Rest and the Hustle

The Hidden Cost of Constant Hustle: Why Rest Is Not a Luxury

Yesterday, I told a friend to rest. His response? “What’s that? Please define it.” He said it half-jokingly, but it struck a chord. Another friend shared that as someone who works for himself, he finds it nearly impossible to do nothing—there’s always another task, another deadline, another thing to be done.

Their comments lingered in my mind, reminding me of my mother. She was an incredibly capable woman, running her own successful business with a grace that made it look easy. But things took a turn. When everything fell apart, so did she. She had a breakdown, and the woman we once knew—strong, driven, unstoppable—became someone we barely recognised.

Then, there’s James. Dear James. He, too, was wildly successful, the epitome of what society applauds: hard-working, relentless, always achieving. Until one day, he couldn’t cope with the mounting pressure. The demands became too much, and the idea of surviving the workday felt insurmountable. He saw no way out and made the heartbreaking decision to leave this world.

These stories haunt me because they reflect a harsh truth: stress has become a badge of honor. Being overwhelmed, busy, and burnt out is celebrated as if it’s a sign of success. But is it really?

Redefining Success: Is Stress the New "Cool"?

Somewhere along the way, we’ve equated busyness with worth. The more exhausted you are, the more valuable you must be—right? But at what cost? We glorify overwork, yet rarely discuss the toll it takes on our mental and physical health.

Society tells us that rest is laziness, that taking a break means falling behind. But consider this: rest is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It’s what allows us to function, to think clearly, to heal. Without it, we break—physically, emotionally, spiritually.

The Courage to Rest

Rest is an act of rebellion in a world that prizes productivity above all else. It’s choosing to listen to your body when everything around you screams to push harder. It’s recognising that your worth is not defined by how much you do but by who you are.

It’s time we shift the narrative. Instead of asking, “How much can I get done today?” let’s ask, “Have I cared for myself today?” Rest is not a reward for hard work; it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible.

Finding Balance

1. Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like an appointment you can’t miss. Put it on your calendar and honor it.

2. Practice Mindfulness: Even a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can help reset your mind.

3. Embrace Imperfection: You don’t have to do it all. Sometimes, “good enough” is truly enough.

4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who value balance and well-being, not just achievement.

Conclusion

Being stressed out isn’t cool. It’s dangerous. It steals joy, peace, and ultimately, life itself. Let’s stop glorifying the grind and start celebrating rest, balance, and well-being. Success isn’t about how much you do—it’s about how well you live.