The importance of wellness while we work

 

The stereotype for success in India is to work, work, work until you succeed. Yet, when it gets too much and work stress catches up with you, you’re often less productive and successful than you could otherwise be. Stress can affect health, and without good health, being effective becomes impossible. So how can one be ambitious, hard-working, connected, and still maintain  productivity and wellness?

Here are some suggestions for the youth!

1. Being plugged in doesn’t mean being productive: We strive for connectivity and improved technology. We rejoice with faster internet connections, improved phone networks and fancier smart phones. However in this race to always be online, we shouldn’t ignore the risks of our phone addiction. The truth is that in this day of constant inundation of email and digital media, it seems like the youth can never fully switch off.

Every day, Americans check their cell phones an average of 46 times. One would think that this would make them happy. Yet, research shows that too much device usage, especially on social media leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression and increased stress levels. Additionally, every time we check an email, it takes us 25-30 minutes to fully get back in the flow of whatever work we were doing. Instead of increasing our productivity, constantly being on email might just be decreasing it.

Once you create some time away from devices, it will give way to creativity. Unplugging will allow you to think freely, and get fully in the flow of your work. This is a required state for productivity, and also for happiness. Start with 30 minutes a day, and build it up to 24 hours a week!

2. Take time off: Take meaningful breaks away from your work. Take time to go on vacation, and even during your work day switch off during lunch. Call a close friend and catch up or read a book. On vacation, try completing switching off your devices. Real human connections and interactions are shown to increase happiness much more than time spent on social media! When you step out and do things you enjoy, it refreshes your mind. It exposes you to new people, ideas, and places. This in turn allows you to be more informed, positive and a better team player at work.

3. Meditation, diet and exercise: Working out releases endorphins that make you feel good. It keeps you fit, in turn increasing your ability to be active and productive at work. Mindfulness and meditation allow your mind to remain centered and calm, so that you can take effective decisions even during stressful times. Get regular check-ups done at the doctor and maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine. Maintain good posture at the office (several people now use standing desks or laptop stands).
To conclude, no matter how hard you work, don’t forget that you need to prioritize your health as well. These might seem like trivial steps, but they are an investment. Not just in your short term success but in your long term fulfillment from life!

Link to the published article: http://bit.ly/2mbFzR0