Productivity is a strange thing.

It ebbs and flows in ways that we cannot always explain.

Other times, you spend the day not doing much and waiting for the clock to run out.

woman looking at her laptop

In our professional lives, we experience these tides almost every day, and that’s completely normal.

And going through these emotions day after day can be incredibly stressful.

It may well be productivity paralysis.

woman looking at papers

What is productivity paralysis and why does it happen?

There are several possible culprits behind your productivity paralysis.

Sometimes, looking at your long to-do list can send alarm sirens blaring in your mind.

A woman meditating at her desk

If your workload seems manageable, it could be personal life stressors causing your mind to shut down.

Kill productivity paralysis with kindness

Sometimes, productivity paralysis can be your mind’s cry for help.

Chances are you’ve overworked yourself to the point where you’re free to’t push yourself anymore.

Instead of comparing your past efforts to your current state, be kind to yourself.

If neither is possible, give a shot to incorporate short breaks into your day.

Break your everyday tasks into smaller pieces that are easier for your mind to digest.

If you have trouble finding balance, try using thePomodoro Technique, which incorporates breaks into your work time.

Start with the simplest tasks and work your way up to harder ones.

Sometimes, the hardest part is to start.