By Audrey Tan
Coming from an Asian family, “hustle culture” was a way of life. I was always taught that I must prioritise my studies, get good grades, and land a job where I must continue to work even harder. But after burning out and experiencing all the symptoms of a budding depression, I finally broke down. I asked myself why do I even bother working this hard? What is the end goal here, after all?
Being a “hustler” isn’t a bad thing, but it becomes damaging when it takes precedence over our own health and well-being. A product of capitalism, hustle culture is really just a fancy term for workaholism. It’s a self-perpetuating myth that more success, satisfaction, and happiness await those who prioritise work over anything else. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
I’ve found that you can say no to this damaging lifestyle and still live a happy and fulfilling life. Feeling overwhelmed by it all lately? Here are 5 books that can help you say no to hustle culture and live life on your terms.
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less By Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Author, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, is a business consultant in Silicon Valley—not exactly who you’d expect to be telling you to slow down. Being in the rat race himself, Alex shares valuable and logical insights on the importance of rest through first-hand experiences and captivating anecdotes.
This book is highly recommended if you need a compelling reason to prioritise rest versus being a 24/7 hustler. Contrary to the belief of hustle culture, Alex shares that rest is the key to more productivity, increased creativity and overall success in the long run.
Tired As F*ck: Burnout At The Hands Of Diet, Self-Help, And Hustle Culture By Caroline Dooner
The title of this book is what most of us can relate to. At the end of the day, we’re all just really tired. Author Caroline Dooner tells us it’s okay to be tired and it’s okay to not be okay. With real-world insights and a dose of humour, it’s a thought-provoking read that will empower you to embrace self-acceptance and self-care.
Caroline delves into the concept and consequences of treating ourselves like machines. She shares her journey of experiencing the dark side of the traditional self-help narrative and how she eventually found peace through a radical period of rest. It offers a fascinating and eye-opening perspective that will leave you thinking long after reading.
How To Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy By Jenny Odell
In the fast-paced, results-driven culture that we currently live in, Jenny Odell makes a compelling case for the necessity of slowing down. She argues that we can unlock our full potential when we reject the pressure to constantly produce and instead focus on active listening and contemplation.
It’s not about being lazy or ignorant but rather about stepping back and redirecting our attention to what truly matters. If you’re feeling out of place in today’s attention-seeking economy, this book sheds light on how our identities have become intertwined with our jobs and offers ways to reclaim the power of your own curiosity.
Wintering: The Power Of Rest And Retreat In Difficult Times By Katherine May
Whether it’s losing a loved one, being diagnosed with an illness or losing a job, life doesn’t always play out as we want it to. Through a blend of personal storytelling with lessons from mythology and literature, author Katherine May offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat in her book.
May touches on the idea of finding solace in sadness and embracing the ups and downs of life. She shares her journey of finding joy in the quiet and beauty of winter and taking comfort in moments of recuperation to become more in-tune with ourselves and life.
How To Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach To Cleaning And Organising By KC Davis
Many of us neglect our home when work becomes demanding or life overwhelms us. In “How to Keep House While Drowning”, author KC Davis shares a refreshing perspective—a messy house doesn’t have to be bad; it’s just a sign people live there.
In other words, contrary to what society tells you, you don’t have to feel ashamed if, after a long day’s work, all you want to do is rest and recharge. It doesn’t make you a bad mom or a messy person. You deserve to give yourself a break!
No matter what your life goals are, it’s totally okay to take a break and prioritise your well-being. It’s okay to say no hustle culture. Goals are important, as are your mental and physical health and spending time with loved ones.
Think about it—if you continue neglecting your health, you might not be around to reap the rewards you’ve worked so hard for.
Take it from me: SLOW DOWN and always be kind to yourself.