The cut-throat competitiveness of the times we live in requires most of us to give the biggest chunk of our days to the job.
Coping with the challenges that arise, staying on top of things and being productive, all add to one’s stress levels. If, added to that you have a difficult boss, the stress at your workplace can soon permeate into your life. It can affect your health, relationships, and eventually, your confidence and self esteem.
Says Gaurav Sablania, manager Online Research, Nielsen, “Today’s competitiveness has re-defined the corporate working style. In any organisation, the top rating (rating for promotion) is given only if you have gone ahead and done your stretch assignment. Stretch includes never saying ‘No’ to any work, taking up additional roles (role of two done by one), meeting/striving to meet unrealistic expectations. If you are doing your work fine, you will be stuck in the same role for years.”
Gaurav has in his previous places of work, been a victim of depression due to work related stress. He also saw a young colleague die of a heart attack and another get hospitalised due to work pressure. Given such scenarios, it makes sense then to strike a work-life balance.
Some people opt for jobs with less competition or peer pressure. But those with financial commitments cannot always leave a well-paid job. Most psychologists advise that reducing work stress through a lifestyle and attitude change is the only thing that works.
Hobbies
Your work is not who you are, it is what you do for a living. And what you do for a living can change based on your personal choices. There are several examples of people leaving lucrative careers to set up farms, dog schools or holiday resorts. While you don’t necessarily have to take such extreme steps, finding a hobby that helps you distress also helps significantly.
Exercise
The one thing that brings results almost instantly is daily physical exercise.
Personality changes
Not all of us are able to be assertive and confident at all times on the job. Besides taking responsibility for your own physical, mental and emotional well being, you should avoid negative people, improve your communication skills and compartmentalise as much as you can.
So find the time to smell the roses and go on that road trip you’ve been putting off. Like some wise person said, no one on his deathbed ever wished they had spent more time at the office!
