Prioritize Yourself Over the Hustle in 5 Steps

With the rise of burnout culture and a growing emphasis on mental health, the soft life resonates as a counter-movement, offering people an alternative path.

With the rise of burnout culture and a growing emphasis on mental health, the soft life resonates as a counter-movement, offering people an alternative path. And no, it’s not about buying fluffier pillows (although, that’s never a bad call).

The soft life is a lifestyle choice that’s all about rejecting the hustle culture and embracing ease, peace, and most importantly, intentional living.

Sounds dreamy, right? But before you roll your eyes and think, “Great, another Instagram aesthetic…”, let’s dig into why this movement is striking such a chord, especially when it comes to mental health.

What Exactly Is the “Soft Life”?

The term “soft life” might conjure up images of luxurious spa days, perfectly curated charcuterie boards, and endless vacations. And yeah, that’s part of it for some fortunate enough, but the deeper essence is about reducing stress, setting boundaries, and living on your own terms. It’s a conscious decision to step away from the relentless grind and focus on what actually brings you joy and fulfillment.

At its core, the soft life is the antidote to hustle culture. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege to fully escape the grind. People are going through it with money and demanding schedules, making it really key to approach the soft life as a practice of meeting yourself where you are, rather than an unattainable ideal.

The soft life says, “Hey, maybe just don’t run yourself into the ground to prove your worth.” And guess what? It’s a message our overworked, overstimulated brains desperately need. So, if you are in the position to, make the change.

The Mental Health Bonus

Hustle culture is exhausting. Studies have linked chronic stress and overwork to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like heart disease. When you’re constantly in “go mode,” your brain never gets a chance to hit the reset button. That’s where the soft life comes in.

By prioritizing rest and relaxation, you’re giving your mind and body the space to recharge. It’s not laziness—it’s self-preservation. Imagine trading the constant buzz of notifications and to-do lists for quiet moments where you can just be. Sounds like a breath of fresh air, right?

The soft life also encourages boundaries, which are huge for mental health. Saying no to things that drain your energy (without feeling guilty about it) is like a superpower.

Whether it’s skipping that unnecessary meeting or politely declining a toxic relationship, boundaries protect your peace; that’s priceless.

How to Start Living a Soft Life (Even If You’re Busy)

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds nice, but I’ve got bills to pay.” Totally valid. Adopting a soft life doesn’t mean you quit your job and move to a villa in Tuscany (unless you can, in which case, invite me?).

It’s about making small, intentional changes that align with your values and well-being. Here’s some tips and resources from our blog to dip your toes in:

Reevaluate Your Priorities. What truly matters to you? Spend some time thinking about where you want to direct your energy. Is it your family? A creative hobby? More Netflix marathons with zero guilt? Focus on those things and let the rest fade into the background. (Read “Do You Love What You Do?”)

Say No More Often. Every “yes” to something you don’t want to do is a “no” to something you actually care about. Practice saying no without over-explaining. Trust me, it’s liberating. (Read about Saying “No” more often)

Schedule Rest Like It’s a Meeting. Block out time in your calendar for things that make you feel good—whether it’s a nap, a walk in nature, or just sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. Treat it like an unmissable appointment with yourself.

Unplug Regularly. The soft life loves a good digital detox. Turn off notifications, limit screen time, or even try a full day without your phone. It’s wild how peaceful life can feel without constant pings and alerts.

Embrace Simple Joys. You don’t need a luxury budget to live a soft life. Savoring a sunset, cooking a meal you love, or curling up with a great book are all small ways to bring softness into your day.

Don’t Abandon Who You Are

The soft life isn’t about abandoning responsibility or chasing perfection. It’s about creating a life that feels good to live. A life where your mental health takes center stage. The world is constantly telling us to “do more, be more, achieve more,” and that can make choosing ease feel like a radical act. If you need to, start small: take a moment today to prioritize just one of the things from above. At the end of the day, even the largest tree was once just a seed.