STRESS AND LIFE STYLE

In the wake of the economic boom people are under constant and tremendous pressure to perform at their work place, culminating in a highly stressful life poor health, burnouts and families falling apart. Factors causing stress are either psychological or physical strain. Psychological stress is determined by mental reaction to pressures and problems around us. Just like in the case of phobia if the stress is recognized half the battle is won. A change in the life style with a positive outlook to life can bust stress and physical strain. But unfortunately the life style adopted by the Indians has boosted the stress level in them. The resultant stress has taken epidemic proportion so much so the working couples hardly find time for their family.

Take the case of a working couple. The couple is enmeshed in an engineered life of their own with no time to spare for their child. The child is left to himself and consequently is beset with pathological symptoms and abnormal behavior. The whooping salary of the parents does not propitiate the child who is languishing in his own world. The bond between the child and parents which was precariously hanging on a tenuous thread eventually snaps. This in turn ends up in interminable spats between the couple. They realize that there is a stark contrast in all their views likes and dislikes. The situation further aggravates and the couple seeks divorce on grounds of incompatibility. What they fail to understand is that marriage is an institution which has stood the test of time over the last several decades. They need to know that life is not a contract or a business. Divorce is synonymous to trauma which leaves an indelible mark on the couple as years pass by the divorced people will notice the void in their life and realize that they are avoided even by their relatives and friends. They find themselves in isolation and will peter away with the society bulldozing them into the thinking that divorce is the be all and end all.

There is a strong case for deep reflections on whether this growing trend is conducive for societal health. Materialism and neo modernism following the western world blindly has brought about the change in the lifestyle. The Indians are found beholding the western pastures by adopting a fast life at the cost of their family. By following the western world Indians have descended into a certain navel gazing at a time when they are required to make their life style a metaphor for deeper transformation and not merely treat them as catalysts of change. Despite the life expectancy rising, Indians are indulging in life style which is not conducive to a healthy life. It is high time necessary action is taken to stem the rot and salvage the decadent and moribund. We fail to understand the value of living. We are in the rat race and never introspect and do a correction to bring harmony in our lives. We need to take a stock of our lives and look at our problems in a holistic way instead of reacting like a school boy hurt and running away from responsibilities. With a robust economy we have to be aware of the challenges faced by our life style to maintain our impressive sojourn. We need to envisage a radical change in the life style that cocks a snook at the Indian tradition and culture.

All human beings have naffs and the spirit of every man and woman is bestowed with both beauteous as well as bestial aspects. The unity of being oneness is the core of belief. We need to abnegate the stressful life for an emotionally satisfying and a peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

To quote J. Cyle "The best of all monopoly profits is a quiet life".