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Are you working non-stop, taking on more projects than you can handle, or sacrificing sleep just to get a little further ahead at work? Hustle culture has become too common and assumed in today's fast-paced world. With remote work, constant connectivity, and the pressure to exceed targets, productivity has become the de facto measure of success. However, is this constant hustle worth it?
In today's society, being constantly busy and having a packed schedule is often seen as something to strive for. But all this intensity can come at a cost. As you rush checking off your to-do lists, your days will become shorter, more cluttered, and perhaps even suffocating. You may feel like there's not enough time in a day to achieve all your goals.
However, maintaining a strong work-life balance is becoming more important, especially in the age of virtual freelancing and work-from-home. Separating your work from the rest of your life is essential for more focus on both spheres and preserving your mental and emotional well-being.
Having A Strong Work Ethic Can Be A Blessing and Curse
Young businesswoman using computer at desk in creative office
About one year after I had left the corporate world to start my own business, I fainted in the middle of our kitchen without warning. I had no significant health issues at the time, so the likely cause was sheer exhaustion from overwork. Ironically, I loved my work at the time, and the endeavor to create and build my own business from scratch filled me with excitement every day.
Work didn’t feel like work, which is why I didn’t notice as much when I was overworking. Between making sure my business was gaining traction, hustling to build up my personal brand, and juggling our relocation to a new home, the relentless, nonstop pace of my work at the time must have been too much for my body to bear.
Taking breaks has never been part of my personality. I'm always willing to give it my all for something I care about, and I believe in the power of hard work and perseverance. Over the past 10 years of growing my business, I've found that often, working just a little harder or hanging in there a bit longer can make all the difference.
Doing Work You Enjoy Can Lead To Burnout Too
Business people working in busy office
We often hear how working in a job you don't like can burn you out quickly. But, even when you're passionate about your job, when you're so into the work that you lose track of time, and feel in the zone, you can still burn out. You know the saying, "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life"?
While there may be some truth to that belief, any work-centric lifestyle can still cause burnout. In the US, 83% of workers claim to suffer from work-related stress, and more than half agree that work stress seeps into their home life.
We all have our limits, both physically and mentally. Your job might be demanding a lot from you right now, but it's important to remember that you need to take care of yourself to be able to keep up with the pace in the long run.
Design Your Work Breaks To Refresh And Energize You
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The best way to maintain a healthy work-life balance is to include good habits which double as work breaks. What is one quick activity you could commit to doing regularly that allows you to rejuvenate, reflect, and recharge?
Seek activities that make you feel good, like working out or reading about something completely unrelated to your job. These activities can help you forget about work stress and give your mind a break. Personally, I’ve recently decided to take up learning photography to relax and take a break from my busy work schedule.
Being Unproductive Can Be Productive
Woman with sun hat relaxing in hammock on the beach at sunset.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as managing your work. When you allow yourself to take a break, you might be surprised at how much more you can accomplish.
Navigating any career path can be intense and exhausting, so don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Detaching yourself from work can feel counterproductive but taking a step back every now and then can give you the energy, perspective,and enthusiasm to be more productive and effective in the long run.
