25-year-old tech entrepreneur admitted to hospital as ‘hustle culture’ takes it toll: ‘I’m here to show you the ugly side of it’

Technology entrepreneur Kritarth Mittal, the brain behind Soshals app, recently revealed that he got a health scare and was hospitalised due to hustle culture which took a toll on him. “Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur immediately and some over decades. The choice is yours, I’m just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don’t get swayed easily. This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan,” Mittal, 25, wrote on X as he shared a photograph of him at the hospital.

Notably, hustle culture refers to the constant jostle to meet targets, catch up with work appointments, and do everything that marks productivity and hard work, often at the cost of health and lifestyle.

Considering overworking has become a norm for many professionals, we spoke to consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad on how an ‘unhealthy’ lifestyle can negatively impact health, and why a work-life balance is crucial.

Stressing that a work-life balance is critical for maintaining good health and preventing serious illnesses, Dr Kumar said its main aspects entail a reasonable amount of working hours, getting optimum time for sleep, exercise, and being with family. “Overworking should be avoided, as it is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Eight hours per day is ideal and one should not exceed 50-55 hours of work per week,” Dr Kumar continued.

Additionally, 7-9 hours of sleep per night is recommended for maintaining good health. “Sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of obesity, heart attack, stroke, mental illnesses, dementia, certain types of cancer and premature death,” said Dr Kumar.

It’s important to eat healthy (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Exercise is crucial for health and fitness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercises or 300 minutes of mild-moderate-intensity physical activity per week. “These should include a combination of aerobic exercises (such as walking, cycling or running), strength training, and stretching,” elaborated Dr Kumar.

Spending good quality time with family and friends is also important for health and happiness. According to Dr Kumar, one should allot at least 1-2 hours daily for these.

Consuming a healthy diet is paramount for remaining healthy and preventing diseases. Dr Kumar mentioned that if one spends more time in the office, there is a possibility of consuming more junk and fast foods, which are unhealthy. “In addition, late dinners or midnight biriyanis are common habits among youngsters who overwork, which are also unhealthy,” said Dr Kumar.

Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades.

Choice is yours, I’m just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don’t get swayed easy.

This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan: pic.twitter.com/NcksKnwr7h

— Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) September 2, 2024

Last, but not least, one should avoid smoking and consuming alcohol (which is a problem among youngsters, especially those who overwork), stressed Dr Kumar.

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