Hustle culture is making us sick

IN the whirlwind of modern life, where the incessant buzz of notifications and the relentless pursuit of productivity govern our lives, the art of slowing down has become a distant memory.

With technological advancements, the constant connection through our devices, societal pressures, and the endless stream of information and distractions - life seems to be moving faster than ever. Despite countless options and choices at our fingertips, there will never be enough time in the day, or even our lives, to do everything we want.

Meanwhile, as we scroll through our screens, we are bombarded by images of our friends on holiday, landing their dream jobs, and dining at fancy restaurants - seemingly “living their best lives”. As we compare the worst version of our lives to the best version of everybody else’s, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is very real.

Furthermore, the constant bombardment of information compels us to stay tethered to our devices, fearing we will be left behind in the relentless race for success. As a result, our attention spans have shortened, our stress levels have skyrocketed, and our overall sense of wellbeing has suffered.

This relentless pursuit of productivity often comes at the expense of quality time spent with loved ones, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

The bottom line: hustle culture and the glorification of busyness are making us sick.

In this fast-paced world, every moment is accounted for, and if it’s not, we will fill it with something. There is little time for reflection and relaxation, and even our relaxation is on a tight schedule. The constant busyness has become our new normal, but what are we sacrificing in our relentless pursuit of speed? Chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout have become rampant, with studies linking them to serious health issues, including heart disease, depression, obesity, and immune dysfunction. In this constant busyness, we forget the things that truly matter: time with loved ones, doing things for fun, and taking the time to enjoy what we are doing, instead of rushing through it to get to the next activity.

Comparing the pace of modern living to the more leisurely rhythms of the past offers a poignant contrast. In bygone eras, life moved at a more leisurely pace, allowing ample time for reflection, connection, and simple pleasures. Daily routines were punctuated by moments of downtime, whether gathering with neighbours for a chat or taking a leisurely stroll through the countryside. Moments of contemplation were cherished, serving as antidotes to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

However, with the advent of technology and globalisation, the pace of life has quickened exponentially, leaving little room for such luxuries.

By remembering our past and embracing a more relaxed pace, we can mitigate the harmful effects of stress, thereby safeguarding our long-term mental and physical health. Whether taking a leisurely walk in nature, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of solitude, carving out time for relaxation and rejuvenation is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Slow living also offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature, which has numerous benefits, so whether that’s taking a leisurely hike through the countryside or getting your hands dirty in the garden, immersing oneself in the natural world provides a much-needed respite from the rigours of modern life.

Studies have shown that engaging in activities that promote relaxation can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity, among other health benefits. Slowing down can also foster deeper connections with others and strengthen our sense of community.

By making time for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and acts of kindness, we can cultivate a sense of belonging and support that is essential for mental and emotional well-being. In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, these moments of genuine connection serve as anchors of stability and belonging.

Meanwhile, mindfulness offers powerful tools for cultivating presence and reducing stress levels. Mindfulness goes beyond sitting on a cushion in stillness and involves incorporating presence into the activities you already do. This could look like sitting down with a cup of tea, feeling the warm cup beneath your hands, smelling the aroma, and just gazing out the window and daydreaming, instead of scrolling through your phone.

Or it might be taking a short walk by the sea without plugging into a podcast, and instead feeling the sand beneath your feet, smelling the salt in the air, listening to the sound of the waves, and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.

Even taking brief 1-5 minute pauses between activities throughout the day to just breathe or look outside the window can make a big difference. Or saying no to going out and having a lazy weekend at home instead.

As we navigate the complexities of an increasingly fast-paced world, listening to the call to slow down can make a big positive impact on our well-being. Because at the end of the day, all we have is our life experience, and we get to choose what we will make of it. By embracing a slower pace of life, we reclaim our time, our health, and our humanity, allowing us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. For the sake of ourselves and future generations, let us heed the call to slow down.

Mirin Mooney is a neurodivergent & HSP mental health coach. Learn more at www.wildheart-wellness.com