Balance in our daily choices

 In Yoga asana practice, we generally do complementary poses together. For example, Ushtrasana (back bend) + Shashankasana (forward bend), 

Hasta Uttanasana (back bend) + Padahastasana (forward bend). We also ensure that whenever we do a posture on the right side, we immediately do the same on the left side. These are designed in such a way as to bring balance and harmony and prevent untoward, extreme stretching on one side or one group of muscles.

The same principle applies to our daily choices as well. But most of us seem to be ignoring or unaware of this principle. 

After a long, hard day of work with back-to-back meetings, highly stimulating conversations, and battling stress in the form of traffic, work pressure, and deadlines (sympathetic nervous system going on an overdrive), what do we do with the few hours that we get for relaxation and reset? 

We watch movies and OTT series with violent/gory action scenes.

We continuously swipe through Reels/Shorts before going to bed.

We play action-oriented video games - racing, fights, chases, etc.

We watch the news on politics and other world updates, where the discussions are anything but productive, where everyone shouts at the top of their voices.

We intentionally go to bed late by spending time on these activities. There is a term for this choice, aptly titled "revenge sleep procrastination".

The sympathetic system (fight/flight) is constantly activated. We don't prioritize those tasks that activate the vagus nerve and switch on the parasympathetic system (rest/digest mode). 

Sleeping on time, deep breathing, meditation, basic Pranayamas, gentle stretches, Yoga asanas, chanting, and listening to soft music - these are some of the activities to bring back balance in our daily lives. But sadly, only a few seem to value or incorporate these slow, winding-down activities in their routines. 

Why wait until the diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, or hormonal disorders, before making changes? Let's prioritize our night-time routine to bring balance in our nervous system, breath and mind.

Sleeping on time - an act of rebellion

 In a recent podcast, I heard this statement from a neurologist - "Today, sleeping on time is an act of rebellion. The whole society is designed to keep you up late in the night - the entertainment industry, work demands, social interactions, food & beverage industry etc. You have to be a rebel to sleep on time". There is so much truth in this statement. Let's focus on the work demands angle.

In the 2000s while I used to work for an MNC, we did have night calls with our US counterparts but they would get over at a reasonable time of 10:30PM. Fast forward to 2025, based on my discussions with friends in the industry, I learned that calls are scheduled at 11 PM and some go on till 1AM. 

Is it because we don't give importance to sleep?

Is it because the Western counterparts don't care about the sleep timings of their colleagues in India?

Is it because of our lack of ability to say NO/decline such meetings at odd times?

Apart from conference calls, various deliverables and deadlines force us to stay awake and compromise our sleep. 

Unnecessary pressures (as though the world is about to collapse if the build isn't pushed), 

Unrealistic targets (Set by investors that percolate down to founders, down to middle management, down to developers), 

Unplanned projects and upcoming meetings (to meet the sudden demand from existing clients or to pitch for a new client)

Rarely, anyone questions these UN-necessary/UN-realistic/UN-planned stuff. We presume that's how things roll and we put undue pressure on ourselves and the team. As days pass by, compromising on sleep and health leads to various psychosomatic ailments.

We might have a choice to say NO when it comes to watching OTT series or movies, or social engagements late at night. There may not be any consequences if we say NO.

In the case of work-related demands, do we feel comfortable declining an 11 PM meeting? 

Is it acceptable to say NO even if the meeting request comes from a higher authority?

Are we empowered to say NO without having to bear any negative consequences? Irrespective of our rank/position in the organization hierarchy?