Make sure
you have enough me time. Take days off from work, and go on a short vacation
with family or friends.
The news of
the sudden demise of TV actor Sanjeet Bedi startled not only his family and
friends, but also audiences, in general. He reportedly became susceptible to a
brain virus, due to work stress and subsequently, low immunity.
In our fast-paced lives, many of us don’t tend to realise
how seriously stress can affect our wellness. As a result, we often overlook
the importance of keeping it under check. “Stress is not an overnight
phenomenon; it builds over time. If you are observant, you can notice the signs
that lead to a burnout. You should not ignore deep feelings of dissatisfaction,
and a creeping sense of hopelessness. It could turn into physical and mental
ailments,” says Dr Ajit Menon, interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital,
Mumbai Central.
In order to stay calm and stress-free, there are a few
tips that can help:
BE REALISTIC: You should realise that work is only part
of your life. The company will survive even without you, but you need to be
able to survive in the absence of the company. So, you need to know how to
strike a balance between work and home.
DO WHAT YOU LIKE: In many cases, people work over long
periods in jobs, which are misaligned with their skills, interests or values.
Introspect on what gives you more satisfaction and joy, and pursue that
vocation.
WORK IN MODERATION: Working for long hours, six days a
week, can make you feel spent. Take a break, travel, do yoga, and perform
breathing exercises to change the way you feel. Make sure that you make time
every day for an activity you love.
LIMIT STUFF ON YOUR PLATE: Many professionals
over-commit, either because they are too ambitious or because they cannot say
no to their supervisors. Be realistic about your professional growth, and
develop the courage to say no. Learn to negotiate timelines and delegate work.
DEVELOP BETTER THINKING SKILLS: Being driven by
perfection and pessimism can push you to the brink. Strive for excellence, not
perfection. Stay optimistic, and be resilient. You will be able to manage your
work more efficiently and smoothly if you do that.
BRING EXERCISE TO THE WORKPLACE: Include physical
activity in your working schedule. Take the stairs if possible, exercise or go
for a walk during your lunch breaks, and encourage others to do so too.
BREATHE: Relaxation does not only mean going on a
vacation. The best way to relax is to focus on your breathing. At work, try to
close your eyes, and breathe deeply every four to five hours for two minutes.
This will help you stay calm.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE: To de-stress your eyes, close them and
pinch your eyebrows, starting from the centre of the forehead moving towards
the end of the eyebrows. You can also massage your forehead. Long working hours
also impose stress on your shoulder muscles. Every two-three hours, take a deep
breath, shrug your shoulders up to your ear and drop them down. Also, do some
neck exercises by looking up and down, and sideways every two hours.
ME TIME: You need to ensure that you have enough me time.
Take days off from work, and go on a short vacation with your family or
friends. And while you are away, keep interruptions such as phones or laptops
at bay.
LIMIT ALCOHOL AND SMOKING: Do not indulge in excessive
drinking or smoking. While they are considered recreational, they can also
result in chronic physical and psychological ailments. — With inputs from
DrAjit Menon; Dr Kersi Chavda, consultant in psychiatric medicine, Hinduja
Healthcare Surgical, Khar (W); Dr Gladys Swamy, physiotherapist and director
and co-founder, Minerva Physiotherapy Clinic, Kurla (W).
Source
| Hindustan Times | 30 June 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment