The cost of hustle culture - why rest is not a weakness

By building a culture where rest is valued as much as effort, and where wellbeing is seen as foundational to productivity, we can unlock the full potential of our people.

In our society today, success is often equated with relentless productivity and professional achievement. This narrow view has led to a worrying trend the glorification of burnout. Across India, young professionals confuse exhaustion with commitment, treating fatigue as a badge of honour instead of the red flag it truly is.

The World Health Organization's Global Mental Health Report 2022 reveals a steep increase in work-related mental health issues, particularly in developing economies. The findings mirror a deeper cultural shift, that is becoming increasingly evident in business circles and among emerging talent.

Connected yet alone

Our technology keeps us constantly connected, yet meaningful human bonds are weakening. The NIMHANS National Mental Health Survey findings reveal that despite digital connectivity, many Indians report poorer personal relationships and greater feelings of isolation.

This creates a paradox where we are always available but increasingly lonely. About one third of urban Indian professionals feel significantly lonely despite extensive work networks, highlighting the gap between connection quantity and quality.

The economic impact

Mental health challenges hurt more than individual wellbeing - they affect our national prosperity. WHO estimates, mental health conditions will cost India approximately $1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030. Disorders like anxiety and depression impair creativity, clarity, and cognitive performance, all of which are vital to maintaining India’s edge in the global knowledge economy.

Learning from Global Model like Finland

While India grapples with these challenges, countries like Finland present a compelling counter-narrative. Consistently ranked among the happiest nations globally, Finland exemplifies how wellbeing and productivity can co-exist.

"Self-care" isn't a meaningless buzzword in Finland. Their model emphasizes community living, active engagement in sports, and deep-rooted connections with nature for the all of which contribute to physical and emotional resilience. Public parks, forest walks, community saunas, and sports clubs are not considered luxuries but essentials. This collective lifestyle nurtures not just individuals, but the broader society aimed in creating a balanced, content, and productive workforce.

Finland’s education system also encourages downtime, play, and mindfulness, recognizing that rest is not a distraction from learning, but an enhancer of it. Their economy flourishes not in spite of these priorities, but because of them. India has a rich tapestry of traditional wellness practices, and by adapting Finland's holistic principles to our context, we can reimagine productivity which is sustainable.

Building resilience through Indian Wisdom

Indian philosophy has always emphasized the inseparability of mind and body. The concept of ‘svasthya’ goes beyond the absence of illness to embrace complete wellbeing, that has long promoted balance, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. Modern science now echoes these ancient insights, advocating for integrated approaches to physical and mental health.

The WHO’s 2024 Advocacy Strategy stresses that nurturing both body and mind simultaneously leads to better health outcomes. Practices that include regular exercise, nutritious food, good sleep, and meaningful social engagement act as natural buffers against stress and burnout.

Schools and Workplaces: New Frontiers for Change

Educational institutions must evolve beyond academic excellence to become guardians of student wellbeing. Schools globally are integrating mental health literacy, mindfulness sessions, and regular rest breaks to improve learning outcomes and emotional resilience. India can do the same training educators and caregivers as Mental Health First Aiders and embedding mental health awareness into daily curricula.

Likewise, progressive workplaces are realizing that employee wellbeing isn’t a perk, it’s a necessity. From establishing mental health support centres and confidential counselling to implementing peer-led awareness programs, organizations must proactively build support structures. Normalizing conversations around mental health in the office can foster empathy, reduce stigma, and boost productivity in the long run.

A future rooted in Balance

As India steps confidently into a new era of global leadership, we have an opportunity to redefine what success truly looks like. It's no longer just about speed or scale instead it’s about sustainability and human-centric growth. By building a culture where rest is valued as much as effort, and where wellbeing is seen as foundational to productivity, we can unlock the full potential of our people. This is not about blindly borrowing from global models of other nations, but about evolving our own and drawing from our rich traditions while embracing global best practices. If we envision a future where mental wellness, meaningful work, and community connection go hand in hand, India can lead not just in innovation or economy, but in setting a new standard for holistic progress.

Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication.