On World Mental Health Day 2024, actress Deepika Padukone and Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, opened up about their personal experiences with stress, burnout, and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being. During a candid discussion, both women shared their struggles with overworking and its impact on their lives.
The Importance of Downtime in Productivity
Arianna Huffington stressed the necessity of recognizing downtime as a key component of productivity. She stated, “We have to learn that downtime is a feature of the human software, not a bug. In fact, to be more productive, you need downtime.” This perspective underscores how taking breaks can help recharge and boost overall efficiency.
Deepika Padukone on Stress and Decision-Making
Deepika Padukone echoed these views, discussing the impact of stress and burnout on her life. She admitted, “When I’m feeling stressed or burnt out, I can tell that my decision-making is getting affected to some extent.” Her candidness highlights the importance of self-awareness and mental health management, especially in high-pressure situations.
Arianna Huffington’s Wake-Up Call
Reflecting on her career, Arianna shared a transformative moment when she collapsed from exhaustion while building The Huffington Post. She revealed, “I thought I had to sacrifice my health to be successful.” This experience led her to reassess her work approach, emphasizing the critical need for balance and self-care.
Prioritizing Self-Care for Long-Term Success
Arianna emphasized the significance of self-care, stating, “We’ve spent so long prioritizing our external accomplishments and pushing ourselves to the limit that we’ve forgotten the essential role of taking care of ourselves. The truth is, when we prioritize our well-being, everything else falls into place.” Her words resonate in today’s fast-paced environment, encouraging a shift toward balanced living and mental health prioritization.
A Unified Message on Mental Health
Both Deepika Padukone and Arianna Huffington offer valuable insights into the importance of mental health awareness. Their perspectives remind us of the need to prioritize self-care and take time for ourselves to thrive in demanding environments.