BABABUNMI AGBEBI
In today’s fast-paced society, hustle culture has become pervasive. From Corporate workers to motivational speakers proclaiming that sleep is for the weak, the glorification of overwork has reached alarming levels, but here’s the reality check: hustle culture isn’t something to aspire to—it’s a recipe for poor mental health.
Speaking with IkejaBird, Aisha Oloruntoyin,a civil servant laments that it’s not just about the hustle but the ‘bustle to the hustle’. ‘ Hustling is part of life and there is no big deal about it but the traffic is killing and you are talking about self care. The only self care I need is less traffic to my hustle’
Ifeoma Chigbu , a working Grandmother who owns a canteen says The slogan ‘hustle must pay’ has been her daily drive and believes self care comes later. ‘ I don’t have time for self care now,I have rent to pay,school fees to sort out and these annoying price of fuel. I’m close to retirement,then I will start self care (Laughs)
The story of Praise Odior,a Corp member serving with a media organization and a ‘Gen Z’ is rather different as he feels self care is as important as working smart and not hard. ‘ I don’t believe in working round the clock,I’m a baby boy and I need to pamper myself. Nobody works hard these days,we work smart and take care of ourselves. That’s what is giving’
To live a stress less life,it is important to balance hustle culture with self care by setting boundaries, respecting your limits, and prioritising sleep, exercise, and mental health breaks. Recognising that success is not defined by how busy you are, but by how fulfilled and happy you feel.
So, let’s ditch the hustle culture mentality and embrace a new ethos. One that values balance, well-being, and self-care above all else. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to thrive in both our personal and professional lives.
