Here’s why the ‘soft life’ is the new power move for a healthier, happier you

The hustle is real. I want balance. Work hard, play hard. Burnout or breakthrough?

This constant inner tug-of-war isn’t just a trend; it’s a reality for many, especially the younger generation redefining what success means to them. We’re torn between values passed down from our parents, where long hours and sacrifice were celebrated, and the growing desire for balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. We were taught that success comes with struggle. That time off had to be earned, preferably through exhaustion. That midday breaks were lazy. But slowly, things are changing. Enter: the soft life.

The soft life isn’t about laziness or a lack of ambition. It’s a conscious shift towards a lifestyle that values mental clarity, emotional peace, physical well-being, and freedom of choice. It means designing a life that feels meaningful, not just productive. We’re no longer fully dictated by fixed work hours and outdated rules. With growing awareness around sleep, stress, and holistic health, we know better – and we want to live better.

The soft life is about intentionally creating space for joy, rest, and ease. But that doesn’t mean giving up on discipline. In fact, it requires awareness and strength to build a life rooted in both grit and balance. Often, I question if both can coexist. As a mother of two in my forties, I think about this regularly. I want to instill in my children the value of hard work, perseverance, and follow-through. I believe in showing up fully and giving your best. But I also know the importance of balance: of rest, exercise, sunshine, and protecting your energy. I’ve learnt that softness and strength aren’t opposites – they are, in fact, complementary, especially for mental and physical growth.

The real question isn’t “soft life or hard life?” – but how to create space for both. When I speak to young adults, I tell them their twenties are a time to build – when energy is high and commitments are fewer. It’s a window for growth, risk-taking, and developing resilience. That said, working hard shouldn’t mean sacrificing health or joy. The new challenge is building discipline without burning out, and understanding that rest fuels performance rather than hindering it.

My hope is that we can finally let go of the outdated idea that success is tied to exhaustion. Leaders, parents, and young people alike need to build a new model – one where mental and physical well-being are seen as essential to achievement, not secondary. Future generations must learn that looking after yourself isn’t indulgent; it’s wise. That you can pursue your goals with passion and still protect your peace. The soft life is a good life – rooted in intention, backed by effort. You can work hard and live gently. You can be ambitious and still rest. I also hope is that, as parents, we can raise a generation that knows how to strive and also knows when to slow down, so they can be their best selves.

Shireena Shroff Manchharam is a Her World Tribe member, the founder and principal consultant of Sheens Image Consulting, and the founder and creator of Getting To Happy, a mental health movement to inspire our community and society to live happier, more mindful lives.