World Mental Health Day: Working professionals must set boundaries, plan virtual lunch dates with colleagues to keep the modern-day menace away

Irregular sleeping pattern is the major cause of concern for people.

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Maintaining a virtual workplace network can help the mental well-being of professionals.
By Ritika Aggarwal

The rate of anxiety and depression among working professionals was found to have increased by 45-50 per cent between 2008 and 2015, with 42.5% of corporate employees diagnosed with depression, according to a 2015 study. A significant portion was also found to sleep less than 6 hours a day.

With the current lockdown and lifestyles drastically changing, a recent mental health report by GOQii said that 43 per cent of Indians are currently plagued with depression and are learning to cope with it. With 26 per cent Indians facing mild depression, 17 per cent face a more strenuous kind. It is concerning to note that 6 per cent Indians are severely depressed.


Fast forward 5 years, and these statistics are likely to worsen with the stress and anxiety of working through a pandemic. In the current scenario, work from home is blending the roles between being a working professional and managing the home. This is leading to longer working hours and stress at having to juggle multiple roles simultaneously. As there is no clear distinction between the two anymore, employees are expected to be on call at all hours of the day.

This constant stress affects the concentration levels, ability to think clearly and decisively, as well as the productivity and efficacy of the individual. All of this can lead to mental exhaustion, anxiety, depression, burnout, and poorer physical wellbeing (reduced immunity, aches & pains, etc).

To deal with this, one can try out some of these tips:
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  • Set clear boundaries at work and home
  • Create a daily routine
  • Construct transitions into and out of a work day – eg: dress up for the workday
  • Set up a workstation with minimal distractions – avoid working on your bed
  • Maintain a virtual workplace network – catch up with colleagues online for coffee or lunch
  • Reframe your thoughts – focus on what you can control

Organisations must encourage lifestyle modifications with physical activity, nutrition and sleep being the major focus. The workforce is bogged down by stressful routines, hence laying emphasis on a healthy lifestyle will in turn have a positive impact on mental health as well.

- The author is Consultant Psychologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre.

World Health Day: 6 Personal Hygiene Habits Every Man Must Follow
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Men and women approach hygiene quite differently. Men are assumed to have lower grooming and personal hygiene standards than women. In 2010, a study by the American Cleaning Institute and the American Microbiology Society found that men are less likely to wash their hands even after petting an animal, handling food, coughing or sneezing.



With the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a lockdown, we have been confined to work from home. And, staying at home for long hours may also set in lethargy. There may be a tendency to ignore some basic hygiene matters on a daily basis. It is time to re-examine your personal hygiene habits as these can have far reaching consequences.



On World Health Day, Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant - Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Haryana, shared the six golden hygiene rules that every man should practice.

Men and women approach hygiene quite differently. Men are assumed to have lower grooming and personal hygiene standards than women. In 2010, a study by the American Cleaning Institute and the America..
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An easily ignored area, oral health is a vital part of personal hygiene. You should brush twice a day, floss and scrub your tongue at least once a day. Tongue is often the most-neglected body part. If not cleaned properly, it is a great place for bacteria that lies in the mouth to accumulate. So, clean the tongue properly to avoid bad breath and combat cavity formation due to food decay.
An easily ignored area, oral health is a vital part of personal hygiene. You should brush twice a day, floss and scrub your tongue at least once a day. Tongue is often the most-neglected body part. I..
Read More
It is important to keep hair on the head, facial hair and nasal hair trimmed and groomed. Shave regularly and use beard grooming products appropriately. Keep the underarms and pubic hair also clean and trimmed.
It is important to keep hair on the head, facial hair and nasal hair trimmed and groomed. Shave regularly and use beard grooming products appropriately. Keep the underarms and pubic hair also clean a..
Read More
Even at home, do wash your face at least twice a day using a facial cleanser or face wash. Do not use soap, body gel or body scrub on the face as it will strip your skin of essential moisture and upset its natural pH balance, leaving it irritated and dry. You can also use facial masks such as mud, clay, homemade or oatmeal masks. There’s a mask out there for every type of skin. This allows for the removal of blackheads found on your nose and cheeks, and sometimes on your chin and ears.
Even at home, do wash your face at least twice a day using a facial cleanser or face wash. Do not use soap, body gel or body scrub on the face as it will strip your skin of essential moisture and ups..
Read More
Sweat post workout can clog your pores trapping oil and dead skin cells inside, which leads to zits and painful cystic acne not only on your face, but also on your back, arms and legs. The only solution is to get in the shower and lather yourself with a body wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Avoid using excessively hot water. Hot showers and baths can cause dryness, redness, itching, and even peeling. Use only lukewarm water always.
Sweat post workout can clog your pores trapping oil and dead skin cells inside, which leads to zits and painful cystic acne not only on your face, but also on your back, arms and legs. The only solut..
Read More
Groin area-grooming should not be forgotten. Nether regions are usually moist, warm and dark – all great for bacteria to breed. Presence of bacteria down there can cause bad odour and skin infection. So wash the area regularly and dry it gently and thoroughly. Use an antifungal dusting powder after drying the area. Wear an underwear that breathes well.

Also, change your towel regularly and keep your bed sheets super clean since they are typically made of a polyester/cotton blend that tends to trap odour.
Groin area-grooming should not be forgotten. Nether regions are usually moist, warm and dark – all great for bacteria to breed. Presence of bacteria down there can cause bad odour and skin infection...
Read More
If your toenails have started collecting dirt, it is a sign to cut them off. Don't forget to trim your cuticles, the flaps of skin on the sides of your nails. Apply hand lotion or cream to keep them soft, and prevent calluses and cracking.
If your toenails have started collecting dirt, it is a sign to cut them off. Don't forget to trim your cuticles, the flaps of skin on the sides of your nails. Apply hand lotion or cream to keep them ..
Read More
Applying lotion to your body, and moisturising your lips is not only for women. Avoid licking your lips to moisturise them as it can cause your mouth to dry out and result in rough or cracked skin.
Applying lotion to your body, and moisturising your lips is not only for women. Avoid licking your lips to moisturise them as it can cause your mouth to dry out and result in rough or cracked skin.
Grooming habits are one of those things everyone is expected to know but no one ever talks about in open. Do not feel shy in discussing with your medical professional on the habits you should practice basis your skin type.
Grooming habits are one of those things everyone is expected to know but no one ever talks about in open. Do not feel shy in discussing with your medical professional on the habits you should practic..
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
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