The Cost of the Constant Grind: Reclaiming Your Mental Health in Today’s Hustle Culture

Every day, we are flooded with information, stimulation, and pressure from social media. We have been taught that constantly working and hustling to be the best version of ourselves is something that we should be striving towards. However, this overglorification of hustling has led to a drastic increase in burnout and dissatisfaction. Within hustle culture, we are taught that we need to be the “best” at self-care, while also excelling in our work life, social life, and home life. These self-care messages are cloaked in the pressures of never being good enough in the hopes that someone can sell us something to “help” us be better. 

To avoid burnout and this inherent disconnection from ourselves, it is important to set boundaries and redefine what we determine to be success and satisfaction in our lives. 

Stress the Importance of Mental Health

If this toxic hustle culture is taking a significant toll on you and your mental health, it could be time to turn to a professional to help you process life's stressors and gather coping tools to move forward. Burnout can manifest itself in physical symptoms such as, but not limited to, insomnia, fatigue, and digestive problems. Additionally, loss of motivation, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and low creativity may be some cognitive and emotional symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from burnout. 

Boundaries

Understand that our society is doing its best to make you feel uncomfortable setting boundaries. How can you maximize your output and hustle constantly if you are taking time and space for yourself? You do not have to put everyone else's needs before your own. It may be time to practice saying no and setting boundaries to protect your peace and unburden your time. Holding space for yourself does not mean you are neglecting others. 

Disconnect

Our society works hard to convince us that it is normal to always be “on”. We are told that it is rude not to respond to that work email at 8pm, when you are unwinding and eating dinner with your family. You couldn’t possibly say no to covering for somebody else or taking on an extra project, even if it means you have no time for yourself. Our society has begun to glorify overworking oneself, particularly when it is done in a tangible way such as staying late and working extra long hours. Take time in your schedule to disconnect from the constant messaging and pressure and prioritize yourself. 

Self-Care

Take time to invest in yourself on your own terms. Disconnect from social media, who is telling you how you should care for yourself, and inquire within. What feels best for you? How do you want to take care of yourself? What do you like to do to recharge? Try to incorporate the 7 different kinds of rest including: physical, mental, social, creative, emotional, spiritual, and sensory rest. There is no right or wrong answer to what fills your cup and allows you to best care for yourself. 

Sources:

Hall, John. (2024). Working Long Hours Leads to Burnout: Time to Ditch the Hustle Culture. Entrepreneur. 

Mandap, Aureen. (2024). Breaking the Burnout Cycle of Hustle Culture. DBA. 

Richard, Torey. (2023). Hustle Culture: The Glorification of Burnout and the Quest for Balance. Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Anna Grace, Master’s-Level Intern

Anna Grace is a Master’s level Intern, studying to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. She loves to work with teens and young adults navigating life’s challenges and transitions. Her approach is holistic and integrative, acknowledging the complexity of human existence.