A method for operating a numerically controlled production machine includes defining a permissible value range determined by the design and construction of the production machine in which, in a normal operation during production of a workpiece, values representing a mechanical or electrical load described by acceleration and/or jolting of at least one component of the numerically controlled production machine are variable, and activating, for producing the workpiece, with a control signal a conservation operation for reducing the mechanical or electrical loads, wherein in the conservation operation the values of acceleration and/or jolting of the at least one component are variable within a part value range that is limited in comparison to the permissible value range.