Dear friend,

It’s Saturday. I’m horizontal on the couch, staring into the middle distance, holding a coffee I have zero intention of drinking but every intention of emotionally supporting. I’ve survived the week. Barely. My brain? It’s somewhere between “blue screen of death” and “need to update software but too tired.”

So naturally, I found myself asking the big existential question that bubbles up when your calendar has been a crime scene all week: How much work is too much work? Or more importantly, how much work is actually necessary, scientifically speaking, before we start spiraling into burnout, anxiety, or worse — becoming LinkedIn influencers?

Let’s unpack.

First: What Does Science Say?

Science, our dear bespectacled friend, has actually been waving red flags about overwork for a while now. Numerous studies suggest that working more than 40 hours a week consistently is associated with increased risks of heart disease, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and the kind of existential dread that has you researching if goats can be emotional support animals.

In fact, the sweet spot? About 6 hours a day. That’s what a growing body of research is whispering seductively into the ears of burnt-out millennials and Gen Zs across the globe. Turns out, our brains weren’t designed to focus intensely for 8–10 hours. Cognitive performance peaks, and then we’re basically just typing and clicking for vibes.

And if you’re doing mental work? The invisible kind where you’re solving problems, making decisions, or constantly talking yourself down from starting an email with “per my last message” — oh honey, that’s even more draining. Emotional labor and decision fatigue are real. You might log off at 6, but your brain? She’s still at work, replaying meetings and overthinking that one Slack message that just said “sure.”

Meanwhile, in Other Countries…

Let’s take a peek across the globe, shall we?

France has a 35-hour work week (and let’s be real, a 2-hour lunch and wine o’clock culture probably help too).

Sweden has experimented with 6-hour workdays, and the results? People were happier, healthier, and even more productive.

Japan, bless their overachieving souls, are infamous for “karoshi” — death by overwork. They’re trying to dial it back now, but that culture of hustle hustle hustle leaves scars.

The Netherlands? They average around 29 hours a week and are consistently ranked among the happiest nations. Coincidence? I think not.

And the U.S.? Well. We’re still out here glorifying 80-hour work weeks and calling burnout a badge of honor like it’s a subscription service.

So… what gives?

The Blurry Line Between “Off” and “Still Mentally Working”

Here’s the kicker. Even when we’re technically off work, we’re often not off duty. We’re mentally sorting to-do lists while brushing our teeth. Drafting emails in the shower. Thinking about deliverables in the middle of a dinner date. Our brain is like that one friend who insists on doing just one more thing before bed and then somehow ends up reorganizing the whole kitchen at 1am.

The mental weight doesn’t vanish when we close our laptops. That’s why real rest takes intention. It’s not just logging out — it’s logging off mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

We need boundaries. Like real, dramatic, neon-lit boundaries.

So What’s the Right Blend, Butter?

I think — and hear me out — we need to start measuring success less by hours and more by impact. By sustainability. By how whole we feel when the day is done.

Some workdays might stretch. That’s life. But if every day is an uphill climb powered by caffeine and cortisol, then something’s out of whack. The right blend is probably:

6 focused hours of thoughtful, meaningful work 2 hours of mindless emails and pretending to understand Excel formulas Time OFF that’s truly OFF (read: no checking emails on the toilet, please) And an afternoon snack that makes you feel like a kid again

Because if we’re not protecting our brains, our hearts, our selves… what are we working for?

Closing Thoughts from the Couch

So this weekend, I’m doing a vibe check. Not just with my schedule, but with myself. Was that much work really necessary? Or was I just trying to outrun a feeling of inadequacy with a full calendar?

Next week, I’m trying something new: working like a European, resting like a cat, and only stressing about things after 10am.

We deserve to work well, not endlessly. And remember, rest isn’t a reward. It’s fuel.

Love,

Butter (currently in a committed relationship with her couch blanket)

Want to discuss burnout, dream up your own ideal work week, or share your work horror stories (there will be snacks)? Let’s chat in the comments, dear friend.

And if you made it to the end of this, close your laptop. Go outside. Touch a tree. You earned it.

Would you like a few fresh topic ideas for this weekend’s writing spree too?