284: Breaking Free from Toxic Productivity: How to Reclaim Your Worth and Redefine Success with Israa Nasir

The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

What’s up, Brave Table fam? It’s Dr. Neeta here, your sassy, warm, and always-brave guide to unpacking life’s biggest questions. This week, we’re diving into a conversation that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about productivity. Are you addicted to the hustle? Is your self-worth wrapped up in your to-do list? Well, buckle up, because today, the brilliant Israa Nasir—psychotherapist, mental health educator, and author of Toxic Productivity—is here to shake things up.

Israa gets real about the immigrant hustle mentality, self-worth, and how shame and toxic productivity can sneak into our lives. We explore why achievement often equals acceptance in immigrant communities and how we can break free from these cycles to embrace joy, rest, and intentional living. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a full-on permission slip to savor the slow and redefine what success looks like for you. Get ready to feel seen, heard, and totally inspired.

What you'll get out of this episode…

Your worth isn’t your to-do list—your value is inherent, not earned!

Rest isn’t lazy—it’s revolutionary, fueling your creativity and joy!

Break the immigrant hustle mentality—success doesn’t require self-sacrifice!

Triggers aren’t the enemy—your reactions are; manage them to build resilience.

Self-awareness is your superpower—ask “Why?” to reclaim your time and energy.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Brave Table + Meet Israa Nasir

[00:02:00] What Is Toxic Productivity?

[00:07:00] Israa’s Journey from Hustle to Healing

[00:16:00] The Checklist Lifestyle: Why We All Deserve More

[00:22:00] Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem: Understanding the Difference

[00:27:00] Productivity Dysmorphia: Why It’s Never “Good Enough”

[00:33:00] Braving Difficult Conversations with Family

[00:40:00] Managing Unresolved Shame and Triggers

[00:46:00] The Art of Rest and Rejuvenation

[00:53:00] How to Redefine Laziness + Where to Get the Book

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Connect with today’s guest, Israa Nasir

IG / @well.guide

LINKEDIN / Israa Nasir

TIKTOK / @israajnasir

Order Israa’s book “ Toxic Productivity” here → https://www.israanasir.com/toxic-productivity

Want more?

Visit the website and order your free copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” ( just pay for shipping) → neetabhushan.com/free-book-bonus/

Grab your Affirmation/ Conversation Card deck here → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/

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If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.# 278: Why We Fear Rest: Unpacking the Guilt Behind Taking a Break with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 223: What the real roots are beneath Perfectionism, Pleasing, Pushing Yourself with Dr Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 203: Here’s Why Chasing After Happiness Can Be Burning You Out (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler.

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.