The hustle culture is exhausting and taxing, but it’s famous for a reason. Most of us believe that we have control over our success.
Some even think that working too hard is the best way to feel in control of yourself. However, the fact is that it risks mental and physical health.
If you’re ready to leave the hustle culture behind, here are 5 ways to start prioritizing self-care again:
1. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries can be scary. Your boss or co-workers will feel uncomfortable when you refuse their requests. However, this way will protect yourself from being stepped on.
Start with any tasks that are tiring and use up the most energy, or start doing fewer tasks outside of responsibility. This way you can step out of the toxic hustle culture.
2. Focus on priorities
The Pareto Principle asserts that every 80 percent of the effect on any decision stems from 20 percent of the cause. This principle explains the relationship between input and output.
Do you need to complete every task given? You should know which tasks play a big role in career performance and focus on those tasks.
This way, you can take your time and not rush through less important tasks.
3. Take a break
What is scheduled will still be completed (only if you have scheduled all the tasks). Therefore, do not forget to rest. Like how you have planned each task, you should also know when to relax. Take a few days off to reduce stress and relax mentally and physically.
If you’re starting to show symptoms of burnout, it’s best to clear your schedule and rest quickly. Fatigue will lead nowhere but to increased stress levels and decreased work performance.
4. Define your definition of success.
Hustle culture promotes its version of success and usually has materialistic goals. Although it’s not a problem, not everyone dreams of owning a mansion or driving a sports car.
Think about what’s important to you: do you want to work 60 hours per week? Or do you prefer to make memories with your friends and family?
5. Get help
Sometimes, this hustle culture is unavoidable. If you’re feeling stuck, it may be time to seek help from a professional such as a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be able to help plan actions that will prioritize your well-being.
You may also need to get rid of some tasks. Can you ask the boss to add new staff to the team? This culture puts too much emphasis on independence, but real success requires you to learn how to ask for help and work in a group.
