Many of us feel bombarded to perfectly balance workrelationships, self-care and more. But the honest reality is to properly juggle all these aspects of life; and doing all of that is, frankly, exhausting.
Take for example Generation Z and millennials in the workplace. Deloitte 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that a third of 23,000 people surveyed across 44 countries reported being regularly anxious or stressed. They also said their work-life balance had a major role to play in this.
51% of Gen Z and millennials said their long work hours were the cause of anxiety and stress in their lives.
Perhaps this is where the commuter lifestyle can come in handy.
But first, what is the commuter lifestyle?
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What is the commuter lifestyle?
The commuter lifestyle is a term coined by Jeffrey Michael Karp, a professor of biomedical engineering at Harvard Medical School, in his book, LIT: tools for lighting life.
The commuter lifestyle is a way of living that recognizes the natural ups and downs of life and encourages people not only to accept them, but to thrive among them.
NDTV spoke to Dr. Gorav Gupta, CEO and Senior Psychiatrist at Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram, who spoke about the commuter lifestyle, its potential effects on today’s generation, ways to counter its negative effects, and much more Again.
Ebb and flow
At the center of the commuting lifestyle is the concept of ebb and flow.
Dr. Gorav Gupta says: “The swing lifestyle offers a refreshing perspective on managing life’s natural fluctuations, recognizing the ebb and flow between periods of intense effort and rest. This approach is based on the understanding that balance is not static, but dynamic, and can be shaped by our natural rhythms.
“This encourages people to follow these rhythms rather than fight them, which could lead to improved mental health and wellbeing if managed correctly,” says Dr Gupta.
Reject the myth of constant balance to avoid burnout
Dr. Gorav Gupta endorsed the swing lifestyle saying, “In today’s fast-paced world, the swing lifestyle can be very beneficial, provided it is practiced with awareness and intention. This approach rejects the myth of constant balance, recognizing 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 lifestyles. By normalizing rest, creativity and productivity, individuals can experience less stress and anxiety, which ultimately benefits both mental and physical health.” said Dr. Gupta.
However, although this lifestyle can be beneficial, its application must be individualized.
“For some, the natural alternations between work and rest can be stimulating, while for others they can create a feeling of chaos if not managed effectively. Therefore, it requires a careful and tailored approach to ensure that ‘She doesn’t go to extremes,'” says Dr. Gupta.
The pros and cons of the commuting lifestyle
We further delve into the pros and cons of the commuter lifestyle faced by the current generation of people.
The commuting lifestyle has many positive effects.
Dr. Gorav Gupta explains some of them.
Improved mental health: In a society where constant productivity is glorified, the commuter lifestyle encourages breaks, which helps prevent mental burnout, reduces stress, and promotes mental clarity. This is crucial for maintaining long-term well-being.
Improved creativity: By allowing breaks or rest during slow periods, the brain has the opportunity to recharge, which can spark creativity and new ideas. This can be especially helpful for those who work in high-stress or creative fields.
A better work-life balance: The lifestyle promotes a healthy flow between work and life, recognizing that both are essential. It can improve relationships, emotional health, and overall life satisfaction.
Increased resilience: When people understand that rest and effort come in cycles, they are less likely to become discouraged during difficult times.
Now for the negatives.
Risk of oscillating too much: Without appropriate limits, the pendulum could swing too far in one direction or the other; such as periods of extreme work followed by total disengagement. This could lead to periods of unproductive inertia or burnout.
Lack of consistency: During periods of rest, individuals may neglect their long-term goals or healthy habits (e.g., exercise, nutrition). This lack of consistency can impact overall health and productivity.
Guilt during rest: Some people may feel guilty during rest phases, thinking they should be productive at all times. This guilt could create a counterproductive cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.
Difficulty synchronizing with external requests: Not all aspects of life (e.g., work, family responsibilities) allow for the flexible ebb and flow envisioned by the commuter lifestyle. This can lead to frustrations when personal rhythms conflict with external demands.
How to adopt the right commuting lifestyle
Since the current generation is also facing the negative effects of the commuting lifestyle, here are the ways to counter them.
Set boundaries: Clearly define the boundaries between intense work and rest. For example, if you’re going through a phase of intense work, set a time limit and make sure you rest afterwards. Likewise, during rest periods, schedule time for light activities to stay engaged.
Maintain basic habits: Consistency in sleep, diet and exercise is crucial. Even during resting phases, make sure you maintain a foundation of health habits that promote long-term well-being.
Normalize 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 can conflict with personal rhythms, communication is essential. Advocate for flexible working conditions or clear schedules that account for both productivity and rest.
Set long-term goals: Keep overall goals in mind to ensure that even during low energy phases there is forward momentum. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be accomplished during different phases of the pendulum.
A natural rhythm on a perfect balance
Dr Geeta Shroff, MBBS, co-founder of Lighthouse Counseling Centre, told NDTV: “The commuter lifestyle provides a valuable framework for navigating the complexities of modern life. From a psychological perspective, he recognizes that life is not about striving for a perfect life. balance, but understanding and adaptation to its natural rhythms. This approach promotes self-awareness, reduces stress and promotes a healthier relationship with work, rest and personal goals.
“However, it is important to approach this lifestyle with mindfulness. Without intention, it could lead to extreme fluctuations between work and rest that compromise 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 today’s generation, embracing the flow of life without falling into extremes can promote resilience, mental clarity and greater satisfaction in both personal and professional spheres,” says Dr. Shroff.
Last word
The commuter lifestyle can be very beneficial if approached thoughtfully. A lifestyle that emphasizes the natural rhythms of life rather than striving for perfect balance offers the opportunity to break free from rigid societal expectations of constant productivity. The result? A more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.
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