Everyday I'm hustlin'
Hustle culture refers to a societal phenomenon and mindset that promotes constant, relentless work, often at the expense of other aspects of life such as rest, and personal well-being. It is characterized by the belief that success and achievement are primarily attained through extreme dedication, long working hours, and a constant drive to hustle, grind, and push oneself beyond the limits. 😨
Constant stress
The pressure to continuously perform and meet high expectations can fuel anxiety. Hustle culture’s mentality often disregards the need for rest and recovery. Thus we might often feel guilty whenever we take time to prioritize our well-being. Any moment that’s not spent productively is considered a wasted time.
Eventually running on this hamster wheel can result in burnout & apathy, exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a sense of detachment. All of this stress can even lead to illness. You can read more about this in Gabor Mate’s book “When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress”.
Stress effect on the brain
Stress weakens neuron connections in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions like decision-making and emotion regulation. This impact is particularly significant for individuals with ADHD, who already struggle with these functions. Stress-induced changes can exacerbate difficulties in focus, impulse control, and organization.
impact on adhd'ers
Recognising the impact of stress on the prefrontal cortex is important for understanding the extra challenges faced by those with ADHD. We might be more sensitive to daily stress (not to mention the stress that hustle culture can bring). We need effective stress management strategies to support ourselves, and take work-life balance seriously in order to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the brain. Rest is not a reward – it’s essential.
WHAT is an adhd brain to do?
🏆 Reward yourself while doing the work – not later. Give yourself treats, rest breaks, movie nights, weekends in nature. This is part of life – it’s not just for “when I deserve it” – you already do!
😊 Identify your core values and what brings you fulfilment. Consider whether your current goals are in line with your well-being. If they are solely based on external pressures or societal expectations, it might be time to redefine them.
🧱 Set boundaries – establish clear boundaries between work & personal life. Define specific times when you’re off-limits for work-related tasks.
😴 Recognise that rest is essential for productivity and creativity. Allow yourself guilt-free breaks and periods of relaxation to recharge your energy. Develop routines that promote balance.
🤝 Seek Support – surround yourself with friends, family, or a community that shares your values and supports your efforts to escape the hustle culture. Reach out to a therapist or coach to help you through this process.
OVERWHELM WORKBOOK
It’s important to recognize the signs of overwhelm and take proactive steps to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed.
You can also learn more about ADHD & overwhelm in this workbook.
COACHING CAN HELP
ADHD coaching can be instrumental in helping ADHD’ers with various challenges:
- Goal setting
- Accountability
- Understanding strengths and values
- Building structures
- Self-awareness
- Skill building
- Stress management
If you’d like to work together, please reach out here. 
