Being in a state of mindfulness is like breathing said Dr. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore
Achieving a good work-life balance while working from home takes careful thought and planning. There should be designated time, space and a method to work and focus on family also. This we can achieve by practicing mindfulness. We should derive our identity from what we love to do rather than relating our self-esteem and self-worth with our superficial designation. This was stated by Dr. Himanshu Rai , Director , IIM Indore, at the webinar organized by IIHMR University, Jaipur on “How to Balance Personal Life & Professional Life during this Lockdown”.
He further said that “Understanding family and work priorities, building bonds with family members, showing empathy towards each other both with family and colleagues and discussing each other’s issues will help in achieving balance towards personal and professional life. He urges people to listen to their loved ones just to pay attention to what they say, rather to respond or find a solution for them. He insisted on doing things you love as it will bring happiness for lifetime.”According to him, one should always be in a state of mindfulness, which will automatically help in achieving balance in life as when a person is at work, he cannot forget home and when he is at home, he can’t forget work.
Apart from Dr. Himanshu Rai, the panel also had Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Trichy along with Dr Pankaj Gupta, President, IIHMR University who were enlightening us on balancing life and work in these challenging times.
Dr Pankaj Gupta, President, IIHMR University while reiterating his thoughts on Mindfulness, said according to Howard’s review, only 18% of people are living in mindfulness state. Either they are carrying the burden of the past or anxious about the future, which is hampering their work –life balance. Keeping in mind the current scenario of stress and crisis, he also informed about the courses like ancient wisdom for modern management, mindful leadership and self awareness, money to meaning, and the seva bhav course offered at IIHMR University will help students in balancing their work – life in experiential mode.
Emphasizing on the old ways of living, Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Trichy said,'' The life which we are heading to is a materialistic life, which has no boundaries therefore difficult to achieve balance in life. Referring to the ethics and value, he mentioned Indian leaders like Shivaji, Vikramaditya, Chanakya from the past that contextual leadership is in the DNA of the Indians and this is why India is going to lead during this pandemic. Maintaining good health, keeping low expectations, understanding others priorities will certainly bring balance in all the spheres of life.”