When the Hustle Costs Too Much: How I Learned the Power of Self-Care

In 2020, I experienced one of the most challenging seasons of my career. Despite doing meaningful work and achieving external success, my physical and mental health began to deteriorate. I ignored the early warning signs—headaches, fatigue, and sleepless nights—because I thought that pushing through was the only way to keep up with the demands. Then, after three trips to the emergency room due to anxiety attacks, I finally realized that no amount of success is worth sacrificing your well-being.

The hustle culture glorifies burnout, but I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about how much you can endure; it’s about how you protect your energy and well-being while continuing to grow. I began my self-care journey from a place of survival, but over time, it evolved into a practice of thriving.

?Here are 5 practical tips that can start you on your path of resilience:

?5 Tips for Prioritizing Self-Care:

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1. Schedule Self-Care as Non-Negotiable Time Block off time in your calendar for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply resting. Treat this time as you would a work meeting—non-negotiable.
2. Learn to Say No Without Guilt Part of self-care is setting boundaries. Saying ‘no’ to things that drain you makes space for opportunities that align with your energy and values. Practice small acts of boundary-setting until it becomes second nature.
3. Listen to Your Body’s Signals Ignoring stress signals like fatigue, headaches, or insomnia is a recipe for burnout. Tune in to your body’s early warning signs and adjust your workload or take a break when needed.
4. Build a Support Network Resilience is easier to cultivate when you have a community of support. Surround yourself with friends, mentors, or coaches who can offer guidance and encouragement when things get tough.
5. Focus on Sustainable Work Practices Instead of trying to work harder, aim to work smarter. Implement systems and routines that allow you to achieve your goals without overextending yourself.

Learning to prioritize self-care changed the trajectory of my life and career. It was the difference between surviving and thriving, and it gave me the clarity I needed to align my work with my values. Remember, resilience isn’t just about how much you can push through—it’s about ensuring that the journey you’re on is sustainable and healthy. By taking care of yourself first, you build the foundation for long-term success that doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being.

?If you’re ready to prioritize your well-being and break free from the burnout cycle, the Resilience Pathway can help you take the first step. Discover how to build sustainable habits that support your health, career, and happiness.

Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation, a consulting and coaching firm dedicated to creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in DEI, leadership development, and resilience coaching, Sacha empowers individuals and organizations to align their values with meaningful, sustainable change. Through her personal journey and the development of the Resilience Pathway, she helps professionals navigate challenging environments and prioritize self-care for lasting success.