All Work and No Play

Experts warn that young professionals may be burning both ends of the candle with their unhealthy lifestyle

Long hours at work,looming deadlines and a fiercely competitive environment have come to define urban careers across the country,and not the least in Pune,which is a hub for corporate activity. With such impossible demands on their time,young professionals inevitably end up choosing a few extra hours of work instead of a full nights sleep,or a quick and convenient burger instead of a sit-down balanced lunch.

The combination of stress and unhealthy lifestyle is leading to an increase in cases of early onset of cardiovascular diseases,strokes,hypertension and mental and emotional distress with symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Women are also facing severe problems due to rising stress levels,causing hormonal changes and leading to gynecological problems such as heavy menstrual bleeding.

In cities like Pune which attract young professionals from the entire region and beyond,medical issues due to stress are on the rise. Young men and women stay away from home,lack support of family,follow unhealthy eating practices,are working long hours in high-stress conditions with little sleep or exercise,and often indulge in smoking and drinking as stressbusters. All these are recipes for a health disaster, says Dr Arvind Patil,Internal Medicine,Columbia Asia Hospital,Pune.

Apart from physiological effects,fast-paced lifestyle and competitive workplaces are affecting people emotionally and psychologically as well. Not only are the stress levels high,the constant rat race for appreciation and progress at work leads to frustration and burnout. Long hours at work means less time to socialise and unwind.

According to a survey by Cadbury Connect,a large number of professionals are overworked and cut off from the social world due to dependency on technology and tend to feel lonely. About 63 per cent of people were found to work harder than usual to get better recognition and reward,and 77 per cent do not share their feelings with others and are hence unable to let out their emotions. Experts warn that crises may begin with something as basic as stress at work,and when joined with little or no psychological support,can even lead to suicide.

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