Let’s cut to the chase: the idea that taking care of yourself is “unproductive” is pure trash. You know what’s actually unproductive? Running on fumes, stress-eating chips for dinner, and wondering why your skin is doing the absolute most (in a bad way).
Spoiler alert: self-care is the productivity hack you didn’t know you needed. Yes, that includes your skincare routine, your 20-minute scroll through TikTok, and your overpriced oat milk latte.
Your brain is like your phone battery—it doesn’t work well when it’s at 3%, no matter how many tabs you have open. And just like your phone, it needs regular charging (and maybe a hard reset if you’re really stressed).
Here’s what the research says: Stress Is Your Brain’s Mortal Enemy
Chronic stress does not make you better at life. In fact, it fries your brain’s prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for focus, planning, and not crying at work. Studies show that small self-care acts, like doing your skincare or taking a walk, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Translation? You’ll feel more chill and way less like throwing your laptop out the window.
• Rituals Are Basically Brain Hacks
According to Harvard, having a consistent routine—like your nighttime ritual with Yung’s Night & Day cream—can calm your nervous system. When you’re calm, you’re less likely to spiral over emails that start with “per my last message.”
• Confidence Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Let’s be real: when your skin looks like it’s glowing straight out of a rom-com montage, you feel unstoppable. Research backs this up—feeling good about your appearance can actually improve your performance at work and in social settings. Glowing skin = main character energy = crushing your to-do list.
You’re not a robot, and even if you were, robots need updates and downtime. When you rest—whether that’s zoning out with a sheet mask or rewatching Parks and Rec—your brain kicks into a mode called the Default Mode Network (DMN). This is where creativity and problem-solving live.
So yeah, that time you spent doing nothing? Your brain was probably solving all your problems in the background. You’re welcome.
Here’s the tea: you’re way more productive when you feel good. Think about it—when you’re tired, stressed, and breaking out like it’s senior year all over again, how much are you really getting done? Now picture yourself with radiant skin, a calm mind, and energy to spare. You’re basically unstoppable.
How to Make Self-Care Part of Your Productivity Glow-Up
1. Keep It Simple: Self-care doesn’t have to mean a candlelit bath with Enya playing in the background (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go off). Start with something small, like a skincare routine. Yung’s Night & Day cream is your new BFF—one product, multiple benefits, no drama.
2. Put It on Your Calendar: Yes, I mean literally. Block out time for self-care like it’s a work meeting, because guess what? You are the most important project you’re working on.
3. Enjoy the Glow-Up: Take a moment to notice how good you feel when you actually take care of yourself. That’s not selfish; that’s smart.
Taking care of yourself isn’t a break from being productive—it’s the fuel you need to keep going. Whether it’s your skincare routine, a 15-minute power nap, or just saying no to one more “urgent” email, self-care is the cheat code to being your best self.
So slap on that moisturizer, pour yourself another coconut milk latte, and bask in your productive glow. You’ve earned it.
Glow get it,
Kate