Published in · 4 min read · Mar 30, 2022
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How many times have you told yourself that you’ll use the weekend to relax, only to find yourself stressed out and even more exhausted come Monday morning? If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone.
According to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 75% of people say their mental health has suffered due to stress in the past year. However, there are plenty of things you can do to combat stress and improve your mental health.
For starters, try to disconnect from work and social media. Dedicate some time to yourself and do something that makes you happy, whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or spending time with family and friends. You can also use the weekend to catch up on sleep.
Most people I know live & operate in a global world. Ever since we started working from home, 5 am (AM) meetings seemed fine because we are optimists, and why not. I have done it multiple times.
This ‘why not” takes a toll on you when you’re busy with work after working hours. I don’t mean to compare doctors and firefighters with people creating software. Most of my friends who work in software and product for technology companies are mostly busy. We are busy at 7 am and also at 8 pm because of a team in EMEA or APAC etc.
How did we get here in the last few decades?
Internet happened. Our work comes back with us to our home while we are supposed to be with our family. After a while, you might get a bit less productive and more burnt out from work because of it, but we keep doing it to pay the bills. We all have them, and we need to take care of them to enjoy what we have.
I usually take off my work hat during the weekend unless I have to do something on a deadline.
Out of 52 weekends, I didn’t work more than 30% of them. It doesn’t mean I didn’t think about work or plan for the upcoming week, but I tried to have 70% of my…
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of productivity and mental well-being, I can attest to the profound impact that our modern work culture has on individuals' mental health. My extensive background in psychology and my practical experience in managing stress and promoting mental wellness make me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article by Prateek Gupta.
The article highlights a prevalent issue—work-related stress—and its adverse effects on mental health. The evidence supporting this claim is drawn from a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, encompassing 2,000 Americans. The staggering statistic of nearly 75% reporting that their mental health has suffered due to stress in the past year underscores the gravity of the situation.
The author offers practical solutions to combat stress and enhance mental well-being. One key recommendation is to disconnect from work and social media during the weekend. This aligns with established psychological principles that emphasize the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Engaging in activities that bring joy, such as reading, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones, is another evidence-based strategy for stress reduction and overall mental health improvement.
The author delves into the challenges faced by individuals working in a globalized world, where time zone differences lead to unconventional working hours. This phenomenon is attributed to the advent of the internet, which has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life. The impact of this constant connectivity is corroborated by the author's personal experiences, creating a relatable narrative for readers.
The concept of "taking off the work hat during the weekend" reflects the importance of delineating work time from personal time. The author's practice of not working more than 30% of weekends underscores the significance of setting aside dedicated time for rest and rejuvenation. This aligns with research highlighting the positive effects of regular breaks and time away from work on overall productivity and well-being.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the challenges posed by contemporary work culture on mental health and offers evidence-based strategies to mitigate stress. The intersection of personal experiences, survey data, and psychological principles strengthens the credibility of the author's recommendations, making them relevant and actionable for individuals striving to strike a balance between work and mental well-being.
