Say YES to life: The importance of mental health in our WORKAHOLIC world

In our fast-paced, WORKAHOLIC world, the phrase “work hard, play hard” seems to dictate our daily lives. But have you ever paused to ask yourself, What is life really about? Is it simply a race to earn more money, to climb the corporate ladder, or to impress others with our productivity? In reality, life is much more than that. It’s about finding balance, nurturing relationships, and, above all, taking care of our mental health.

We often forget that beyond our desks and deadlines, there’s a world waiting for us. A world where you can sit with your grandmother, listening to her nostalgic stories; where your father sings old 60s songs over a cup of ginger tea; where your mother asks what you want to eat; or where your sister invites you to go shopping and the cutest fight with your brother. These simple moments of joy bring us happiness and should be prioritized over the endless demands of our jobs.

Recently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of disconnecting from work, stating, “We want to make sure that just as people don’t get paid 24 hours a day, they don’t have to work for 24 hours a day.” This marks a major mental health issue: the necessity for individuals to step back from their work to reconnect with their families and themselves.

The unexpected cost of overworking

The toll of overworking is more profound than many realize. Paulomi Sudhir, an NIMHANS clinical psychology professor, claims that long hours and stress at work can have a negative effect on mental health. She explains that an individual’s length of work is influenced by both systemic and personal factors. For some, choices are limited due to their job roles; for others, the pressure to perform can lead to burnout.

When we’re constantly attached to our jobs, we can experience a decline in productivity and a rise in mental exhaustion. Dr. Sudhir stresses the importance of switching off, both physically and mentally. Neglecting this self-care can affect our sleep and eating habits, leading to further deterioration of mental well-being.

You might be thinking that switching off is easier said than done in our hyper-productive society. But why stress yourself out when you have the option to relax? Imagine spending two hours with your favorite person, chatting and sharing the day’s events. That time is precious and contributes to your happiness. Life may be hard, but managing your time can bring calm.

Recent cases show the harmful effects of work stress

The recent death of a 26-year-old in Pune, attributed to work stress, raises alarms about how easily individuals can crumble under pressure. It forces us to ask why we allow ourselves to become so overwhelmed that we lose track of our lives. Another tragic case is that of Sadaf Fatima, an Additional Deputy Vice President at HDFC Bank’s Vibhuti Khand branch in Lucknow, who allegedly died in her office due to work pressure. In Jhansi, a 42-year-old area manager of a private finance company ended his life, with his family claiming he was mentally tortured by his seniors to meet recovery targets. Similarly, a 25-year-old man working at a multinational company in Maharashtra’s Matunga died by suicide in February, citing intense work pressure. These cases highlight the severe impact of workload on mental health and the tragic consequences that can follow.

The harsh reality of suicide: WHO data

Sadly, the pressure to perform often leads to devastating consequences. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, one person every 40 seconds. This global crisis affects individuals across all age groups. There are effective interventions that can be implemented to prevent suicides, but many still suffer in silence.

In a shocking incident in South Korea, a robot civil servant tragically fell down a staircase, leading to discussions around mental health in artificial intelligence. Unlike humans, robots don’t have feelings, making them incapable of processing the complexities of emotional distress. This incident serves as a reminder that, despite technological advancements, the need for human connection and emotional support remains paramount.

In India, several factors are contributing to the rising suicide rates. First, farmers are struggling with problems like unpredictable weather, high costs for seeds and fertilizers, and heavy debts, which can lead to tragic outcomes. Second, students often feel intense pressure to excel in their studies, which can cause serious mental health issues and, in some cases, even lead to suicide. Third, there is a lack of mental health services; many people can’t find the help they need because there aren’t enough mental health professionals or access to affordable care. Additionally, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face significant pressure from their families, often dealing with discrimination and rejection that can leave them feeling isolated and hopeless. Lastly, with the rise of technology, cyberbullying has become a serious problem, particularly for young people, negatively impacting their mental well-being.

The work-life balance dilemma

In a world where success is often measured by how hard we work, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. After completing exams and starting jobs, many focus solely on earning money, neglecting the vital aspect of mental health. The belief that working long hours makes our parents proud can lead to unhealthy workaholic tendencies. We grow up dreaming of big offices and luxurious lifestyles, yet we often forget the essential element of peace that sustains our lives.

Reflecting on life’s true value

Let’s take a moment to reflect on three important questions:

1. What is life according to you? Is it merely about working hard to earn money?
2. What is productivity? Is it solely about doing extra work for your company’s profit?
3. How do you say “no” when someone asks you to work 70 hours a week?

These questions force us to reevaluate our priorities. Life is more than just a paycheck; it’s about the connections we foster, the moments we cherish, and the care we extend to ourselves and others.

Finding balance and hope

Achieving a work-life balance is essential for our well-being. It’s crucial to create boundaries between work and personal life. This means taking time to disconnect from work-related tasks and investing that time into activities that rejuvenate our spirit, whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone.

To prevent burnout, organizations should also play a role by promoting mental health awareness and supporting employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The workplace culture must evolve to prioritize the well-being of individuals over mere productivity metrics.

While work is an integral part of our lives, it should never come at the expense of our mental health or happiness. The path to a fulfilling life lies in recognizing the importance of both hard work and the moments of joy that make life worth living. Infosys’ Narayana Murthy once said, “No, I don’t think 70 hours is important. What matters is being productive and working hard like the Germans after World War I or the Japanese did to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate in our society.” But I believe it’s better to work when you feel good and energetic. Pushing yourself through stress just to clock in more hours isn’t good for your health or your life.

Developed countries explore shorter workweeks for better work-life balance

In many developed countries, people are finding better ways to balance work and life. High-income nations often have shorter workweeks, and some are even experimenting with a 4-day workweek. For example, Belgium became the first European country to give workers the right to request a four-day week without any salary loss. Portugal and Iceland have followed suit, with Iceland successfully reducing working hours for many employees. Countries like Sweden, Germany, and Japan have also tested shorter workweeks, and Australia places emphasis on work-life balance by limiting the number of hours people can work and offering flexible schedules.

These countries show us that it’s possible to balance work and personal life without sacrificing productivity. By prioritizing mental well-being and finding a healthy balance, we can improve our lives, stay connected to the people we care about, and still succeed in our careers. We owe it to ourselves to embrace life fully, to say “yes” to the experiences that nourish our souls, and to say “no” to the excessive demands that drain our spirit. Let’s choose to live, to love, and to connect, because at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.

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