Doctor warns that chronic overwork is as dangerous to health as tobacco

Filling every waking hour with activity has rapidly become the norm for countless people across the country. With chief executives and corporate leaders championing productivity and calling for longer working hours, the problem is only deepening.

The relentless pace is taking a serious toll on human health, yet many continue to celebrate hustle culture and wear it as a badge of honour. Speaking with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anant Kulkarni, medical director at Harley of London, India, took direct aim at the trend.

"Busy is the new smoking," he said plainly.

"Just as tobacco's dangers were ignored for decades, we are overlooking how chronic overwork silently corrodes health," Dr Kulkarni explained. He went on to identify the ways in which an always-active lifestyle damages health, and outlined the habits people would benefit from reconsidering.

How the always-on lifestyle harms the body

According to Dr Kulkarni, an "always-on" existence traps the body in a permanent state of fight-or-flight. In the short term, this results in elevated cortisol levels, a disrupted sleep schedule, and a weakened immune system.

Over time, these effects can progress to more serious conditions, including metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and chronic inflammation.

"Running nonstop without recovery is not resilience — it is self-destruction," warned Dr Kulkarni. "Our bodies were never designed for perpetual busyness. What we call 'hustle' is, in fact, a health hazard."

Habits worth reconsidering

For those embedded in hustle culture, Dr Kulkarni highlighted several key habits that need to be addressed to safeguard health.

The first is redefining what progress actually means. Frantic activity is not the same as efficiency — one hour of deep, focused work delivers considerably more impact than five hours of scattered multitasking.

The second is learning to say no. In a culture that prizes constant availability and a willingness to take on more, the ability to decline is a vital tool for self-preservation. Protecting one's time is not a sign of indulgence; it is a necessity.

The third is making space for pause. Stillness is not laziness. Brief breaks, mindful walks, or moments away from screens allow the nervous system to reset and ultimately support better performance.

Balance over burnout

"Busyness is not a medal; it is a slow drain on lifespan. The true marker of success is sustainable, meaningful output — not frantic motion," stated Dr Kulkarni. "One must stop wearing exhaustion as proof of ambition and start valuing balance as the foundation of achievement."

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.