The Gen XY Lifestyle
The Hustle Culture Hangover and Why Singaporeans are Finally Prioritising Rest
In a city that never seems to slow down, the pressure to be constantly productive, always online, and forever ‘hustling’ is a familiar feeling for many of us.
But the relentless grind is taking its toll, and a cultural shift is underway. People are beginning to realise that true wellness isn’t just about pushing harder in the gym; it’s also about knowing when, and how, to stop.
Virgin Active is tapping into this sentiment with its new ‘Recharge’ campaign, an initiative designed to challenge the ‘hustle’ culture by empowering people to prioritise rest and recovery.
Anchored on the message “Tune out the grind and tune into your mind,” the campaign reframes rest not as laziness, but as essential, active self-care.
The Widespread Sleep Deficit
The campaign is a direct response to some stark findings from Virgin Active’s recent Wellness Trends Survey 2026. The survey, which polled 1,000 Singaporeans, revealed a significant gap between our wellness priorities and our reality.
While 41 percent of people consider sleep and recovery a key area of wellness, it’s also the second-biggest struggle, with 37 percent actively seeking help. The problem is widespread, with a concerning 44 percent reporting they consistently struggle with sleep, significantly affecting their energy, focus, and daily lives.
Perhaps most telling is how little time we dedicate to deliberate rest. An alarming 28 percent of respondents said they rarely or never take time for intentional recovery, like stretching or meditation.
“With so many Singaporeans struggling to get proper rest, it’s increasingly important to make space for recovery in today’s overactive world,” said Julien Bera, Country Director for Virgin Active. “Wellness isn’t just about working hard; it’s about knowing when, and how, to pause.”
Recharging is More Than Just a Nap
Virgin Active is moving beyond the treadmill to offer a suite of experiences specifically designed to help people recharge. Members have access to unique facilities like Zero-Gravity Sleep Pods, Himalayan Salt Inhalation Rooms, Hydrotherapy Spa Pools, and Cold Plunges. These aren’t just perks; they’re tools for holistic wellness, designed to complement fitness training by enhancing performance, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity.
To provide deeper support, the company has also partnered with Somnus Sleep Wellness, a team of certified sleep health experts. Through this collaboration, members can join monthly sleep-focused masterclasses and get personalised sleep assessments to understand and optimise their rest patterns.
It’s a clear invitation to see rest not as an indulgence, but as a vital part of a balanced, healthy life.
Infographics provided by Virgin Active Singapore
