Gaur Gopal Das warns against burnout from long hours

Swami Gaur Gopal Das spoke at the Business Today MindRush event, emphasizing the importance of managing our minds in a hectic world. He compared a confused mind to a disturbed lake, where clarity is hard to find. He said that in our unpredictable times, mental and emotional resilience is crucial for making good decisions. Speaking about the issue of long work hours, which can range from 70 to 90 hours per week, he recognized the value of hard work. However, he warned that this should not lead to burnout. He highlighted the need for professional well-being, which includes mental, emotional, and physical health, not just financial success. Das encouraged leaders to create work environments that prioritize rest and balance. He shared a story from World War II to show how having the right perspective can influence survival and growth during tough times. To help cope with uncertainty, he suggested six strategies: look at statistics to see how we have bounced back before, reflect on personal achievements, focus on controllable factors, seek support from others, find meaning in your work, and practice mindfulness. He concluded by urging people to listen to their inner voice instead of being overwhelmed by external distractions, and to seek balanced, sustainable success.