Anyone who peruses the internet while in COVID-19-induced self-isolation is bound to stumble across people completing art projects, home improvements, and other activities that demonstrate productivity. Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms are littered with perfectly baked sourdough loaves, home-workout challenges, and abundant creative endeavors to inspire us to keep busy during these tough times.

Despite this constant pressure to use the time at home effectively, it can be challenging to stay productive. As reported by The New York Times, productivity consultant and author Chris Bailey summed this up when he said, “It’s tough enough to be productive in the best of times let alone when we’re in a global crisis.”

The simple truth is that it is okay to be tired, to take leisurely days, and wind down our hyper-productivity during this unusual era of coronavirus.

At the beginning of this period of social distancing, I recall making a list of the tasks I hoped to accomplish while at home. I envisioned myself having hours of spare time to paint, complete home-workouts, bake desserts, and delve into activities I hadn’t done in years. However, as the days spent at home came and went, I realized many of the boxes remained unchecked.

While I initially held self-resentment for my lack of productivity, I soon came to the realization that people have varying reactions to a pandemic upending nearly every aspect of modern life.

It’s completely acceptable to feel exhausted, anxious, or fearful, just as it’s acceptable to embrace productivity.

Director of clinical research and quality at the American Psychological Association, C. Vaile Wright, claims it is unhealthy to compare our productivity and schedule to others during these trying circumstances, as reported by USA Today.

The New York Times states that America’s “always-on work culture” is reflected in the urge to overachieve. Even during a pandemic, many feel that every second of their lives must be optimized in a productive manner.

At Campolindo, we tend to be overbooked and always running on borrowed energy to make it through practice, school, and the social scene. We should take advantage of the many days ahead and finally allow ourselves to breathe.

A life-changing pandemic and hustle culture cannot truly coexist. Cut yourself some slack, take time to provide yourself with care and comfort in this anxiety-inducing era of coronavirus.