EY Pune CA's Death: Know About Simple, Healthy Habits To Overcome Work Stress In A Hectic Job

By incorporating these habits into your hectic work life, you will be better equipped to manage stress, boost productivity, and maintain overall well-being.

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Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 20, 2024 2:23 PM IST

With the tragic news of a promising chartered accountant dying from extreme work-related stress in Pune, the focus has once again shifted to managing workload, dealing with exploitative and toxic corporate culture, and juggling office and home to maintain work-life balance. The 26-year-old woman, who had joined a leading global accounting company earlier this year, succumbed to stress within months, with her mother alleging her workplace gave her hell by making her work for long hours and even on weekends. She was severely exhausted towards the end of her shifts every day.

What happens when there is burnout? It starts to affect a person mentally, emotionally, and physically. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, and lack of balance in life.

Emotional Outcome Of Burnout

Emotionally, it can make a person feel the following things:

  • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion.
  • Cynicism and detachment from work and others.
  • Reduced motivation and interest in activities.
  • Increased irritability and mood swings.
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Physical Symptoms Of Burnout

Physically, a person may experience:

  • Insomnia or sleep disturbances.
  • Headaches, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Weight changes
  • Decreased immune function.
  • Increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

Behavioural And Cognitive Symptoms

One may also experience certain behavioural and cognitive symptoms of burnout, such as:

  • Procrastination and decreased productivity.
  • Absenteeism, tardiness, social withdrawal.
  • Substance abuse (alcohol, caffeine, etc.)
  • Decreased creativity and performance.
  • Decreased concentration and focus.
  • Decreased memory and problem-solving skills.
  • Self-doubt, criticism, and loss of purpose and meaning.

Ultimately, burnout can cause strained relationships, severe mental and physical health issues, and reduced overall well-being and quality of life. It, therefore, becomes important to recognise burnout symptoms early on to help prevent further progression.

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Healthy Habits To Overcome Work Stress In A Hectic Job

Read on to find out about the six simple and healthy things you can do on an everyday basis to overcome work stress, even if you have a hectic work life.

  1. Breathwork (2-5 minutes): Take short breaks to focus on deep, slow breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This reduces tension and refreshes your mind.
  2. Stay hydrated: Keep a refillable water bottle at your desk or carry it with you. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day to maintain energy and cognitive function.
  3. Desk stretching (3-5 minutes): Regularly stand up, stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, and do leg stretches. This reduces muscle tension and improves circulation.
  4. Mindful mornings (10-15 minutes): Begin your day with a consistent morning routine comprising meditation or guided relaxation, journaling or gratitude reflection, light exercise or yoga, etc. Do not check work-related mails and messages.
  5. Nourishing snacks: Keep healthy snacks nearby. Try to consume fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grain crackers, energy-rich protein bars, etc.
  6. Digital detox (30 minutes before bed): And, finally, disconnect from work-related tasks and screens before bed. You may read a book instead, or listen to calming music. Do some stretches before bed.

Talk To Your Manager

If you have a demanding job, always be transparent with your supervisor and tell them how much you have on your plate already, before taking up additional tasks. Sit down with your manager and set realistic goals and priorities. Communicate openly with colleagues and know when to take breaks. Consider using productivity apps to manage workload and schedule self-care time.

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