Breaking Free from Pathological Productivity [223]

Joy Lab Podcast

Join us (Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek) as we dig into this phenomenon of 'pathological productivity.' We'll talk about how over-focusing on productivity can lead to mental and physical health issues, why us humans have a deep aversion to idleness, why rest can feel "bad," and most importantly, how we can get out of this kind of pathological productivity and embrace rest and play in ways that nourish us.

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Sources and Notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Joy Lab episodes referenced:
• Where's Your Third Place? [ep. 171]
• Sometimes I Just Sits... (the power of solitude) [ep. 74]
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• Series on authenticity from our Joy Lab podcast:
• Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
• Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
• The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]
• Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
• The Still Small Voice: Awakening with soulfulness [ep. 220]
• Chandola, T., Ling, W., & Rouxel, P. (2025). Are anxious Mondays associated with HPA-axis dysregulation? A longitudinal study of older adults in England. Journal of Affective Disorders, 389. Access here.

Full transcript here.

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