Is India’s Work Culture Killing Us? Ayurveda’s Take on Productivity Over Work Hours

Is India’s Work Culture Killing Us? Ayurveda’s Take on Productivity Over Work Hours

The recent debate in India, sparked by Narayana Murthy’s call for a 70-hour workweek and further fueled by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s remarks on a 90-hour workweek, has brought work culture into sharp focus. The real argument, however, is not about whether these long hours are productive, but about understanding what drives efficiency and health. How much one should work often depends on where one stands in the corporate world—the boardroom or the workstation. At the heart of this issue lies a larger concern: inefficiencies in the system, such as the right person in the wrong job or an unsupportive work environment, which drain productivity far more than the length of work hours.

Let’s explore how Ayurveda, with its timeless wisdom, helps us understand the balance between work and rest and what it means to truly optimize productivity without compromising health.

The Epidemic of Overwork: What We See at UWAY Health

At UWAY Health, we’ve witnessed an alarming rise in professionals seeking help for stress-induced health issues. Chronic back pain, insomnia, digestive disorders, and anxiety are increasingly common in people in their late 20s and 30s. Many report feeling trapped in a cycle of long hours, mounting deadlines, and declining health.

What’s even more concerning is the surge in stress-induced conditions like hypertension and autoimmune disorders. These cases reveal a clear disconnect between the demands placed on professionals and their physical and mental capacity to endure them. While economic growth is important, it should not come at the cost of individual well-being.

Moreover, the issue extends beyond physical health. Emotional and psychological well-being take a backseat when individuals are overburdened with expectations. This imbalance affects personal relationships and diminishes the quality of life, highlighting a pressing need for change.

Ayurveda on the Balance of Work and Rest

Ayurveda teaches that productivity is not about relentless effort but about aligning with natural rhythms. A shloka from the Charaka Samhita aptly states:

“Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam.”
(The purpose of Ayurveda is to maintain health and prevent disease by preserving balance.)

This balance is upheld by the three pillars of health: Ahara (diet), Nidra (sleep), and Brahmacharya (regulated lifestyle). Overwork disrupts these pillars, leading to imbalances in Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth and water):

  • Vata imbalance causes restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety.
  • Pitta imbalance triggers burnout, irritability, and digestive issues.
  • Kapha imbalance leads to lethargy and poor motivation.

The Sushruta Samhita warns:

“Ati balam api shariram atyantam karmani sevate; na ca tasya kshayam gacchati, yatha suptasya bala.”
(Even the strongest body deteriorates under excessive work without rest.)

This wisdom underscores that while ambition is important, it must be tempered with self-care. Sustainable productivity is built on a foundation of health and balance.

Are Our Bodies Designed for Prolonged Work?

Ayurveda emphasizes the need to respect the body’s limits. Here are two key stressors:

Physical Stress:

  • Long hours of sitting lead to posture-related issues, musculoskeletal pain, and metabolic disorders.
  • Reduced movement hampers circulation and weakens muscles, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses.
  • Constant exposure to artificial light and screens disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, compounding fatigue.

Mental Stress:

  • Chronic cognitive demands spike cortisol levels, affecting decision-making and emotional resilience.
  • Continuous multitasking and overwork lead to mental exhaustion, diminishing overall productivity.
  • This often leads to a cascade of health problems, including weakened immunity and poor mental health.
  • The mind-body connection is critical. Ignoring mental fatigue impacts physical health and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape without conscious intervention.

What Can We Learn from Laborers?

In contrast, consider unskilled laborers who work 8-9 hours daily, often seven days a week. Despite their intense schedules, they often seem more resilient than desk-bound professionals. Why?

  • Dynamic Activity: Their work involves movement, which promotes circulation and keeps muscles engaged.
  • Natural Conditioning: Physical work from an early age builds stamina and resilience.
  • Rest Periods: Unlike professionals who push through fatigue, laborers tend to rest as soon as they return home.

Additionally, laborers often operate in environments where their tasks are well-defined, and physical exertion provides a natural outlet for stress. In contrast, professionals often deal with ambiguous goals, cognitive overload, and sedentary lifestyles, which exacerbate stress and physical stagnation.

The key takeaway is not the length of work but the nature of work. Sedentary jobs rob people of natural movement and recovery, creating what Ayurveda calls a Vata imbalance—a silent killer for the modern worker.

The Bigger Problem: Productivity vs. Inefficiencies

Long hours are not inherently productive. In fact, inefficiencies in the system waste more productive time than any work hour can compensate for:

  • Mismatched Roles: When skills and tasks don’t align, even long hours yield poor outcomes.
  • Unsupportive Environments: A lack of trust, collaboration, or recognition erodes motivation.
  • Unclear Goals: Misaligned priorities and unclear expectations result in wasted effort.
  • Redundant Processes: Overly complicated systems and procedures can slow down progress.

Organizations must focus on eliminating these inefficiencies to create environments where productivity thrives. When individuals feel valued and work aligns with their strengths, hours become secondary to outcomes.

Ayurvedic Tools for Better Productivity

Here are some practical tips based on Ayurvedic principles:

1. Optimize Movement:

  • Take breaks every 45 minutes to stretch or walk.
  • Simple yoga poses like Tadasana and Paschimottanasana help counteract stiffness.
  • Include daily activities like gardening or walking to ensure holistic movement.

2. Enhance Nutrition:

  • Avoid processed and heavy foods. Eat fresh, seasonal meals.
  • Include energy-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, and warm spices in your diet.
  • Hydrate adequately to maintain focus and stamina.

3. Prioritize Sleep:

  • Maintain consistent sleep schedules. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest.
  • Avoid using screens an hour before bed to reduce mental clutter.
  • Use calming herbal teas or essential oils to prepare for restful sleep.

4. Manage Stress:

  • Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm your mind.
  • Herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi can support mental resilience.
  • Journaling or mindfulness exercises can help process emotions and reduce cognitive load.

5. Listen to Your Body:

  • Pay attention to signs of fatigue, irritability, and poor focus.
  • Incorporate mini-breaks to recharge both body and mind.
  • Schedule annual health checkups to address issues early.

Moving Forward: A Shift in Perspective

The debate over work hours is an opportunity to rethink what drives success. True productivity is about optimizing effort, not maximizing hours. By respecting the natural rhythms of the body and addressing inefficiencies in the workplace, we can achieve more with less.

As Ayurveda teaches:

“Shariram adyam khalu dharma sadhanam.”
(The body is the primary instrument for fulfilling one’s duties.)

By taking care of this instrument, individuals and organizations alike can create sustainable, healthy, and productive environments. After all, progress built on balance endures far longer than growth fueled by excess.

UWAY, follows traditional Kerala ayurveda medical protocol with modern diagnostic techniques for better patient outcomes.

Please feel free to contact us at care@uwayhealth.com

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