Why Tending?
The word tend has two meanings: a habit (what we tend to do) and an action (to tend to something, like a garden). When we feel pressured by urgency, perfectionism, and competition, we might build habits that increase our output but in return burn us out.
The reason I write Tending is both to share research-backed discussions about productivity culture and also to explore ways we might tend to ourselves more slowly and intentionally. When we pause to evaluate our relationship with our productivity, we can discover new ways to achieve our goals while prioritizing rest and self-care.
In a world that celebrates overwork and normalizes workaholism, reimagining our approach to productivity is a radical act. My hope is that you’ll find inspiration and tangible actions you can employ in your own tending practices.
Sign up for the discounted $50 annual subscription to receive:
Weekly posts about slow productivity, curiosities (things that make me say “hmmm…” or “wow!”), personal essays that dabble in cultural analysis, interviews, and recommendations.
Quarterly bonus posts with workshops, deep dives, etc.
A monthly Q&A with Dr. Kate.
Access to live, virtual co-working sessions once a month.
There is a monthly option for $5/month.
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About Dr. Kate Henry
I spent most of my life in academia, earning an MFA, MA, and PhD. I chose an alt-ac path after graduation and now work as a Productivity Coach for overwhelmed knowledge workers and write about productivity culture here at Tending.
I’ve discussed Slow Productivity on podcasts like Brooke McAlary’s The Slow Home Podcast, written pieces for Inside HigherEd and The Temper, and published a book called Tend to It: A Holistic Guide to Intentional Productivity.
I live with my spouse and two Maine Coon cats in Boston, MA. In addition to my scholarly and creative work, I’m a chronically ill, sober, queer femme nerd who loves slow fashion, video games, and collecting artisan ceramic mugs.
Visit my website to learn more.
I welcome you to reach out via email (kate@katehenry.com) or via the Substack app if you have any questions.
Take care and talk soon,
Dr. Kate
