HUSTLE CULTURE VS. MENTAL HEALTH

In recent years, hustle culture has become prevalent on social media. What started as motivational content has evolved into a culture of pride, narcissism and competition, wherein users are attempting to outwork and outperform one another. Such content is characterised by aggressive language, such as #thegrind and #crushtheday.

Hustle culture not only results in feelings of inadequacy for those who are seeking work-life balance but it can also create a toxic work environment wherein people feel pressured to work constantly, say yes to everything and handle anything that comes their way!

However, this is not normal and should not be an expectation, in fact, studies show that working long hours can increase anxiety and depression, as well as decrease creativity and performance. This is partly due to a lack of sleep and socialising, both of which are critical for our happiness and health as humans.

Covid-19 has tested us in many ways. It has made us feel isolated and inadequate, not only due to quarantine and redundancy, but also due to hustle culture and watching others #crushtheday on social media, whilst we are sat in our PJs watching Netflix and eating a Twix (or two)...but you know what? That's okay, that's normal and more importantly, you are not alone