Many of us feel bombarded to perfectly balance work, relationships, self-care and more. But the honest reality is juggling all these aspects of life right; and doing it all, is, frankly, exhausting.
Take Gen Z and millennials in the workplace, for example. Deloitte's 2024 Gen Z And Millennial Survey found that a third of the 23,000 respondents surveyed across 44 countries said that they were regularly anxious or stressed. They also said that their work-life balance had a major role to play in this.
51% of Gen Z and millennials both said that their long working hours were to blame for the anxiety and stress in their life.
This is where, perhaps, the pendulum lifestyle can be of help.
But first, what is the pendulum lifestyle?
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What Is The Pendulum Lifestyle?
The pendulum lifestyle is a term coined by Jeffrey Michael Karp, a professor of the biomedical engineering discipline at the Harvard Medical School, in his book, LIT: Life Ignition Tools.
The pendulum lifestyle is a way of living that acknowledges the natural ups and downs of life, and encourages people to not just accept them but thrive in their midst.
NDTV spoke to Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO & Senior Psychiatrist at Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram, who spoke about the pendulum lifestyle, its potential effects on the current generation, ways to counter its negative effects, and more.
Ebb And Flow
At the centre of the pendulum lifestyle is the concept of ebb and flow.
Dr Gorav Gupta says, "The pendulum lifestyle offers a refreshing perspective on managing life's natural fluctuations, acknowledging the ebb and flow between periods of intense effort and rest. This approach is grounded in the understanding that balance isn't static, but dynamic, and can be shaped by our natural rhythms."
"It encourages people to flow with these rhythms rather than fighting them, which could result in improved mental health and well-being when managed properly," says Dr Gupta.
Reject The Myth Of Constant Balance To Avoid Burnout
Dr Gorav Gupta endorsed the pendulum lifestyle, saying, "In today's fast-paced world, the pendulum lifestyle can be highly beneficial, provided it is practiced with awareness and intention. This approach rejects the myth of constant balance, recognising that there will be times when we need to push ourselves and other times when we need to rest."
"Such flexibility can help avoid burnout, a growing concern in modern society, and encourage more sustainable patterns of living. By normalising rest, creativity, and productivity, individuals can experience less stress and anxiety, which ultimately benefits both mental and physical health," says Dr Gupta.
However, while this lifestyle may be beneficial, its application should be individualised.
"For some, the natural swings between work and rest may be energising, while for others, it may create a sense of chaos if not managed effectively. Hence, it requires a mindful, tailored approach to ensure it doesn't tip into extremes," says Dr Gupta.
The Pros And Cons Of The Pendulum Lifestyle
We further take a deep dive into the pros and cons of the pendulum lifestyle faced by the current generation of people.
There are many positive effects of following the pendulum lifestyle.
Dr Gorav Gupta explains some of them.
Improved mental health: In a society where constant productivity is glorified, the pendulum lifestyle encourages taking breaks, which helps prevent mental exhaustion, reduces stress, and promotes mental clarity. This is crucial for maintaining long-term well-being.
Enhanced creativity: By allowing one to take breaks or rest during downswings, the brain has the opportunity to recharge, which can spark creativity and new ideas. This can be particularly valuable for those in high-stress or creative fields.
Better work-life balance: The lifestyle supports a healthy back-and-forth between work and personal life, acknowledging that both are essential. This can improve relationships, emotional health, and overall satisfaction with life.
Increased resilience: When people understand that rest and effort come in cycles, they are less likely to get discouraged during challenging times.
Now, the negatives.
Risk of oscillating too much: Without proper boundaries, the pendulum could swing too far in either direction; like extreme work periods followed by total disengagement. This could lead to periods of unproductive inertia or burnout.
Lack of consistency: In periods of rest, individuals may neglect long-term goals or healthy habits (e.g., exercise, nutrition). This lack of consistency can impact overall health and productivity.
Guilt during rest: Some individuals might feel guilty during rest phases, thinking they should be productive all the time. This guilt could create a counterproductive cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.
Difficulty in synchronising with external demands: Not all aspects of life (e.g., jobs, family responsibilities) allow for the flexible ebb and flow envisioned by the pendulum lifestyle. This can lead to frustrations when personal rhythms conflict with external demands.
How To Get The Pendulum Lifestyle Right
Since the current generation faces the negative effects of the pendulum lifestyle too, here are the ways to counter them.
Establish boundaries: Clearly define the boundaries between intense work and rest. For example, if you're going through an intense work phase, set a time limit, and ensure rest follows afterward. Similarly, during rest periods, set time for light activities to stay engaged.
Maintain core habits: Consistency in sleep, diet, and exercise is crucial. Even during rest phases, make sure to keep a baseline of health habits that support long-term well-being.
Normalise rest: Reframe rest as a productive and necessary part of the process. Educating individuals about the importance of recovery can help reduce guilt and promote healthier relationships with downtime.
Communicate needs: In environments where external demands may conflict with personal rhythms, communication is key. Advocate for flexible working conditions or clear schedules that accommodate both productivity and rest.
Set long-term goals: Keep sight of overarching goals to ensure that even during low-energy phases, there is forward momentum. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be accomplished during different phases of the pendulum.
Natural Rhythm Over A Perfect Balance
Dr Geeta Shroff, MBBS, co-founder, Lighthouse Counselling Centre, tells NDTV, "The pendulum lifestyle provides a valuable framework for navigating the complexities of modern life. From a psychological perspective, it acknowledges that life isn't about striving for a perfect balance, but understanding and adapting to its natural rhythms. This approach fosters self-awareness, reduces stress, and promotes a healthier relationship with work, rest, and personal goals."
"However, it's important to approach this lifestyle with mindfulness. Without intention, it could lead to extreme swings between work and rest that undermine long-term productivity and well-being. A balanced pendulum requires consistency in essential habits, awareness of personal rhythms, and clear boundaries between work and rest," says Dr Shroff.
"For the current generation, embracing the fluidity of life without falling into extremes can promote resilience, mental clarity, and greater satisfaction in both personal and professional spheres," says Dr Shroff.
Final Word
The pendulum lifestyle can be highly beneficial if approached thoughtfully. A lifestyle that emphasises the natural rhythms of life over chasing a perfect balance offers an opportunity to break free from rigid societal expectations of constant productivity. The result? A more fulfilling and sustainable way of living.
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