JOIN USMost articles about work-related stress start off on a scary note about how young professionals are succumbing to this silent killer.
But reading this again is not going to help, especially on a Monday morning; one would be more interested in knowing the ways in which you can tackle this issue (throwing a stress ball at an offending colleague is hardly a solution). With more and more youngsters climbing the steps of the corporate ladder quite early in their lives, it has become even more imperative to achieve a sound work-life balance.
“My career has been a priority for me but stress is a by-product of reaching the corner office,” says Anita Peter, Assistant VP, KPMG. “There is so much competition that one has to be on their toes all the time. In this chaos, meditation always helps me calm down. Sitting in silence and thinking nothing at all, cutting out the rest of the world is rejuvenating.”
Anita adds that dancing is another act that helps her relax. “I used to learn Mohiniyattam but had to give it up when work took over. However, I practice on my own sometimes and try out new steps. And once a year, I make it a point to go on a trip with my close friends or a group of like-minded people. We went to Jaipur this year and next on our agenda is Leh and Ladakh. These sort of getaways are a sure-fire method to keep one sane,” she says with a laugh.
Going away on short trips definitely helps, vouches Subhasish Chatterjee, principal consultant in data science for an MNC.
“I try to go somewhere once or twice a year but my only plan is to not have a plan. I decide the destination on the go. It adds to the excitement,” he says. “Other than that, I also take an interest in anything that requires a little bit of creativity — like photography, dance, making short films and so on. And one should have a wide variety of diversions.
I am a part of a number of online groups where topics range from neuroscience to politics. Getting into a debate or discussion in one of these forums invigorates my brain,” he adds.
While many prefer to try their hands at all those activities that they normally set aside during weekdays, others like Amarnath K prefer to laze it out during weekends. “I spend time at home because weekends are the only time we are all together,” Amarnath says. “I watch a movie or two on television or step out to meet friends. This helps me relax in all ways possible,” he says.
While meeting friends is a fixture on the ‘to-do’ lists of most youngsters, Sanghamitra Ghosh talks about the importance of having some ‘alone time’. “I go out and shop for myself or visit the parlour. Relaxing means finding time for myself and doing whatever I want to do, without depending on anyone. And if I was going through a particularly rough patch, I would talk to family or friends and unburden myself. Everyone needs a support system at the end of the day,” she adds.
For Swarup Sridhar, nothing calms him down like running. I run two to three times a week and Sundays are almost always reserved for this,” he says.
“I much more composed, happier and relaxed after a good run. In fact, I have recommended this as a de-stresser to most of my friends and may of them have taken to the fitness route to calm themselves down,” he says.
“Curling up with a good book and a huge tub of ice cream or a deliciously unhealthy slab of chocolate is my way of destressing,” says Chithira P, Lead Assistant Manager at an MNC. “I generally avoid making too many plans. In fact, it is astounding how much one’s stress level goes down with the simple act of switching from skinny jeans to yoga pants.”