In the age where the rapid pace of life has become the norm, the introduction of a tired face emoji by Apple this week poignantly reflects our societal reality: we are now Generation T, characterised by chronic exhaustion. This digital icon isn’t just another addition to our message repertoire but a sobering representation of a nation worn out by relentless demands.
Data paints a rather stark picture: research shows that approximately 76% of individuals feel overwhelmed by their obligations. Despite significant advancements in technology designed to make our lives easier, a study from the World Health Organisation revealed that stress-related disorders have risen significantly, with burnout now officially recognised as an occupational phenomenon. The cultural entrenchment of burnout is not merely anecdotal; it’s quantifiable.Â
As the concept of the “5am Club” continues to flood our feeds, it’s often lauded as the ultimate path to heightened productivity. However, the American Psychological Association reports that the stress of merely keeping up is detracting from our performance, leading to decreased productivity and increased incidence of burnout. It’s this ubiquitous culture of overwork that’s led to productivity theatre rather than genuine progress. This state of perpetual fatigue isn’t just a lament; it’s a call to action. Yes, we are tired. But being tired should not be synonymous with failure or lack of ambition. It’s a stark reminder that in our striving for success, we have unwittingly sacrificed our well-being at the altar of overwork. We’ve glorified the early birds, the productivity hacks, and the unending grind to the detriment of our souls.
The undeniable feeling of burnout has woven itself into the fabric of our society, hailed as a badge of honour in the treacherous terrain of modern achievement. How did we get here, clutching our too-hot lattes, scrolling through never-ending feeds, and yearning for one more hour of sleep which seems more elusive than ever? As we hastily cycle through emojis to punctuate our digital conversations, it becomes starkly clear which resonates most profoundly: the tired face. It’s not merely an icon but a mirror reflecting the exhaustion entrenched within us all.
Meanwhile, companies trying to counteract this trend often overlook one pivotal factor: 92% of employees consider mental well-being crucial in their work environment, yet many workplace initiatives fall short. A Gallup report highlights that 83% of employees feel burnout very often or always, severely impacting innovation and efficiency.
Therefore, this tired face emoji we find ourselves overusing becomes not just a representation of fatigue but an imperative signal—one that underscores the need for a reevaluation of how we approach work and rest. The expectation of constant availability and productivity has led to an era marked by sleep deprivation, as noted by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, with an alarming 35% of adults in the U.S and UK not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.
Let this emoji serve as a wake-up call—quite literally—to a healthier work-life balance that values true productivity over sheer presence or prolonged hours. Through informed change, we can transform Generation T from a symbol of exhaustion to one of balanced, efficient, and sustainable productivity.
Austen’s best selling book, released in November 2024 worldwide has generated enormous success in part due to encouraging readers to track their energy not their time, and reconnecting with their own natural rhythms. Her ‘8am Club’ has been ‘the thing most readers have messaged me about,’ as they finally feel they have permission to break free of routines that didn’t serve them, other than to generate social positive approval. Her most recent article, commissioned by Grazia magazine in today’s issue, leads with ‘striving to be the best version of ourselves to gain others’ approval is causing unhappiness.’ She also notes that there is a difference between a busy life and a full life, and that self generated busyness is contributing to exhaustion.
Austen’s first lesson in Smarter is called Mornings, and below, she highlights how to set yourself up to win more readily, first thing, avoiding exhaustion and learning to break free of performative cycles.
Embrace the 8am club;
The 8am Club isn’t just the start of a new day—it’s an opportunity to redefine the way you approach life and work. In a world where success is often measured by appearances rather than actual accomplishments, we find ourselves trapped in cycles of performative productivity. The 8am club invites you to break free from these constraints and focus on what truly matters to you. As you transition into this unique club, you’ll discover that it’s not about rising early for the sake of appearances or competing in a superficial race of who’s up first, but rather about consciously choosing to invest in the aspects of life that hold real significance. The “8am Club” isn’t a literal club of early risers but a metaphor for the time when you decide to make meaningful changes, aligning your daily actions with your core values and genuine aspirations. Today’s society often rewards the portrayal of success rather than its substance. We are applauded for being busy, for having packed schedules, and for juggling numerous tasks, yet we frequently neglect the essence of satisfying achievement. In “The 8am Club,” our focus shifts from looking successful to being fulfilled and impactful. Here, success is redefined not by outward appearances but by the inner satisfaction that comes from living a life aligned with one’s deepest values and ambitions.
