70 hours of work a week in cost of health? See what doctors recommend

Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's recent advice to young people, suggesting they work for 70 hours a week, sparked controversy and discussion on the internet. Many debated about the practicality and impact of such an intense work schedule on the well-being and work-life balance of the younger generation.

Amidst the uproar many doctors have advised that it's important to work hard but also maintain a balanced life. This means striking a healthy equilibrium between your professional ambitions and taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Balancing hard work with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep is essential for overall health and productivity.

Speaking with HT, Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine at Apollo Delhi said, "Hard work doesn't mean you neglect or compromise your health. A person should take care of one's health too while following their ambition."

This means working for around 60 hours a week, exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, getting enough sleep (7-8 hours), and eating a well-balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients. It's important to work hard but not at the expense of your health.

Five key points for a healthy life include:

Balanced Diet: Eating a variety of nutritious foods that provide essential nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoiding excessive processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats is crucial.

Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis to maintain fitness, manage weight, and promote overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Adequate Sleep: Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body and mind to rest and recover. Quality sleep is essential for mental and physical health.

Stress Management: Finding healthy ways to cope with and reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or hobbies that bring joy and relaxation. Chronic stress can negatively impact your health.

Avoiding Harmful Habits: Staying away from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use. These habits can have detrimental effects on your health and well-being.

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