Toxic Hustle Culture and its Consequences

What does it take for a person to succeed? Is embracing hustle culture the best way to achieve your goals, and when (if ever) is it okay to be “lazy?”

The United States and many other high-productivity countries represent a semi-recent phenomenon called “hustle culture.” This refers to the generation that glamorizes overworking. Hustle culture shows individuals bragging about 18-hour workdays, getting barely any sleep, and continuing the “daily grind.” well past the end of a typical workday. Several common phrases have emerged within “hustle culture.”

“Wake up and hustle!” “Crush the day!” “Work hard, play less.” “Don’t stay in bed unless you can make money in bed.”

Such phrases have become very familiar, intended to inspire, motivate, and push people towards productivity. We find these quotes on office walls and as screensavers on work laptops. They remind us that in this society, you hustle to succeed; in this society, you burn yourself out if that’s what it takes.

How to switch from hustle culture to balance. Is it ever okay to be “lazy?”

We do need determination to succeed in your endeavors. But you also need rest. In addition to time spent running forward, you need time to be still and refuel. “Hustle culture” promotes a way of life that can be productive but also very unhealthy.

Why does your culture categorize rest as laziness? Why do You feel like You have to earn the chance to relax?

Perhaps you’ve spent a day resting, only to feel later guilty about not having been more productive. Our culture’s hustle mentality programs people to push too hard. It tells you to feel guilty when you choose to stop and be still. Take a moment to consider that it is okay to be lazy—and, furthermore, that it may actually be healthy to be lazy on occasion!

Chris Bailey from Time compared a focused mind to an unfocused mind. Bailey suggests that your brains need time to be unfocused, such as during free time. This allows you to maintain functional problem-solving skills and creativity, which may take a hit otherwise. Additionally, giving the brain enough time to rest has been tied to lowering rates of depression and anxiety, thus improving the quality of individuals’ relationships and overall mental health.

Research from the BBC further supports this. They suggest letting the mind wander is crucial to creativity, problem-solving, and mental clarity!

They explain that the human brain has an internal and an external attention system. The internal system is active during daydreaming and while letting the mind wander. This system allows creativity, new ideas, and unique problem-solving. The external system is active when you take in external stimuli. Browsing on your phone, for instance, would activate the external attention system. The challenge is that both systems cannot be active simultaneously. Most people spend most of their day using external attention.

So, now you know that being lazy is okay and healthy! But what activities allow your brains to rest within their (preferred) internal attention system?

Rest and Be Mindful

Take the time just to be still. If you’re enjoying a morning tea or coffee, take a moment to be mindful of each sip. On your lunch break, try a short meditation where you just focus on your breathing. On your next day off, allow yourself to lie in bed for an extra five minutes. While you lay there, practice “grounding” by being aware of the small things. Grounding is an exercise that helps us to be present and focused on the current moment. To practice grounding in bed, notice the texture of your blankets, the support of your pillow, and the cheerful light coming through the window.

These are a few examples of small, meaningful ways to increase mindfulness and give your brain a chance to rest and be present.

Take a Nap

Sometimes, in this overworked society, a nap is the perfect solution. Hustle culture says to work all night instead of sleep when that is the worst thing you can do for your mental performance. Our brains need time to be lazy and sleep to refresh and restore in several ways. A lack of sleep has the potential to lead to a decrease in cognitive function, decreased focus, and increased likelihood of making mistakes at work. Sleep allows a healthy foundation for when you choose to be productive. Sleep is a satisfying, comfortable, and peaceful way to rest and be lazy.

Love your body, and embrace laziness!

Hustle culture may be loud and prominent, but that does not mean you must jump on the bandwagon of cultural burnout. Finding a balance of productivity and peace through prioritizing rest will yield a healthier life. Our brains deserve rest, and that means realizing that it is okay and even beneficial to be “lazy.” By allowing your minds to spend time in their internal systems, making mindful moments, and getting enough sleep, you can make being “lazy” a healthy and normal part of your routine. Your brain and your body will thank you for it.

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