Recently, I had the privilege of attending "Crib Connect" by the Crib Society, a gathering that brought together ten remarkable women, each a founder of a Singaporean local brand. This event was not just an opportunity to network; it was a chance to be inspired by their journeys, their stories, and their passion for entrepreneurship.

Why do we feel anxious in social gatherings? Why do we experience meltdowns and panic attacks? What is the underlying cause of our emotional distress?

We often undermine the effects our social lives have on us.

A toxic work culture can trigger our anxiety because deep inside, we know we don’t feel safe. We don’t feel seen, heard, or appreciated. These feelings are invitations for you to shine a spotlight on certain aspects of your life.

During a recent Zoom seminar on Career Management, our lecturer asked the group how stressed we were at work. Everyone in the group reported medium to high stress. Upon further discussing the stress levels, we realized that, particularly in Singapore, there is a sense of false pride in being stressed and constantly busy. As a result, statements such as "I'm so busy" "I have so much work lah” have become part of our culture.