Before the pandemic at my corporate job, I worked nonstop every day, even on Sundays, for at least 4 to 6 months to grab that promotion and bonus. So by continuously working for 6 months, I felt completely exhausted and wondered what the hell I was doing with my life. Today after 4 years, sometimes I still think. Did I do the right thing? If I had taken a break for 1–2 weeks, would that be great for me or my personal relationships?
My answer is 100%, you should take a break, for yourself, friends, and family. Family should be your priority after your health. My goal was to get that bonus; therefore, I could enjoy it. I do not know why even I wanted to get that bonus. I just burnt out at work. My brain was not even thinking straight. My productivity rate fell drastically.
I was really irritable at home with friends. I was even getting tired all the time. This thing starts to happen after 4–5 months. I realized that I was not even getting new ideas. I felt like my creativity was lost. I can assure you 100% I was not at my best.
I know I was working at least 10+ hours every day, but my productivity was declining. Taking a break is really important to recharge yourself. My health was going into hell. I developed a strange symptom, a sudden pain under my right rib cage, by working tirelessly. After the CT Scan physician suggested it’s very rare, you should take a rest at least 3–4 months to get back to routine life.
Learning
I learned from this painful journey that I have to prioritize my health even before my loved ones. Why? Because that’s the only way, I can help someone if I am feeling happy and healthy.
I believe physical and mental health is not a selfish thing. It’s your responsibility first to take care of your health! It does not matter in which profession.
Just learn to say no, no to falling into a trap. It’s not worth it.
Taking care of yourself is being there for your kids, like how on a plane, they tell you to put on your oxygen mask first. — Gwyneth Paltrow
Thank you for reading, and take care of yourself!
