Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Never Stops (feat. Israa Nasir)
Have you ever noticed how slowing down can feel strangely uncomfortable — even when you know you need it? Or how taking a break can trigger guilt instead of relief?
In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist and mental health educator Israa Nasir, author of Toxic Productivity, to unpack the hidden beliefs behind our constant pressure to “do more” — and what it actually takes to build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with ambition.
Israa Nasir is the founder of WellGuide, and her work bridges psychology, emotional well-being, and modern life, helping people strengthen their inner narratives and build emotional resilience. She has been featured in NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, and more, and has been invited to speak at Mental Health America, Google, Meta, and Yale, among other organizations.
In this conversation, we explore where toxic productivity comes from, how it quietly shapes our sense of self-worth, and what it looks like to redefine success without sacrificing your mental health. We also talk about practical ways to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and create a life that feels grounded — not constantly draining.
Interview timestamps:
[00:04:55] Toxic productivity beyond work — when “doing more” becomes your identity
[00:06:07] When self-care turns into another form of overachievement
[00:07:02] The hidden belief underneath it all: “I must do more to be enough”
[00:07:55] Israa shares her story — and what inspired her to write this book
[00:09:38] How unprocessed emotions quietly drive habits and coping patterns
[00:11:11] Recognizing toxic productivity patterns in everyday life
[00:14:12] Social media as an amplifier of comparison and self-pressure
[00:16:24] Rewriting self-worth — shifting value beyond output and achievement
[00:18:04] Israa’s two-values alignment exercise to realign your time and energy
[00:21:04] Rest as a requirement — not a reward you have to earn
[00:24:06] The seven types of rest — and what you may actually be depleted in
[00:27:00] Boundaries that protect your energy without shutting people out
[00:34:18] Reparenting yourself — meeting your needs with compassion as an adult
