Dealing with Extreme Stress: What's working out and not working out for me.

 

Dealing with Extreme Stress: What's Working Out and Not Working Out For Me. 

Hi guys, 

These couple of weeks have been really busy for me. I had a multi-module projects followed by a college fest, and in a coming few weeks I will be engaging myself in some fun things, which might not be so much fun for the child in me. But it is extremely crucial for my adulting journey. You'll hear about it soon. 

I recently found myself gaining more consciousness over the time I have left. I swear, I can not waste time loitering around college the second my classes get over. I need to be at home. I have gained a new nickname: Rajdhani express, for my habit. I don't have the patience for my friends to smoke in peace, or walk slowly. I am legit convinced that I DON'T HAVE THE TIME for any sort of time-pass. Sorry not sorry. 

Note: While writing this article, I felt like a better version of Beer-Biceps. Also, I am not sure if this will really help you or not but I hope we can connect on something. 

1. Overwhelmed by Task Sheets 

I have a habit of making checklists on my computer and deleting the list once the task is completed. The task lists that I make for the day or weeks, often end up making me overwhelmed, momentarily. I often take a step-back to introspect: "oh shit, how the hell am I supposed to do so much in so little time?" So I am in a constant process of overthinking things. But very recently, I have been told by an industry-genius that there is no such thing called "overthinking". According to him, it is called "deep-thinking" because in this way you have thought over the whole ordeal completely, and looked/ walked over all the possibilities possible for a particular situation. 

I understand that, after a certain point things might get too heavy for some of us. This is the moment, we should take brakes, I think. I engage in other activities when I am stressed. For example, for me designing my blog's upcoming extension page, is relaxation. This diverts my mind. I find it a good exercise, to time and again gauge over  break-points and relax myself frequently to avoid burnouts. 

2. Sleepless in Mumbai 

I should practice what I preach, right? Well, I am only a human. Half-a-week ago, I was working on a big project for an airline company. I was super excited and motivated to put my best foot-forward. But again, a lot of my teammates were in their own personal battles. As a consequence of which, most of our work was pushed to the last minute. My work-ethics generally makes me want to avoid anything that's last minute. I work as per schedule and its my discipline. I am currently working on to come in terms with the fact that not everyone can share the same "work-ethic". They prioritise their personal battles, and that's on them.

The reason why I feel I can not do this is because- when I am working in the group, and have been assigned a responsibility I would ensure to do that responsibility with upmost diligence and respect. I think that owe my teammates my support and "me-being there" whenever they need me. I have learnt this, from certain experiences in my undergrad. We had delays in our project, which forced us to work until 3 am in the morning. This is not the best ways of working, and certainly I would do anything to avoid such things in the future. 

I think this took a toll on my own health. I would ignore my health issues to work and deliver. That's my toxic work ethic. I would give my 100 percent to group projects, because I have an interest in the subject and had passion towards the research exercise I was doing, for the brand. I ended up with a 2 week long cough and heavy medication. 

3. Conclusion... because I bored myself writing

In a guest lecture that I attended, the professor had a word of advice for all the enthu-cutlets entering their world of advertising and marketing. He suggested that all of us must keep our body and mind healthy. He suggested that we go to the gym, exercise, and sweat it out. I do agree with him. My creative vibrance is at a peak when I go for a walk, or engage in some sort extra-curricular activity. Like my trips to places, amongst a million other things I do, gives me a lot of perspective and some space to even retrospect. I do understand, how important all of this has become now. 

I listen to songs to relax myself, especially when things get out of control and start to get a little overwhelming. Sometimes, I sing along. I'll share my playlist below. 

Lastly, I think all of us should support each other, if we are doing things that makes us happy. At the end, this is the way, we are channeling our emotions, being more productive, and delivering something that has a potential to change society.