It is time to challenge the notion of celebrating long working hours and overtime. We need to change our perspective and prioritize the importance of leading a balanced and meaningful life. Mental health is the wealth that we must protect, both as individuals and as a society. We need role models that create a new work culture.
We see ambitious people glorifying long working days - on SoMe or when they get speaking time. They create an image that the road to success consists solely of many hours of work. I agree that the road to success requires dedication, focus and hard work, but that doesn't mean you have to work unhealthy long hours - and forget about everything important.
Unfortunately, we see with the same people that they believe that sleep is overrated and they have an overconsumption of coffee and energy drinks. These drinks are often used as temporary solutions to stay awake and increase productivity. But what actually happens when you drink a lot of these every day?
Excessive consumption of coffee and energy drinks with sugar can have serious consequences for our health and well-being. Overconsumption of caffeine leads to sleep disturbances, palpitations, anxiety and irritability. While it can provide a temporary energy and focus boost, it is often followed by a slump as the effects wear off. This can create an addiction and a constant search for more caffeine to maintain the same effect. I'm not saying caffeine is bad. Overconsumption is.
In addition, many of these energy drinks have added large amounts of sugar, which can result in weight gain, dental problems and an increased risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes. Drinking them in excess can have serious consequences for our general state of health.
It is important to create a realistic and sustainable approach to work and life in general. Hours worked alone are not an indicator of success. It is also about being efficient, creative and able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We must dispel the stereotype that success can only be achieved through constant overwork and suppression of rest.
According to a study from Harvard Business School it turns out that overtime not only leads to exhaustion and burnout, but also reduces productivity and creativity in the long run. We become more efficient and generate better ideas and solutions when we give ourselves time to recover and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Furthermore, our lifestyle and well-being directly affect our performance. A study published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows that people who prioritize healthy sleep, exercise and a good diet perform better and have less sickness absence.
We are not made to be indoors most of the day or sit in front of a screen for many hours at a time. Numerous research studies, including a study from University of Michigan , confirms that time spent in nature and exposure to sunlight can improve our mental well-being, increase creativity and reduce stress levels.
As entrepreneurs and ambitious individuals, it is crucial that we take care of ourselves. We cannot achieve success if our mental and physical health suffers from constant stress and overwork. We need to recognize that our well-being is essential to our productivity, creativity and ability to make healthy decisions.
As managers, we have a special responsibility to create a healthy work culture that prioritizes employees' mental health and well-being. It starts with being a good example. By showing that we prioritize our own balance and well-being, we send a powerful message about the importance of self-care. You can go a step further and implement policies and initiatives that support employees' mental health.
A healthy work-life balance also involves taking breaks and finding time to recharge. This means introducing healthy routines such as exercise, meditation, relaxation, traveling or working remotely in good weather. By finding time for ourselves and our own interests, we can achieve increased creativity, mental clarity and a stronger sense of satisfaction in life.
Mental health should be a priority for all of us, regardless of our professional ambitions. It is not a weakness to take care of our mental well-being; it is a strength. When we prioritize our mental health and create a healthy work-life balance, we not only strengthen ourselves, but also our ability to contribute positively to our work and our surroundings.
Let's break with the glorification of overwork and burnout and instead create a new culture that values balance, well-being and quality of life. We deserve to live a life where we thrive both personally and professionally. So let's enjoy the journey, take care of ourselves and create a future where our mental health is a priority.
It might sound like a cliché, but... "YOLO". Every day counts. Take care of yourself – and your team.
