We’ve all heard the phrases “rise and grind, sleep is for the rich, no days off, sleep when you’re dead,” they are all part of the hustle culture. These are all well and good for motivation, especially if you’re building your life from scratch, you might feel like these is no time to rest because if you do, you’ll be wasting time. However, experts have different views on that.
The Workhuman publication explains hustle culture as a mentality whereby overworking is glorified and rest is seen as a weakness. This has become a modern badge of honour, but is it actually helping us succeed, or just burning us out?
According to a study by the World Health Organization, long working hours increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Research published in The Lancet found that people who work more than 55 hours per week have a 35% higher risk of stroke compared to those working 35-40 hours.
Dr Alex Pang, author of ‘Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less’, argues that overwork often leads to diminishing returns. “Productivity doesn’t come from grinding endlessly, but from balancing focused work with meaningful rest,” he explains.
Mental health experts also warn about the emotional toll. A report from the American Psychological Association highlights that chronic stress from excessive work can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Dr Devon Price, a social psychologist and author of ‘Laziness Does Not Exist’, criticises hustle culture for making people feel guilty about taking breaks, even though rest is essential for creativity and problem-solving.
Even corporate giants are rethinking the hustle mentality. According to The Guardian, companies like Microsoft Japan experimented with a four-day workweek and reported a 40% increase in productivity.
The bottom line is that hustle culture might look glamorous on social media, but experts agree that real success comes from sustainable work habits—not exhaustion. Maybe it’s time to swap grind culture for mind culture.
Also see: Side hustles to tap into as a young person in South Africa
