After spending 16 years in the IT industry — working with Paytm, Tech Mahindra, and HCL across India and the US — everything on the surface looked perfect. I had a solid paycheck, promotions, international projects, and a growing career. From the outside, it was the dream. But behind the screen, things were falling apart. While I was solving bugs at work, I was also quietly trying to fix my own life. My days were packed with work, but my health and happiness were slowly breaking down.
Despite all the professional success, I was always tired. My sleep was poor, my eating habits were terrible, and I had no time for movement or rest. I lived in a constant state of stress — the kind that feels normal in fast-paced jobs but slowly eats away at your well-being. I tried everything that promised a “better life”: motivational videos, life hacks, fitness apps, expensive diet plans, even productivity gurus. But nothing really worked long-term. Most of the advice felt too big, too complicated, or too out of sync with real life.
What actually helped were a few small, simple changes — the kind that didn’t need a big plan or major time investment. I started sleeping and waking up at the same time every day — not early, just consistently. I played outdoor games I enjoyed on weekends, treating fun as a form of healing. I added gym sessions and short yoga routines — not for weight loss, but to feel better. I made time for people — dinner with family, movies with friends, quick weekend trips. One surprising trick? A shower right after work. It helped me feel fresh and separate “work mode” from personal time. And every hour, I made it a point to get up from my desk and walk — even if just to get a cup of tea or stretch.
These weren’t big changes, but they added up. Slowly, I felt more human again. Life didn’t magically become easy, but it became manageable — even enjoyable. To anyone working in high-pressure jobs, especially in tech: your company won’t hit pause for you. You have to pause for yourself. Success doesn’t mean much if you’re too exhausted to enjoy it. You don’t need to change your whole life. You just need better daily habits. Start small. That’s how you reboot — not just your system, but yourself.
