'Ugly side of hustle culture': Soshals founder, 25, ends up in hospital after all-nighters, poor diet

Kritarth Mittal also clarified that while he loved his work, he wasn't able to keep a check on his health at the same time.

Kritarth Mittal, the 25-year-old founder of the Soshals app, recently shared a cautionary tale about the dangers of unhealthy lifestyle choices linked to the hustle culture, following a health scare that led to his hospitalisation. Mittal, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, revealed that his intense work routine, characterised by all-nighters, inadequate sleep, and poor diet, resulted in a sudden emergency.

Mittal described waking up one morning with a severe headache and persistent vomiting, symptoms that prompted his hospital visit. He admitted that despite a long-standing erratic lifestyle since his college days, this episode was a stark reminder of the toll such habits can take. "Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades," Mittal warned social media users, as he urged them to prioritise their health.

Hustle culture comes with a cost some you incur right away and some over decades.Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy.This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan: pic.twitter.com/NcksKnwr7h
Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) September 2, 2024

The young techie acknowledged that his routine of less than five hours of sleep and lack of a proper diet plan was unsustainable, especially as he aged. Reflecting on his experience, Mittal remarked, "Now my body has started to remind me that I am not 20 anymore." He expressed his intention to establish a healthier routine going forward, recognising that the lifestyle he led during his college years was no longer viable.

"I am planning to do the same now. I started hitting the gym and religiously followed a routine for ~3 months but then went back to square one. Hoping to get back in shape and be a little more disciplined again," he wrote.

Mittal also clarified that while he loved his work, he wasn't able to mitigate other aspects and also keep a check on his health at the same time.

Mittal's post went viral and resonated with several social media users who wished him a speedy recovery in the comments section.

"Get well soon Kritarth! Lately I've learnt it too, as much as hustle is important- same goes for personal health and family time too. I've strictly spared a few 2-3 hours dedicated to personal care and family time- these can't be traded off for anything," a user wrote.

Another user suggested, "No office work after 6. That should be strictly followed."

"Get well soon. The key is to build habits slowly and keep it sustainable," a third user remarked. A fourth user added, "Get well soon buddy! Let me know if you want some support in order to streamline a few things. Wealth comes next to health, any day!"