From burnout to boundaries: Rewriting my relationship with productivity.

In a world that glorifies hustle culture, it’s easy to equate productivity with self-worth—until burnout forces a reckoning. This post is an honest reflection on the struggle to balance ambition with well-being, and a guide to reclaiming your time, energy, and peace.

The air feels thick, heavy with exhaustion. My phone vibrates – a reminder for an overdue deadline – but instead of the urge to start on it, it brings with it a wave of nausea. I haven’t made my dinner yet. Notifications continue to pop up, signalling more work to be done, with no end in sight.

I stare at the screen as the cursor blinks, acknowledging the thought that’s been clawing at the back of my mind – is this sustainable? Maybe I should pause, step away, and go for a walk. But before the thought fully crystallizes, a sharp ping interrupts me..

Does this sound familiar to you? Follow along with me as I and other SLD volunteers talk about our story and experience with burnout!

Q: Can you describe a time when you experienced burnout? What were the signs?

“I knew something was wrong when persistent back pain refused to ease. The back pain was with me all the time, despite consulting multiple specialists. A diagnosis of endometriosis revealed that prolonged stress had taken a toll on my body. Recognizing my tendency to overwork at the cost of my well-being, I took a six-month sabbatical, feeling the benefits within the first three months. This experience was a big lesson for me.”
~ Jana Marlé-Zizkova, Co-Founder & CEO, Meiro and She loves Data

Q: Have you ever faced pushback when setting boundaries? How did you handle it?

“Yes, I’ve faced pushback, especially in fast-paced environments where responsiveness is tied to commitment. When I limited after-hours communication for work-life balance, some colleagues saw it as being less available.
To handle it, I communicated proactively, clarifying that boundaries weren’t about disengagement but about maintaining focus and performance. I stayed responsive within agreed timelines, proving that reliability and output remained consistent.”
~ Song Chee, HR Professional & Talent Lead, SLD

# Misconception 1: Hustle culture equals success:

What is hustle culture?

Hustle culture glorifies constant work/overworking often at the expense of personal well-being.

Did you know? (origins)

Hustle culture has its roots in the early 20th century during the industrial revolution. This belief made sense then, and it has continued to influence work culture till today. Social media hasnt helped either – painting a heroic image of someone tethered to their laptop at midnight, answering emails over dinner, or happily skipping vacations. In reality, however, this narrative is often unsustainable.

Have your views on productivity evolved over time? If so, how?

“Over time, I’ve realized that productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter by optimizing effort. Small adjustments, like recognizing when I’m most focused, understanding mental barriers that impact efficiency, and identifying when perfection isn’t necessary, have helped me become more effective.
I’ve also learned that productivity is deeply linked to mental well-being—pausing to manage stress, finding ways to recharge, and continuously refining my approach based on what works and what doesn’t. These principles apply to everything—from balancing work and home life to making time for leisure while traveling.”

~ Shuchita Shekhar, Senior Solutions Consultant

# Misconception 2: Rest = Laziness

There is a fine line of difference between rest, and laziness. Not identifying the boundaries between the two – can lead to either pushing yourself too hard when you are tired or lazing around when it’s time for you to show up.
Operating in a high-stress environment without breaks leads to burnout. Our bodies are designed to recharge and heal through rest.

This is something I have personally struggled with a lot, and continues to be a work in progress.
To me, rest days used to mean being unproductive and trigger a feeling of guilt because there is so much work that is to be done, and can be done in the time that I am consciously choosing to rest, and take a break. 

However, having said this, people have recently started questioning these beliefs. Burnout is recognized as a serious issue, and mental health has broken out of the stigma shell, more commonly accepted. People are beginning to realize that success isn’t just about working tirelessly at any cost but it’s about working smarter and also simultaneously prioritizing mental and physical well-being.

But then knowing this, why do we struggle with it? This is because deep down, we feel guilty about saying “no” or taking time for ourselves. The pressure to please others, meet expectations, and be constantly available can make it feel like you are being selfish and unreasonable when asking for boundaries.

Q: Have you ever felt guilty of taking a break or resting?

Yes, I’ve experienced this first hand—pushing through deadlines and ignoring signals from my body and mind telling me to pause. Over time, I realized that being mindful of my well-being is essential, and incorporating stress-relieving activities like boxing, pilates, and cooking helps regulate my mood. Now, I make these habits non-negotiable, ensuring I prioritize both productivity and balance.

~ Lavanya Jindal, Senior Research Analyst

Q: How do you now define success beyond just traditional productivity metrics?

“While timely output, high quality work and getting most of the things on my plate done remain key to my sense of accomplishment, I now consider time taken to restore a balanced state of mind after a period of stress (or task) a key measure.”

~ Shuchita Shekhar, Senior Solutions Consultant

Mindset shift:

In a personal context, I have gone through this and what I have learnt is that working tirelessly in the former situation only gets you results to a point. But once you start experiencing burnout, your motivation to work, ability to work and be productive gets negatively impacted. You enter into a dangerous cycle of self doubt, lack of motivation, and deadlines pressure. This is the point wherein I also asked myself what I needed to prioritize to get back on track? The answer was simple – better manage my time so that I am also able to keep some time aside for socializing with friends, exercising, and getting some me time. This point of self reflection, and mindset shift proved key for me to strive towards a better work-life balance.

While it might feel uncomfortable at first, it’s important to remember that boundaries are not selfish—they are a form of self-respect. Prioritizing this allows you to bring your best self to work and in a manner that’s sustainable in the long run.

Q: How did you recognize that your relationship with productivity needed to change?

It’s not always easy to notice when you’re heading that way, and in my case, it took a while to admit it. I realized I was trying to juggle way too much, including things that weren’t even part of my main job responsibilities.

One of the biggest things I had to understand was how my brain works. I naturally think in detail and come up with many ideas. At the time, I was working at a startup, which meant endless opportunities… but with a tiny team trying to take on a huge market. That mix can be exciting, but also totally overwhelming.

~ Mariana Barreto, Data Analyst

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self about work, productivity, and boundaries, what would it be?

“Busy doesn’t always mean productive, and saying no is a form of self-respect, not failure.”

As an HR professional, I’ve seen how easily we can fall into the trap of equating worth with constant output—responding quickly, taking on everything, staying “switched on.” I’d tell my younger self to focus on doing meaningful work with intention, to set boundaries early, and to protect space for rest, reflection, and growth.

~ Song Chee, HR Professional & Talent Lead, SLD

Key Takeaways:

• Pause and Reflect: If you’re feeling off, take a moment to assess why. Is your drive for productivity encroaching on other aspects of your life?

• Set Clear Boundaries: Define what you can and cannot commit to, keeping in mind your other commitments and schedule.

• Balance Work with Rest: Find ways to recharge that work best for you—whether it’s travel, exercise, or simply slowing down. Prioritizing well-being is non-negotiable.

• Redefine Success: Your worth is not measured by constant output. Productivity is a tool, not an identity—embrace a healthier, more sustainable approach.

She Loves Data recognizes that many women in tech navigate demanding careers alongside personal responsibilities, making burnout a critical issue. By fostering open discussions, we aim to equip women with strategies to identify early warning signs, implement proactive checks, and establish a balance between work and rest. Most importantly, we encourage redefining success on your own terms—ensuring a sustainable, fulfilling career that aligns with your values and well-being.