Society often equates productivity with constant work. For a long time, I measured productivity by what I could check off a list. If I wasn’t working, cleaning, organizing, or accomplishing something tangible, I felt like I was wasting time. Somewhere along the way, I began believing that every moment needed to be optimized. But lately, I’ve been learning a different lesson: joy has value too. In fact, some of the most productive things we can do for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are the very things that don’t look productive at all. For me that looks like sitting on the couch with a light blanket and a book every ending. From an outsider perspective I probably look lazy, but reading every evening has allowed me to mentally disconnect from the day. It has allowed me, at times, to learn something new. It is the equivalent of the “cool down” after a workout for my day.
The Productivity Trap
We live in a culture that celebrates busyness. There is often an unspoken belief that the more exhausted we are, the more successful we must be. Productivity apps, side hustles, and endless to-do lists can make it feel like every hour should be dedicated to achieving something. The problem is that this mindset leaves very little room for simply being human. I am guilty of this at times and with one of my goals of time-blocking my schedule; however, I became aware of this and when time blocking my schedule I put in times for reading or working out. (The working out is new for me so I hope to make it a permanent part of my calendar.)
Joy Refuels Us
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve experienced is realizing that joy isn’t taking away from productivity—it often fuels it. The moments when I feel most inspired, creative, and motivated usually come after I’ve taken time to do something I genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, spending time with family, or sitting quietly on the porch, those experiences refill parts of me that constant work cannot. Recently, our oldest son graduated from high school. I had planned on taking off from work the Wednesday before he graduated high school and returning on the Wednesday after he graduated so one week off of work. I noticed that I was still very much in need of time to decompress. Decompress from all the activities, so I called my supervisor and was like I think I need a few more days. She was like take them! I am so glad I did. I needed it. I needed a day to read a book. I needed a day to experience the quiet that was my norm. I needed a day just with my husband running errands. The joy having these few days to just be really refueled my energy and I was mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to get back to work and be productive for the hours I am there.
Joy Strengthens Relationships
Some of the most meaningful moments in life don’t generate income, check off a task, or move a project forward. They happen around dinner tables, during family vacations, while laughing with friends, or simply sitting together after a long day. Those moments may not look productive on paper, but they contribute to the richness of our lives in ways that are impossible to measure. We have to remember that productivity doesn’t always equate to work. Creating joyful moments strengthens relationships that may not otherwise have the opportunity to blossom. The memories created allow for a unique bond with the people who experienced them.
Joy Is a Form of Gratitude
I also believe that allowing ourselves to experience joy is a form of gratitude. When we’re constantly focused on the next goal, the next accomplishment, or the next thing we want to achieve, it’s easy to miss the blessings already in front of us. Joy invites us to slow down and fully experience the life we’re working so hard to build. Prior to writing this today, I went out and got a coffee from Starbucks and am sipping it while writing. This simple act not only brought me joy to have a nice iced coffee, but also I am so thankful that I had the opopportunity to and ability to go get the coffee and in turn the time and quiet to write. I find that with the current drought conditions we are experiencing, I look forward to the rain. The rain brings me joy. Joy for my garden being watered without me having to do it. There are so many small things throughout the day that bring me joy and that I am so grateful for. The best part is that gratitude naturally raises your vibration and helps you accomplish your goals. Joy is productivity and makes doing the tasks or living in the moment so much easier than when you are in “robot” mode.
Giving Yourself Permission
For many of us, the hardest part isn’t finding opportunities for joy—it’s giving ourselves permission to enjoy them. We convince ourselves that we’ll relax after everything is finished, but the truth is there will always be another task waiting. Learning to embrace joy now instead of postponing it indefinitely has been one of the healthiest shifts I’ve made. What activities are you doing now that bring you joy?
Practical Ways to Add More Joy
There are practical ways to add more joy to your life. The good news is that joy doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Often, it’s found in simple moments we might otherwise overlook. Building more joy into life can be as easy as creating space for activities that make us feel alive, connected, and present. Activities such as reading a book, going for a walk, trying a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or simply celebrating small wins can all be inexpensive ways of bringing an extra bit of joy in your life. I start my day in joy by simply taking care of my skin, putting on perfume, and picking clothes that feel comfortable for me to wear. This sets my day in joy and gratitude.
Conclusion
The older I get, the more I realize that a meaningful life isn’t measured solely by accomplishments. It’s measured by the moments that make us feel alive, connected, grateful, and fulfilled. Productivity certainly has its place, but so does joy. And perhaps one of the most productive things we can do is create a life we actually enjoy living.
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