time to recover after this is all over. …
  2. Allow yourself to be “unproductive.” Stop imposing expectations on yourself. …
  3. Take the time to do something positive for yourself. Practice self-care.

Why is being productive so hard?

Overly Difficult Work or Boredom With Tasks

Sometimes people struggle to stay productive simply because they’re

bored with the work

. They may find it uninteresting or tedious which makes it harder to finish. The same thing can be true with work that is overly difficult or complicated.

How do I stop feeling bad without being productive?

  1. Move beyond comparing and competing. …
  2. Recognize process over endpoint. …
  3. Remind yourself that “wasting time” also is productive. …
  4. Confront your guilt. …
  5. Challenge the idea that not being productive makes you worthless.

How do I stop being lazy and unproductive?

  1. Make your goals manageable. …
  2. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect. …
  3. Use positive instead of negative self-talk. …
  4. Create a plan of action. …
  5. Use your strengths. …
  6. Recognize your accomplishments along the way. …
  7. Ask for help. …
  8. Avoid distraction.

How did I get so lazy?

Why Am I So Lazy? Laziness can be caused by a number of things, for instance, a

lack of motivation

, no clear direction or interests, or even a feeling of overwhelm. There is also our evolutionary trait. We are hardwired to preserve our energy and lay low.

Why do I always feel so unproductive?

For example, you may assume you’re unmotivated because you’re unhappy with your job. Or you believe you’re exhausted because of day-to-day life stress. While these are valid reasons for feeling unproductive, there’s one that’s often overlooked:

loneliness

.

How do I stop feeling bad about doing nothing?

  1. Start small. The wonderful thing about niksen is that you’re always one step away from doing nothing. …
  2. Don’t “correct” moments of silence. …
  3. Do nothing in a place where you like to be. …
  4. Get comfortable. …
  5. Have pen and paper at hand. …
  6. Save it for a rainy day. …
  7. Be proud.

What do unproductive people do?

Unproductive people often don’t know what to do. They don’t have a clear vision or plan. Have a plan for the day, the week, or even just the next few hours.

Make a plan and follow it until you’re done!

Why do I feel guilty if I’m not busy?

It’s a

signal that things are not going the way we think they should

. So the way to work around guilt has to do with changing the way that you frame your environment, the way that you reset your expectations, the way that you restructure your life — so that the guilt is less likely to show up in the first place.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.