This serves as a great reminder to take it slow and not get too obsessed with success and Medium stats. I've only recently thought about how toxic productivity is entrenched in Western society and wondered why I am addicted to being productive.

Just like you said, I believe it has to do with the fact that I gain a sense of validation and accomplishment from my writing. Writing and hitting publish also distracts me from the pandemic and my loneliness. If I was to stop writing, I think all of these neagtive feelings would reemerge. Nonetheless it's important to create a balance so I won't have a burnout in the future.

I'll archive this article to remind myself that I need to take a step back from time to time!