Breathe SB

It seems like almost everybody now glorifies hustle culture and non-stop productivity more and more, the word “grind” has become a very present part of our vocabulary. People proudly declare themselves “grinders,” and social media feeds are flooded with inspirational quotes urging us to “hustle harder.” Unfortunately, I was also one of them. But lately, I’ve been contemplating why I don’t want to include the word “grind” in my vocabulary and how the culture of grinding can be problematic for our mental health.

The Grind Mentality: What Does It Mean?

Before we get into the reasons for my decision, let’s clarify what the “grind” mentality entails. It’s the idea that success only comes to those who work tirelessly, day and night, sacrificing sleep, personal life, and even their well-being. It implies that unless you’re constantly pushing yourself to the limit, you won’t achieve your goals. I can’t believe I lived by this for a while.

While hard work and determination are undoubtedly important, the grind culture takes these virtues to an extreme that can have detrimental effects on mental health.

First of all, burnout is real

One of the most significant problems with the grind mentality is the high risk of burnout. Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion often caused by prolonged periods of overwork and stress. It can lead to a host of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (Twenge et al., 2019) found that rates of depression and anxiety have significantly increased in recent years, coinciding with the rise of hustle culture. This suggests a strong connection between the two.

Neglecting self-care and associating it by being lazy

If you are a current “grinder” you probably feel like you have to constantly be doing something “productive”; every hour, every day. I had my entire life scheduled for years, with no gaps for recreational time. I only allocated time if my projects were one-hundred percent completed. How wrong I was! The grind mentality often promotes the idea that self-care is a luxury or even a sign of laziness. However, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. Neglecting it can lead to increased stress levels, decreased happiness, and ultimately, a decline in overall well-being.

We will never reach perfectionism

The relentless pursuit of perfection is another pitfall of the grind culture. Constantly striving for unattainable standards can lead to chronic stress and feelings of inadequacy. It can be particularly harmful to individuals who are already predisposed to anxiety or perfectionism.

Disconnecting from loved ones takes a toll on your relationships with them

The grind mentality can also strain relationships with friends and family. When work takes precedence over everything else, it can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from loved ones. Healthy relationships are a vital part of mental well-being, and neglecting them can have serious consequences.

Now, I love the idea of pursuing a life worth living, following your passions and working for them, but I’m choosing to remove the word “grind” from my vocabulary because I believe it’s time to redefine success and prioritize our mental health. It’s important to pursue our goals, but not at the expense of our well-being. I have realized that for me, embracing balance, practicing self-care, and maintaining healthy relationships are the most essential components of a fulfilling life.