Stress Is Not A Flex. Why We Need To Let Go Of Always Being Busy.

In our quest to do it all, being busy and in constant overdrive is affecting our physical and mental health more than ever. Being burnt-out is no longer a badge of honour, but one that (red) flags the need for a healthy edit of our to-do lists…

In today’s world, being ‘busy’ is often worn as a badge of honour, a quiet competition over who’s juggling the most, replying fastest, and resting least. But here’s a gentle truth: chronic stress is not something to aspire to. The glorification of hustle culture, the idea that burnout equates to success, deserves to be reconsidered. Especially for women striving to do it all in fast-paced, high-performance environments, it’s time we reflect on what a fulfilling, balanced life really looks like.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I often work with individuals who are admired for their drive and productivity. Yet behind closed doors they feel overwhelmed, disconnected and emotionally drained. The pressure to always be achieving, producing, or progressing can chip away at one’s sense of calm, clarity and self-worth. What often goes unnoticed is the emotional cost of this lifestyle. Hustle culture prioritises performance over wellbeing and equates self-worth with output rather than essence. We end up measuring our value by how much we do, instead of how meaningfully we live.

In dynamic cities like Dubai, where ambition fuels innovation and opportunity, the pressure to constantly ‘do more’ can feel ever-present. The curated perfection of social media, the glamorisation of 18-hour days, and the fear of falling behind all contribute to a culture where rest feels counterintuitive. And for women balancing multiple roles, whether as leaders, mothers, partners, creatives or caregivers, this pressure can feel relentless.

But our bodies and minds were never meant for continuous overdrive. Prolonged stress impacts not just our mood but our sleep, immunity, relationships and physical health. We can start to feel like we’re only valuable when we’re performing. And before long, ambition becomes indistinguishable from anxiety. So often in therapy I hear people say things like: ‘I can’t relax,’ or ‘I hate meditation,’ and whilst I appreciate meditation is not for everyone, more often than not these statements feel true because quiet moments have started to feel uncomfortable and alien.

So how do we begin to shift the narrative?

It starts by gently challenging the belief that pausing is weak, or that taking a break diminishes our potential. What if we reimagined rest as intelligent, boundaries as powerful? What if success meant not just reaching milestones, but feeling whole along the way?

From a psychological standpoint, tying self-worth solely to performance creates a fragile inner world. External recognition is fleeting. Enduring confidence, however, comes from self-acceptance, reflection, and intentional living. Let’s normalise a new kind of aspiration, one that includes restoration, presence, and joy. Let’s celebrate those who prioritise their wellbeing, who say no without guilt, who honour their energy and emotional bandwidth. Let us remember that being fulfilled really does not require being constantly overwhelmed.

To every woman who feels the unspoken expectation to keep pushing through, please know that your value is not determined by how much you carry. You are not more deserving because you are tired. You don’t need to earn your rest.

Here are some ways we can begin to shift away from hustle culture and reclaim balance…

Tune in to your patterns

Notice when your mind equates slowing down with falling behind. Gently question those beliefs. Ask yourself, ‘What am I hoping to prove, and to whom?’

Redefine what success means to you

Move away from productivity as your only metric. Success can be peace of mind, deep connection, meaningful work, or simply feeling at home in yourself.

Make space for true rest

Prioritise practices that nourish your nervous system, quality sleep, stillness, time outdoors, creativity or moments of solitude. Th ese aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.

Protect your energy with boundaries

Learn to say ‘no’ to what drains you so you can say ‘yes’ to what sustains you. Boundaries are not barriers; they’re bridges to better wellbeing.

Ask for support when you need it

You don’t need to do it all alone. Whether it’s therapy, community or simply honest conversations, connection is one of our most powerful tools for healing and resilience.

And finally…

Let’s give ourselves permission to live in a way that feels expansive, not exhausting. Because stress is not a symbol of strength. It’s a signal – quiet but clear – that something within us is asking for care.

Imagery Supplied

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia June 2025 Issue