Replicate Realistic Routines:
In your pursuit of goals, it’s essential to set realistic routines that fit your lifestyle instead of mimicking those of others. For instance, if you notice influencers promoting extreme morning rituals, remember that these routines often come from unique circumstances (gym in the basement, a cleaner folding their laundered gym kit). Instead, focus on gradually building a morning routine that works for you. Start with achievable tasks, like making your bed or drinking a glass of water. Keeping your goals realistic prevents frustration and cultivates a more sustainable approach to personal development.
Wake Up and Win: Transform your mornings by starting small. Achieving a simple task right after waking up can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. For example, instead of setting ambitious goals like working out for an hour, strive to accomplish smaller tasks first. Tidy your room, drink a glass of water, or read a page from your favourite book. These small victories can build momentum, boost motivation, and ultimately lead to a more productive day. Celebrate these wins, as they create a fulfilling morning routine.
Remove Morning Decisions by Preparing the Night Before: Alleviate morning stress (which can lead to decision fatigue later in the day), by making decisions the night before. This can include selecting your outfit, prepping breakfast options, or planning your tasks for the day. By minimizing the number of decisions you have to make in the morning, you can conserve mental energy and start your day with a clearer mind. Establish a consistent evening routine that focuses on preparation, allowing you to prevent morning chaos and create a seamless transition into your day.
Don’t Hit Snooze: Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button on your alarm clock. When you do, you disrupt your sleep cycle, which can lead to grogginess. Instead, place your alarm out of reach to encourage yourself to get out of bed immediately. Alternatively, set your alarm for the latest possible time you need to rise, allowing yourself to wake up feeling more refreshed. This minor adjustment can transform your mornings and set a more energised tone for the day ahead.
Reframe Negative Thoughts: If you wake up feeling anxious about the day ahead, try reframing your thoughts to cultivate a more optimistic perspective. Instead of expecting a stressful day, challenge yourself to view it as an opportunity for growth and success. Ask yourself how a positive person would handle the situation or seek advice from a supportive friend. Taking a moment to reset your mindset can significantly influence your day, leading to enhanced motivation, productivity, and overall satisfaction in your tasks.
Make Someone Else’s Day: Start your mornings by performing small acts of kindness to improve your mood and motivation. Acts such as complimenting a stranger, sending a supportive message to a friend, or buying a coffee for someone can trigger positive feelings within you. Engaging in altruistic behaviour activates your brain’s reward system, producing the “helper’s high.” By fostering a culture of kindness, you not only uplift others but also create a more positive environment for yourself, which can greatly enhance your overall productivity and satisfaction for the day.
Utilise the Ten-Second Test: To combat procrastination, use the ten-second test for tasks that can be completed quickly. If an action takes ten seconds or less, do it immediately. This approach can apply to simple tasks like replying to emails or setting reminders. By tackling tiny tasks right away, you clear mental clutter and boost your productivity. The ten-second test not only helps you stay organised, but it also fosters a sense of achievement and makes your workload seem more manageable.
Track Energy, Not Time: Shift your focus from time management to energy management. Recognise that your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, influencing your productivity. Conduct a week-long evaluation to identify when you feel most energised, creative, or productive. Adjust your schedule to align important tasks with your peak energy periods. For instance, if you know you’re most focused in the late morning, schedule demanding work during that time, maximising your productivity by utilising your natural energy cycles.
For love or money: Should you and s/o merge finances? Read here to find out.