September marks Healthy Aging Month, emphasizing how choices made in our 30s and 40s shape the quality of life in later decades. For many young professionals, these years are dominated by constant busyness pursuing promotions, managing side hustles, and chasing “success at all costs.” But according to Dr. Shantalea Johns, professor, licensed therapist, and mental health educator, hustle culture may be quietly undermining both mental wellness and longevity.
“Your 30s and early 40s are often spent in overdrive, working hard, climbing ladders, raising families, and proving yourself,” Dr. Johns explains. “But if you don’t prioritize your mental wellness now, you risk burning out long before retirement. Rest isn’t a luxury. Rest is wealth.”
Dr. Johns emphasizes that healthy aging is not about enduring stress but about developing sustainable habits for emotional and mental balance. The routines we build today, she says, determine whether the years ahead will be marked by resilience or exhaustion.
She outlines three key strategies for young and mid-career professionals to protect their well-being as they age:
- Redefine productivity. Measure success by progress and fulfillment rather than hours worked. Allow yourself to rest without guilt.
- Prioritize connection over comparison. Social media often fuels unhealthy competition. Focus on meaningful relationships that provide support and positivity.
- Invest in professional support. Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments. It’s a proactive step toward emotional stability and long-term wellness.
With nearly two decades of experience in community mental health and higher education, Dr. Johns helps individuals design personalized wellness plans to build lifelong resilience. Her mission centers on empowering people to take control of their mental health early and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling, balanced life.
To learn more about Dr. Shantalea Johns and her work, visit Shantalea.com.
