We live in an increasingly fast-paced society with an intense glorification of constant productivity. Hustle culture promotes the insidious idea that fulfillment comes from achieving intense professional goals or accruing wealth (or both).
And while most people know that happiness comes from many other sources, social media and other influences can convince you that you must work 24/7. The problem is when life solely becomes devoted to only work, other priorities begin to suffer.
What Exactly Is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture is a broad term rooted in entrepreneurship, social media, and the explosive popularity of the modern gig economy. The trite concepts of "rise and grind" and "no days off" perpetuate the idea that working hard is the key to wellness.
Hustle culture both directly and indirectly reinforces the beliefs that:
rest and relaxation are signs of weakness (successful people always work hard)
your internal self-worth is largely shaped by your external successes
sacrifice is necessary to get what you want
there's always more you could be doing or more money you could be earning
quitting is never a viable option
burnout is a sign of personal failure or individual weakness
Of course, productivity isn't wrong, and many people find that having a fulfilling life entails having ambition and professional goals. But constantly working at maximum capacity can diminish both your emotional and physical health.
Signs That Hustle Culture Is Affecting Your Wellness
The concept of achieving an optimal work-life balance is somewhat unrealistic. Certain seasons of life call for needing to work harder or needing to spend more time devoted to professional pursuits. That said, hustle culture may be interfering with your mental health if you relate to some or many of the following:
You're neglecting personal relationships: Spending all your time on work-related activities takes away from the time and energy you can pour into relationships. As a result, you might be thriving in your own business, but your friends and family often get the "sloppy seconds."
Your physical health is suffering: Long hours, high stress, and embodying the toxic mindset of "go, go, go" can all take a toll on your mental health. Toxic hustle culture doesn't give a lot of space for self-care; subsequently, it can also drive the desire to engage in certain vices, including substance use, overeating, and more.
You feel guilty for resting: Rest is an undeniable human need, but those who subscribe to grind culture often dismiss its value. Even if you know it's a good idea to take breaks, you might feel restless or anxious if you "don't make the most" of your working hours.
You never feel like it's "enough": Toxic productivity can make it seem like you're never doing enough no matter how many hours you put in or how much you earn. This becomes a relentless grind where you keep doing more and more.
How Do You Change Your Relationship With Hustle Culture?
Escaping from arduous work demands takes time and conscious effort. You'll need to redefine your own values and reconsider the tenants of your well-being. Here are some reminders that may help.
Familiarize yourself with your fears: Hustle culture preys on fears. Maybe you worry you'll be a failure if you don't work hard enough. Or you have fears that you aren't lovable or worthy if you don't climb the corporate ladder. You might even fear success. No fear is too small or invalid. However, it's important to make space for them and try to consider their origins. Who taught you those fears? What do you want to do with them now?
Set clear work boundaries: Identify firm boundaries around your work hours and make every effort to avoid working outside of those times. This prevents work from consuming everything you do, and it ideally gives you time to engage in other hobbies or relationships.
Build a life outside of work: If you only care about work, getting out of hustle culture will feel that much harder. Now might be the time to rearrange your priorities to shift your identity outside of just your professional role.
Surround yourself with those who prioritize balance and well-being: Since we're a product of who we associate ourselves with, try to spend more time with people who actually prioritize their emotional wellness. You'll find that many successful individuals do take regular breaks, enjoy their personal life, and still obtain success!
Break Free From Toxic Productivity and Improve Your Well-Being
At Resurface Group, we treat all complex mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and more. We understand the intersection between your professional life and personal life, and we value helping people find a sense of meaning.
Contact us today to learn more about our unique programs.
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