Psychologists say the ‘soft life’ trend is destroying hustle culture

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably noticed the rise of the “soft life” – a relaxed, simple lifestyle that values ​​peace and ease over stress and a hectic culture.

The term “soft life” originated in the Nigerian influencer community and has since spread worldwide, primarily through social media platforms. The movement emphasizes comfort, relaxation, and prioritizing personal well-being over relentless productivity and societal expectations.

“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but that strong black woman narrative doesn’t apply to me. I live a soft life. I’m a pretty princess. Little inconveniences get me down,” Brittany, a lifestyle blogger, said in a TikTok video posted in March 2022.

Although Brittany comically exaggerates the needs of soft life enthusiasts, there are real benefits to be had. If the soft life movement has intrigued you, here are some key insights.

1. Reject the hustle culture

Many people, especially millennials, have grown up steeped in the #hustleculture mentality and the “get up and hustle” mentality — the idea that success is synonymous with relentless hard work — which promotes maximizing productivity even at the expense of physical and mental health.

However, the trend of maximizing productivity and making sacrifices to “make more money to live a better life” is becoming outdated. People are increasingly realizing that living their best life is not just determined by enormous material success or societal standards.

A recent KeyBank survey found that the rising cost of living has led Americans to reject hustle culture and move towards a soft life. 72% of respondents prefer to define success through the lens of a soft life that emphasizes happiness, satisfaction and accomplishment. Meanwhile, 54% believe that hustle culture, which measures success in terms of wealth, status and achievements, can lead to burnout.

The #softlife movement, which has received millions of views on TikTok, emphasizes creating healthy boundaries and prioritizing wellness. This lifestyle rejects the idea that success requires sacrificing health, instead promoting a balanced approach to work and life so that personal health isn’t sacrificed for professional achievement.

2. Reclaim your health through self-care

Living a soft life requires prioritizing your physical and mental health, which includes regular self-care practices and participating in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This approach counters the constant pressure to perform and achieve.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than one in five U.S. adults (57.8 million people) are living with a mental illness, with higher prevalence among women and young adults ages 18-25. This highlights the urgent need to prioritize mental health and develop effective strategies to manage it.

A systematic review carried out in 2023 identified a range of self-care fundamentals that are deemed crucial for young people struggling with mental health issues: You or a loved one who is struggling can use the checklist below to gauge the quality of their mental health condition.

• Self-awareness It involves recognising and understanding your own mental health needs and emotions, which includes tuning into your own feelings and thoughts in order to deal with mental health challenges effectively.
• Self-compassion We need to be kind and understanding to ourselves, especially during difficult times. Self-compassion means treating ourselves with the same care and empathy we would show a friend in need.
• Health monitoring This includes tracking your emotional state and overall mental health. By regularly monitoring your health, you can identify any changes or patterns that may need your attention.
• Maintain physical health. This includes habits like exercising, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep to promote overall health.
• Build supportive social structures. Establishing a support network of friends, family and professionals can give you emotional support and practical help during difficult times.
• Balance your day. Try to balance your daily routine and responsibilities. Balancing your activities requires you to manage different aspects of your life so that you don’t become overwhelmed.
• relaxation. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga or a hobby can help relieve tension and calm the mind.
• Personal care. Paying attention to personal hygiene and creating self-care habits not only contributes to your health, but also improves your overall self-esteem.
• Increased life satisfaction. Engaging in activities that enhance overall life satisfaction gives you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

3. Live intentionally and create boundaries

A soft life is about being intentional with your time and energy, encouraging you to make conscious decisions that align with your values ​​and bring you peace, rather than succumbing to outside pressures and expectations.

Living an easy life doesn’t mean avoiding responsibilities or being flippant. Instead, it means being honest about your limitations and working within your control, rather than pushing yourself and stressing yourself out.

Setting boundaries between work and personal life is a core component of soft life. When the boundaries between work and personal life are blurred, people experience increased emotional exhaustion and decreased well-being, a study published in December 2023 found. The cutting edge of psychology.

A healthy lifestyle can mitigate these effects, but people with poor boundaries often struggle to maintain healthy behaviors, which leads to further deterioration of their emotional well-being.

• Definition of working hours. Stick to a set schedule and do not work outside of those hours. Inform your coworkers and superiors of your availability.
• Set priorities. Focus on completing the most important tasks first, avoid over-committing to projects, and learn to say “no” when your hands are full.
• Meeting time management. Schedule meetings during productive times and avoid unnecessary meetings. Set a clear agenda to keep meetings short and focused.
• Communicate clearly. Discuss boundaries with your team and your boss to make sure they understand and respect your limits.
• Disconnect from work. Avoid the temptation to check in by turning off work-related notifications on your phone and computer during off-hours.

The soft life trend is more than just a passing social media phenomenon. It represents a fundamental shift in the way people approach life and work. It’s focused on prioritizing inner peace, happiness, and the things that truly bring you joy and fulfillment. If you often feel like you’re running out of time after work to get anything done, it might be time to embrace the soft life era.

Is your self-care routine working well or does it need improvement? Self-Care Inventory You can learn more.