The Economic Survey for 2024-25 highlights a crucial point: our lifestyle choices and workplace culture significantly affect mental health and productivity in India. Released by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the survey emphasizes that mental well-being is more than just an economic issue. It’s about how we cope with life’s challenges and function effectively.
The survey shows that mental well-being isn’t constant. It’s influenced by several factors like our work environment, the hours we spend at work, and our daily choices. For instance, the quality of our workplace culture can greatly impact our mental state. It also reveals that strong family ties and healthy eating habits contribute to our overall mental health.
Screen time and diets rich in processed foods are areas of concern. The survey notes that people who avoid junk food tend to have better mental health compared to those who consume it regularly. Similarly, those who exercise less, spend too much time on social media, or lack close family connections often experience poorer mental health.
In short, if India aims to achieve its economic goals, we need to pay attention to our lifestyle decisions, especially those made during childhood and youth. The survey warns that negative workplace cultures and long hours can hinder mental well-being, which in turn, slows down economic progress.
This insight underscores the importance of improving our lifestyle and work environments for better mental health outcomes.