When It Feels Like You’re Never Doing Enough

Hello everyone!

Fall is here, bringing cooler days and new routines. This season often encourages us to try new things, while also reminding us to slow down and listen to our needs. In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore ways to support your well-being during this shift—easing productivity anxiety, improving sleep habits, and making space for simple fall activities that bring joy.

Here’s to a peaceful close to September and a gentle start to fall!

Warmly,

Mandy

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
What to Do When It Feels Like You’re Never Doing Enough

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do, it’s still not enough? You might be caught in a cycle of toxic productivity, leading to productivity anxiety. This happens when your self-worth becomes tied to your output, leaving you stressed, overwhelmed, and often guilty for resting or doing things you believe aren’t “productive.”

Many factors can fuel this cycle, including perfectionism, hustle culture, unrealistic workplace expectations, or comparing yourself to others. Productivity anxiety can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and feeling disconnected from the things that truly matter to you.

How to start breaking the cycle:

• Self-reflect and Build Awareness: Notice your patterns and triggers. When you feel like you’re “not doing enough,” how do you respond? Does it actually help you feel better or just feed the cycle?

• Name it and Normalize it: Call out your toxic productivity thoughts. Remind yourself, “It makes sense I would have that thought and feel this way.”

• Allow and Accept: Instead of trying to “fix” the feeling, allow it to be there. Feel the guilt, shame, or anxiety in your body without rushing to get rid of it. Pause and make space for the discomfort.

• Give Yourself Grace: Remind yourself that rest is not a reward you earn, it’s a necessity. Time spent resting or connecting with others fuels your creativity, focus, and well-being.

READ
Sleep Hygiene — Therapist Tips in Verywell Mind

Adopting healthy sleep habits is essential for your mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. Yet so many of us still struggle to get the rest we need. Good sleep hygiene starts with building simple routines and practices that set you up for better rest. I recently shared some tips with VeryWell Mind. If you’re looking to create new habits to support your sleep and overall wellness, you can read more below.

INSPO
Simple Joys of Fall

The crisp air and falling leaves mean fall has officially arrived. This season often fills quickly with plans and routines, but it can also be an invitation to slow down, tune into your body, and savor the small things. Consider this your gentle reminder to check in with yourself—what do you want to experience this season, and what feels important to make space for?

Here are a few mindful moments and small joys to embrace this season:

• Curl up with a book after lighting a candle

• Visit your favorite coffee shop and try a fall drink

• Spend an afternoon at a pumpkin patch

• Watch your favorite comfort shows

• Create the perfect fall playlist

• Cook a cozy pot of soup

• Pull out your favorite sweaters

• Bake cookies or pumpkin bread

• Take a walk to enjoy the changing leaves

LISTEN
🎙️ People Pleasing and the Fawn Response with Meg Josephson

In this episode of Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson, Forrest sits down with psychotherapist Meg Josephson, LCSW, to explore the fawn response as a survival strategy and how it can contribute to patterns of people-pleasing. Listen here.

Today’s Affirmation

RESOURCES
Books

• Are You Mad at Me?: How to Stop Focusing on What Others Think and Start Living for You by Meg Josephson.

• Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and it is not a replacement for individualized therapy.