The term ‘soft life’ has gained popularity on social media recently. On platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, influencers tend to sell the notion of leading a stress-free, calm life, dotted with comfort, self-care, and financial comfort. The idea appears easy to follow: do not make yourself unnecessarily suffer, defend your peace, and take care of yourself to be happier. The concept of a soft life may seem seductive, at least in a world where most individuals are crushed by the workload, overwhelmed by their responsibilities, and under constant pressure to perform.
Although it may be an inspiring trend, the trend of soft life may give an impractical idea of success, happiness, and personal development. It, in most instances, transforms a sincere wish to balance a well-tuned illusion.
The culture of burnout gave rise to the concept of a soft life in the first place. The society was glorifying hustle and continuous productivity over the years. Citizens were pushed to work more, take up more than one job and do away with sleep in the name of success. Several people started getting tired of this lifestyle. The soft life movement came in response to this — the need to take it easy, take a break, and focus more on the mind.
This message is conceptually healthy. Maintaining a healthy mind, maintaining boundaries, and not being in a toxic work environment is a good place to start. However, social media also tends to reduce complicated concepts to catchy mottos and images. This leads to the fact that the soft life concept is often depicted as a type of life that has to struggle less and be comfortable as much as possible.
This image is deceptive, especially to the youth. Online influencers can portray a lifestyle of luxurious cafes, designer clothes, and travel around the world without much display of the hard work, privilege, or money involved. The audience starts thinking that a comfortable life is one that does not pose any challenge. Frustration and self-doubt can be the results when the reality does not correspond to this expectation.
The reality is that there is nothing like struggle and effort in life. Critical life experiences, such as the processes of failure, self-improvement, and development, usually lead to personal growth. A life where there is no effort is not only unrealistic but can also deprive one of development opportunities. Hard work, responsibility, and discipline are essential for progress in education, work, and relationships.
The other issue with the myth of the soft life is the economic reality that people have to deal with. In nations where joblessness and cost of living, as well as the financial strain, are prevalent, the concept of effortless luxury may appear irrelevant to the daily routine. To the students who have to work part-time and study simultaneously, or some young professionals whose families require their financial support, the dream of a life with no stress can be a far-fetched thing rather than a practical one.
Comparison is also another thing promoted by social media. By being constantly exposed to edited pictures of other people who live apparently perfect lives, individuals might be insecure about their own lives. Comparison may hurt self-esteem and cause unwanted stress from meeting unrealistic expectations.
One should keep in mind that, to a large extent, what is posted on the internet is highly edited. Influencers tend to portray only the best bits of their lives and conceal the challenges behind the scenes. An idyllic life in the morning might seem easy in a video, yet it could be due to the financial stability, the ability to work at your own time, or other systems that do not necessarily apply to everyone.
Rather than pursuing the idealistic form of soft life, a better way to go would be to pursue a balanced life. Balance does not remove challenges; it makes people deal with them more easily. It consists of pursuing objectives as well as safeguarding mental well-being, preserving interpersonal connections, and taking breaks.
A balanced life acknowledges that there has to be effort to be successful, but this does not mean that one has to be overtly exhausted all the time. It teaches individuals to work hard when it is appropriate, sleep when they have to, and embrace the fact that life has good and bad times. In this regard, it does not mean that the real comfort is not found in the process of struggle but in mastering the art of handling it with self-awareness and confidence.
One of the lessons brought about by the soft life trend is that people have the right to rest and find peace. Ambition should not come at a cost of burnout, and mental health should not be disregarded in the quest to achieve success. However, peace does not miraculously manifest itself in the aesthetic practices or inspirational subtitles. It is constructed over time by being objective, having positive relationships and being resilient.
Finally, the myth of the soft life makes us remember the distinction between appearance and reality. Life is not as easy as social media would like people to think. As opposed to pursuing a life of perfection on paper, people can derive more enjoyment in building their own lives that are fulfilling, balanced, and genuine.
It is not about avoiding the work but finding the meaning, foundation, and harmony in the work itself.