For the sake of Australia’s wellbeing, we need to stop burning out our workers

Off the back of another rate rise, more Australians than ever are on the fast track towards total burnout. 

In recent times those living in the ‘Lucky Country’ have been teetering on the brink of exhaustion, caught in a never-ending cycle of work, worry, and weariness. A toxic cocktail of factors — chiefly the high cost of living, unaffordable housing, and a relentless work culture have robbed us of our peace of mind.

Our modern lifestyle is marked with continuous connectivity and a hustle mentality that is slowly poisoning our sense of wellbeing. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay mindful as our waking thoughts are dominated by the drive to work; without even realising it many Aussies are sitting on the edge of total burnout.

While most of us clock in an average of 32 to 38 hours of work per week, a rising number are being pushed to take on second and even third jobs. ABS data shows that one million Australians are currently working two jobs to make ends meet. In the last quarter, the hours we worked also increased by 2.5% to a total of 5.9 billion hours. 

Research shows that 13% of Aussie employees work ‘very long hours’, putting us at an even worse work-life balance than the US. When it comes to unpaid overtime Aussie workers are clocking in an average of 4.3 hours of extra work per week, worth a collective $93 billion a year or $8000 per worker.

The haunting fear of financial insecurity is so palpable among Australians that as many as one in four find it hard to get by on their current income. While the escalating cost of living has necessitated longer working hours to maintain our standard of living, sacrificing our health along the way will only lead to greater issues down the track.

With interest rates predicted to go down at some point in 2024, we must consider if our current method of dealing with stress is serving us. A national study reveals that 3.3 million Aussies suffer from anxiety. Up to 45% will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. 

More than the estimated $200 billion it costs the economy per year, mental health disorders take their toll on our bodies, minds, and relationships.

For starters, stress contributes to high blood pressure, heart disease, poor sleep quality, and cognitive decline. Our bodies wear out as our immune systems bear the brunt of our anxiety. A lack of balance can lead to us being less present with our loved ones and make it harder to enjoy life.

For the sake of our wellbeing, we desperately need to revamp the way we deal with challenging life situations. We must practice the art of setting realistic goals and taking life one day at a time. Those who master this skill are much better placed to weather difficult life events and are able to manage their time and expectations in a way that leads to less stress. 

It can be something as simple as keeping a wellness journal to jot down your moods or calling a friend for a chat. A small commitment to five minutes of breathing time works wonders to still the heart and mind. 

If the thought of exercise is too overwhelming, breaking it down to a smaller, more achievable goal like walking around the block is something that can be built on over time. Most of all making an effort to spend more time doing what you love — your ‘happy place’ — whether it’s spending time with loved ones or putting down your phone to savour meal times are all part of what makes life worth living.

It is when we are at our most stressed that we are most in need of these little things. In an ironic twist, it seems that we have to learn to let go first in order to regain balance and maintain control over our surroundings. Above all, we must remain grateful for what we have if we want to stay grounded when the going gets tough.

In developing self-awareness, we cultivate a long-term vision that gives us a sense of purpose and helps us deal with adversity. Without it, our mental health suffers and we end up caught in the hamster wheel of survival without a true understanding of where we’re going and why.

The truth is competition and struggle are nothing new. When we feel like we’re drowning under the pressure of financial strain and overwork, it’s critical to take the long view and build more self-care into our lives. Only then can we begin to find fulfillment as we strive to overcome the daily grind.

 Adam Jelic is the founder of MiGOALs.