Why work-life integration isn’t one-size-fits-all

By Shruti Shekar

It’s no secret that journalism can be a high-stress industry. When I began my career in 2015, I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, to make sure that I was building a good reputation for myself, and as a result my anxiety and stress both were incredibly heightened. I spent the end of 2016 trying to figure out how to balance my personal life and my career—and it’s still a work in progress three years later.

I remember having my first anxiety attack in early 2016 and feeling completely worthless and ashamed that I wasn’t able to manage my thoughts. For a person who has never suffered with bad skin, I began to break out like crazy. I experienced stomach problems, a result of high stress levels and an unbalanced diet.

Learning to balance my work and personal life took a lot of effort. I had to learn  what works best for me and my lifestyle, and it didn’t come from following someone else’s work-life balance formula. I had to figure out a morning routine, a new relationship with the food I consume, and I even reevaluated my relationship with alcohol. It was a complete life transformation, but because it meant so much to me, I was committed to it. 

I read a lot of articles online about various self-care routines, but ultimately I had to listen to my body and figure out what was right for me. I tried weight lifting, yoga and intermittent fasting, which I still maintain to some extent today. I even tried the celery juice craze, which, in my opinion, is a full on gimmick. But I had to undergo it to feel how it would affect my body. 

I did my best to not compare myself to what others were going through and especially tried not to compare myself to Instagram models. I now work out seven days a week, drink a lot of water and have a diet that makes me feel good. I meditate every day to manage my thoughts and be more present.

In an effort to continue down this path, I spoke with Dr. Katy Kamkar, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to learn more about why there isn’t one universal formula for balancing work and personal life.