S01E06 - The Work Hard, Play Hard Myth

The Drinking Rethink

Is “Work Hard, Play Hard” Holding You Back?

The idea that success requires burning the candle at both ends, working hard and then drinking hard to unwind, is deeply ingrained in many industries. But is this mindset really fueling success, or is it quietly sabotaging your performance, health, and long-term goals?

In this episode of The Drinking Re-Think, co-hosts Kathryn Elliott and Chris Gimpel 'break down the origins of the 'work hard, play hard' mentality, why it persists in corporate culture, and what the research really says about alcohol, burnout, and high performance.

If you’ve ever justified drinking as a reward for long hours, or felt pressure to “keep up” with workplace drinking culture, this episode is for you.

You'll hear:

✔️ Where the 'work hard, play hard' mentality comes from and why it’s so common in high-pressure industries
✔️ The impact of alcohol on stress, productivity, and career growth
✔️ What research says about drinking, burnout, and performance - including why NOT drinking might be the ultimate productivity hack
✔️ Practical strategies for socialising, relaxing, and celebrating without alcohol

This episode isn’t about telling you to quit drinking. It’s about helping you rethink whether alcohol is actually helping or holding you back. Whether you’re looking to cut back or just want to challenge outdated workplace norms, this conversation will give you insights and tools to take control of your drinking choices.

If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague stuck in the 'work hard, play hard' cycle. Let’s change the conversation together.

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