Burnout Culture Among Men: The Cost of Hustle in a Hyperconnected Economy

In an era defined by hyperconnectivity, constant productivity, and glorified hustle, men are silently bearing the weight of a culture that pushes them to their limits - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Once celebrated as ambition, the relentless drive to excel has morphed into chronic overwork, emotional suppression, and burnout, calling for an urgent societal re-evaluation of what success really means.

While the pressures of productivity are not new, today’s digital age, with its 24/7 notifications and social media comparisons, has intensified the struggle. Men are under increasing pressure to maintain high performance at work, stay physically fit, and project a curated image of success online. But beneath the surface lies a growing crisis.

“The rise of hustle culture feels like a double-edged sword,” says Joslin Gracias, Psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. “Men are expected to ‘do it all’ while staying composed, strong, and silent about their internal battles. This comes at the cost of self-neglect and declining mental and physical health.”

// Unpacking the Pressure

From a young age, social conditioning teaches boys to suppress vulnerability in favour of logic and perseverance. Over time, this creates an internal barrier to seeking help or expressing emotional discomfort. Added to this are blurred boundaries between personal and professional life, especially in remote work settings, which further erode mental resilience and personal well-being.

A 2022 survey revealed that men working from home were logging significantly longer hours, often without breaks or boundaries, leading to chronic stress and disrupted sleep. The illusion of control in a hyperconnected world exacerbates these issues, often resulting in social isolation, family disconnection, and a perpetual state of emotional exhaustion.

// The Physiological Toll

The effects are not merely psychological. Men are reporting increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, and insomnia. Neurologically, many remain locked in a sympathetic "fight-or-flight" or dorsal vagal "shutdown" state, leading to hypervigilance and a lack of fulfilment.

// Breaking the Cycle

Gracias emphasizes the importance of breaking free from this cycle through holistic and evidence-based approaches. “Somatic therapies, breathwork, mindfulness practices like the ‘wise mind’ exercise, and developing emotional literacy can all help men reconnect with their inner selves,” she says. “We must also encourage men to redefine what success looks like, rooted not in status or wealth but in balance, purpose, and well-being.”

// A Collective Responsibility

This is not a personal failing but a societal issue. Traditional gender norms must be addressed early in life, and we must collectively promote men’s mental health with the same urgency as physical health.

“At Thrive Wellbeing Centre, we believe the goal isn’t just to survive, it’s to thrive. And thriving begins with authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to seek help,” says Gracias.

For additional information and resources, please visit www.thrive.ae