I recently commented on a social media post, suggesting that generosity stems from happiness.

Another follower responded, 'Happy people are those who sleep less and hustle.'

This sparked a thought-provoking contrast.

The idea of 'hustling' often evokes images of relentless effort, a daily survival mode driven by fear. But what are we truly hustling for? Is it a sustainable path to happiness or success? Is it driven by fear? Is it necessary to be in a constant state of fear? The reality is, many of us live with chronic stress.

Studies show that a significant percentage of people experience daily stress that interferes with their lives, impacting everything from work performance to relationships.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that:

• 72 percent of people who have daily stress and anxiety say it interferes with their lives at least moderately.
• 40 percent experience persistent stress or excessive anxiety in their daily lives.
• 30 percent with daily stress have taken prescription medication to manage stress, nervousness, emotional problems or lack of sleep.
• 28 percent have had an anxiety or panic attack.

In the workplace, stress and anxiety most often impacts their …

• workplace performance (56 percent)
• relationship with co-workers and peers (51 percent)
• quality of work (50 percent)
• relationships with superiors (43 percent)

The main culprits of work-related stress:

• deadlines (55 percent)
• interpersonal relationships (53 percent)
• staff management (50 percent)
• dealing with issues/problems that arise (49 percent)

[Source: Anxiety and depression association of America]

Do you want to continue living a high-stress lifestyle?

Now, let’s dig deeper into the effects of stress.

Stress can motivate you to achieve peak performance. But it also can damage your health. Neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf distinguishes between beneficial stress (Level I), which enhances focus, and toxic stress (Level III), which damages health. Managing stress effectively requires mindful examination of our thoughts, as they shape our subconscious and influence our actions.

Stress Management: Belief shifts and actionable steps

Feeling trapped in your work, convinced you have no choice but to endlessly hustle? I understand. I was there before. We all crave control – over situations, people, outcomes. Yet, the paradox is that the tighter our grip, the more elusive control becomes. True mastery lies in managing our thoughts and visualizing possibilities.

Neuroscience confirms the power of visualization. By shifting our focus from the constraints of our problems to the expanse of potential solutions, we unlock new options and opportunities. It's a journey from a mindset of relentless hustle to one of intentional rest and strategic action. Here are five practical steps to guide you:

1. Challenge the illusions of limitation: Begin by identifying those ingrained beliefs that whisper, "You have no choice," or "This is the only path." Question their validity. Ask yourself, "Is this belief absolutely true? What tangible evidence supports it?" If the answer is no, replace those limiting narratives with empowering ones. What more helpful beliefs can you actively choose to embrace?
2. Tap into the power of support and resources: Don't navigate this path alone. Seek out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance and perspective. Cultivate a supportive network of individuals who believe in your potential and uplift you. Remember that resources, both internal and external, are available. Be open to receiving help.
3. Cultivate inner awareness through mindfulness and self-reflection: Become a keen observer of your thoughts. Identify patterns that may be unknowingly holding you back. Clarify your core values and goals. Ensure your actions are aligned with what truly matters to you. Practice gratitude. Shift your focus to the abundance of opportunities and blessings in your life.
4. Embrace idleness. It's not just okay to not be productive, it's vital for your overall health: Guilty of not working hard or busy enough? You're not alone. In a world that glorifies busyness, it's easy to feel like you're falling short if you're not constantly 'productive'. We've fallen into the 'Busy Trap,' where being busy equals being valuable. But is this truly the case? Tim Kreider, in his insightful article, argues that we've wrongly vilified idleness. He reminds us that 'idleness... is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets.' It's a compelling image, isn't it? Perhaps our relentless pursuit of busyness isn't a rational choice, but a moral imperative, driven by societal expectations rather than our own well-being.
5. Take breaks. Think of it as strategic rest: Research suggests a simple solution: take more breaks. Recent studies demonstrate that hourly breaks significantly boost productivity. As Dr. Lleras explains, 'When faced with long tasks, it is best to impose brief breaks on yourself. Brief mental breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task. Incorporate short breaks every 50 minutes, or switch to a different task for a change of pace. Take a moment to step away. Grab a sip of water, gaze out the window. Notice the sky, the sunlight – small details we often miss when we're constantly pushing forward. These moments of pause can be surprisingly rejuvenating.

By actively and consistently engaging in these practices, we can shift from the cycle of relentless hustling to embrace a more sustainable approach to accomplishing our work and life, while creating more space for joy. Remember, awareness is the beginning of change. Consistency is key.

Today, hustle less, sleep more.

Living fully. Living well.

Corinna Kong

P.S. If you think someone in your network would find this helpful, I'd be so grateful if you'd share it with them.

© 2025 Corinna Kong. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer: this post does not constitute therapy advice. If you experience depression and anxiety due to chronic stress, consult a licensed therapist in your state.