From Hustle Culture to Human Be-ing: Israa Nasir on Anxiety, Boundaries & Dismantling Toxic Productivity

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What if redefining success started with your nervous system?



In this powerful, live from New York conversation, Karena sits down with therapist and author Israa Nasir to unpack why achievement alone can still leave us feeling empty. You’ll learn how to rebuild self-worth and regulate anxiety in a content-saturated world, and how to set boundaries that deepen connection. From cultural myths about “hustle” to cognitive distortions, this is a grounded, practical path back to yourself.

How do we reclaim self-worth beyond achievement in a content-saturated world?

Stepping off the productivity hamster wheel shows that worth isn’t earned by output. It’s built through nervous-system safety, self-trust, and boundaries that honor your life.

(00:59) Toxic productivity, defined- spot the drivers

• Naming the emotions behind the urge to do more 
• Ask: “What value am I sacrificing for this outcome?”
• Track when achievement ≠ fulfillment to find misalignment
• Swap “more” for “meaning”: one priority per day

(06:11) High-achiever mind traps + overcommitment fixes

• Challenging the idea “If I did it, it must’ve been easy—so it doesn’t count.”
• Log weekly wins before raising the bar again
• Recalibrate unrealistic timelines without self-shaming
• Build buffer time into every “yes”

(10:47) 7 types of rest & creative regulation

• The 7 Types of Rest Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
• Rotate rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, spiritual
• Emotional rest = time you don’t process feelings—protect it
• Try “mediocre hobbies” for nervous-system care
• Schedule short, low-stakes creative breaks to prevent rumination

(14:29) Anxiety in an info storm: design your media diet

• Practice monotasking to lower baseline arousal
• Long-form inputs lengthen dopamine loops and build patience
• Reduce tab clutter; batch-check news/social to curb hypervigilance
• Notice fragmentation triggers and step away

(25:41) Boundaries that deepen connection (and when to go firm)

• Lead with “I can/can’t…” vs. policing others—invite dialogue
• Expect pushback; validate feelings without abandoning limits
• Context matters: choose low-drama exits on charged topics
• Distinguishing privacy from secrecy

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Guest Resources

• Read the Book: Toxic Productivity
• Explore: The Well Guide 
• Follow Israa on Instagram

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