It's your life, take it easy and what does it take?

The recent suicide of an E&Y employee is merely the tip of the iceberg, and this iceberg is growing larger by the day. More and more people are living with the burden of job-related stress. Work environments have become more intense, businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and social media has intensified a pandemic of peer comparison.

This is the reality we face—a world where many feel like they’re drowning, barely able to keep their heads above water. 

There are countless reasons behind this crisis. Life has always had its challenges, but the rapid pace of technological change is pushing human limits. We simply can’t evolve at the speed of technology, and this imbalance is taking a toll on us.

This relentless speed, combined with ever-increasing competition and unhealthy comparisons, is compounded by modern lifestyle habits that only make things worse. Consider this:

- We don’t have time for exercise.

- We don’t have time to rejuvenate.

- We don’t have time for our children or parents.

- We neglect spirituality.

- We’ve lost interpersonal skills.

- We lack fulfilling hobbies.

Yet, it only takes simple, daily habits and mindfulness to cope with the lives we’re leading. These small but powerful changes can make all the difference:

- Manage your work with clear priorities and a to-do list.

- Practice time management.

- Exercise daily.

- Read a book every day.

- Invest time in a hobby.

- Develop spiritual awareness.

- Commit to learning something new.

- Ensure life beyond work is enriching and exciting.

Stephen Covey’s classic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, offers timeless advice. All habits are timeless but three of his habits are especially critical for dealing with today’s stressful realities:

1. Be Proactive: Take responsibility for your life. Your actions, not external forces, should dictate your path.

2. Put First Things First: Focus on time management. Truly effective people prioritize meaningful tasks that align with their personal mission, ensuring they’re accounted for in daily and weekly plans.

3. Sharpen the Saw: Prioritize continuous improvement and renewal. Overcome burnout by investing in yourself through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual practices. Regular renewal helps build resilience and fosters growth.

This generation, and every generation, can benefit from reading this book. For those struggling in the present, James Clear’s Atomic Habits is another invaluable guide. It breaks down how to build life-changing habits through small, consistent actions.

Ultimately, read, learn, and take charge of your life. Don’t let external pressures dictate your course. You are the CEO of your life, and your first responsibility is to yourself—before your employers, clients, or society.

P.S.: For quick and effective stress relief, check out Ayo Shraddha’s videos, episodes of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, or classic Charlie Chaplin films. They’re guaranteed to lift your spirits!