The Grind Culture is Going a Bit too Far

By now, it's obvious that the grind culture is quite common to you. We live at a time when everyone wants or is expected to work every hour and minute of each day, and sadly, even late into the night. For example, when was the last time you enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner without checking your email? Or at least going half a day without a phone-related call, surprisingly, even on your off day. Even without these, there's an emerging or established culture that we must push ourselves further when it comes to working. I bet you have come across the pressure about the need to have a side hustle that you engage in before and after your day job instead of idling around watching T.V or just having some time to yourself. This mentality creates the perception that you are losing or missing out on reaching your goals whenever you are unproductive. It is becoming so bad that some go to the extent of not getting sufficient sleep and essential self-care, which are the main ingredients of productivity. Understandably, working on a side hustle and learning during your off-working hours can set you up for the rest of your life, and you might only need your day job for the next few years. However, no one should underestimate the repercussions of the grind culture, especially on health and the same goals we attempt to reach by overworking. Therefore, the following are some of these repercussions.

 

Health Issues

 

What you might think is just general fatigue that can be addressed by a few hours of sleep after overworking can build up mental and physical health issues. Stress and feeling overwhelmed are unavoidable when overworking is the norm, which, when continually disregarded, can lead to depression, heart disease, or digestive discomfort.

 

Financial Problems

 

Yes, the harder you go on your hustle, the more you make. However, the more it will cost you when health issues strike. Besides, how can you even be productive if you are not in a good mental or physical state? Think about it this way, you overwork yourself and save a good amount of cash, only for it to end up taking care of your hospital bills. Seriously, is the grind even worth it if this is the case?

 

Social Disconnection

 

Neglecting relationships is very probable if you tend to overwork. While it is pretty obvious that missing out on crucial social connections can negatively impact your mental health, it also affects those who need your time. Therefore, set aside a few minutes or hours each day for social interactions with family or friends.

 

Reduced Performance

 

It is even more surprising that overworking gradually leads to reduced performance, contrary to the expectation that one can achieve more by consistently working harder and harder every day. Besides, this is relatable if you have experienced being dissatisfied with your efforts despite having worked hard. You cannot maintain positive performance if you constantly believe that you should do more and do not take a break when there is a need to.

 

These are just some indicators that the grinding culture is going too far. Working hard is a good thing and seems to be the key to success, but we must take a step back and reflect on the consequences of overdoing it. By doing so, we realize the importance of taking breaks often. Even though we all have different perspectives of success, the ultimate goal should not be to get the bag at the cost of health and well-being. So, allow your mind to wander for a few minutes each day. Also, make sure you indulge in something you enjoy daily, take good care of yourself, and connect with others. Life is meant to be enjoyed and not just to grind. Besides, there is a higher chance that balancing your work and life will help you become more productive and reach your goals sooner than you expect.