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Long-term stress impacts our mind and body, causing inflammation that can have serious health impact adversely affecting important body organs like the heart
The excessive demands of work and life can drain the body and mind, often leaving little room for self-care
We have debated a lot on the merits of a 7-day workweek versus a 4-day one, but one thing remains undeniable – stress has become a part of our life. We hustle to achieve maximum productivity at work and to capture insta-worthy moments outside work. The excessive demands of work and life can drain the body and mind, often leaving little room for self-care.
Long-term stress impacts our mind and body, causing inflammation that can have serious health impact adversely affecting important body organs like the heart. But what if we tell you that it is possible to manage our stress and improve productivity as well as our well-being. All we need are small yet meaningful lifestyle changes.
According to Dr. Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical Affairs, Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, “Young professionals are the driving force of growth and innovation in our country, bringing energy and fresh ideas to the table. However, our Supradyn Survey shows that 85%* of young Indians wake up feeling fatigued. To maintain their wellbeing, it is necessary for them to prioritize nutritious diet, rich in vitamin B complex and vitamin C , regular exercise and mindfulness practices. These habits help enhance productivity and support their physical and mental well-being, ensuring future success”.
Here are self-care tips for young professionals to manage their stress.
1. Eat nutritious meals every day to keep the stress at bay.
What we eat can hugely impact our stress levels. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables4 can reduce stress, especially citrus fruits4 and leafy green vegetables4 are linked to lower stress levels. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants , water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and B vitamins)5, and certain minerals (calcium, magnesium, and zinc)5 that help protect the body from oxidative stress, improve cognitive function and make our mood positive5. If you are unable to fulfill your daily vitamin requirements, consider including supplements to fill the gap. Just take the first step and make small adjustments to your diet to see better results.
2. Catch on that quality sleep every night to feel unburdened and bright
Young professionals often sacrifice their sleep and work harder to achieve their goals, but inadequate sleep is associated with mental distress . A well-rested brain improves productivity. Sleeping well helps with memory retention and reduces emotional stress. For the mind to function well, a minimum of 7 or more hours of sleep6 per night is necessary and anything less than this may contribute to conditions such as depression6. Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on a person’s cognitive function , it impairs their attention and memory7 and affects their decision-making ability8. 7-8 hours of sleep every night will help you work productively.
3. Run, walk, skip, jump or dance, to power through and not miss a single chance
When you are already tired because of a demanding work schedule, it may seem that physical exercise will increase this fatigue. But in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Physical exercise acts as an effective stress buster. Including physical exercise in your routine leads to the release of happy hormones, endorphins that improve mood, self-esteem and lower stress and anxiety levels. Practicing yoga daily helps to make the body and mind feel balanced . Low or moderate resistance training helps in reducing anxiety . Any kind of physical activity makes you feel energized throughout the day so that you can take up any challenges at work. Pick an activity that you love and see the difference yourself.
By integrating these simple yet effective strategies into daily routines, working professionals can help enhance their focus, reduce anxiety and effectively manage stress.