Your Body Doesn’t Deserve The Hustle Lifestyle

In a world that glorifies productivity and endless striving, the relationship we have with our own bodies often becomes strained, neglected, or entirely forgotten. We are encouraged to push through exhaustion, override discomfort, and force ourselves into routines that may not truly serve us. Yet, our body (the vessel through which we experience life) is constantly speaking to us. The question is, are we truly listening?

Your body holds the memory of every experience you’ve encountered. It’s not simply a machine to be controlled or perfected; it’s a living archive, holding stories of joy, pain, resilience, and everything in between. Too often, we fall into the habit of seeing our bodies as problems to be fixed rather than companions to be nurtured.

Recently, my daughter told me about a comment a family member made to her about my body. However, the words that once would have cut deeply, I was surprised to find held no emotional sting. It was a moment of clarity that reflected how far I had come in making peace with my physical self. I could look back, smile, and recognise it for what it was: an opinion that didn’t need to dictate my own sense of worth.

This experience highlighted a powerful truth:

When we nurture our relationship with our body from a place of reverence, not resistance, criticism loses its power.

For many of us, there’s a noticeable disconnection between our head and heart, our mind and body. We are conditioned to override the body’s wisdom—ignoring signs of fatigue, hunger, or emotional distress in favour of productivity and achievement.

Yet, our emotions live within our bodies. They will speak to us in whispers long before they scream. To truly nurture and accept your physical self is to create space for deep listening. What is your body asking for? What feels nourishing? What movements bring you joy?

Instead of reprimanding yourself for what you can’t do or trying to force your body into submission, try asking:

• What can I do that feels good and energising?

• What foods truly ground and nourish me?

• What routines or movements allow me to feel expansive and supported?

It’s about celebrating what you can do and working with your body, rather than battling against it.

Embodiment isn’t a destination; it’s a practice. It’s about choosing to be fully present within your body, honouring its needs and respecting its boundaries. Instead of labelling your limitations as failures, consider them invitations to deepen your connection.

There’s a wisdom in allowing yourself to pause, reflect, and respond from a place of calm and clarity.

Hustle culture teaches us that more effort equals more results. But when it comes to your body, gentleness and consistency create a far more profound impact than relentless striving ever could.

Reconnecting with your physical self is a journey that requires both curiosity and compassion. It’s about learning to nourish yourself rather than berate yourself. When you shift from seeing your body as something to control, fix, or perfect, and instead embrace it as a partner in your journey, everything begins to change.

Ask yourself: What would it feel like to truly honour my body’s wisdom? To respect its limits and celebrate its strengths?

The process begins with reverence, not resistance. Through listening, nourishing, and embracing your body as it is, you can forge a more compassionate, resilient, and fulfilling relationship with yourself. The physical self is where we start our journey towards unlocking extraordinary potential.