February 2016 Woman At Work Digital

FROM THE EDITOR
t is hardly a surprise to anyone that stress is the number
one lifestyle risk factor, ranking above physical inactivity and
Iobesity, according to the inaugural Asia Pacific edition of the
Staying@Work survey conducted by global professional services
company Towers Watson. What is striking is that while Indian
employers lead their regional counterparts in developing strategies
to manage work-related stress, only 38 percent identified improving
the emotional/mental health of employees (i.e. lessening the stress
and anxiety) as a top priority of their health and productivity
programs.
A study by NIMHANS shows that 72 per cent of students in
India are unaware of how to deal with stress and its ill-effects.
Close to 11 per cent of college students and 7-8 per cent of high
school students have attempted suicide. And it is not just students
but employees or those in businesses who are burning out. 27.6
per cent of IT professionals in the country are addicted to narcotic
drugs, says the study. High expectations from family and children,
peer pressure, ambition and social media visibility are all factors
that contribute to the stress quotient.
While India has long been an exporter of wellness programs to
the world, Indians are waking up now to the reality that success
and happiness are beyond materialistic achievements. Inner peace
and harmony are necessary for a sense of fulfilment. Spiritual
wellness and self realization is now an integral part of holistic
living. Many of them, young achievers and global citizens, have
now realised that it is indeed lonely at the top. The happiness they
had anticipated to experience, on hitting the proverbial pot of
gold, is a myth.
The positive side of this awakening is that urban workers,
young and old, are increasingly making spiritual wellness programs
a part of their daily regimen. They have realised that they need to
recharge and rejuvenate their body and mind to continue on their
life pursuits. They need to stop, relax and refuel their life car to
keep driving on the road to success. In this edition, we look at a
few organizations, that are household names and are making holistic
wellness a reality for millions of followers.
As Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu rightly said,"Wellness
encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind and a tranquil spirit.
Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness."
Poornima
Parameswaran
Batish
Editor-in-Chief
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December 2015 | 3