How do I Manage Stress and Achieve Work Life Balance as an Intern at Bank Indonesia

As a communication student, I never thought I could work for Bank Indonesia.

When I first walked into Bank Indonesia, I felt a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. As an intern, I was thrust into a world of finance, policy-making, and the responsibility of contributing to one of the most crucial institutions in the country. The prestige of the role was exhilarating, but so was the pressure.?

I found myself in an environment that was both thrilling and daunting. The demands, coupled with my desire to excel, often brought stress.?

Throughout my internship, I learned invaluable lessons about managing stress and achieving work-life balance that I believe are applicable to anyone in a high-stakes internship.

Finding My Footing

The first crucial step in managing stress was understanding it—specifically, what caused the stress. Since I didn't come from an economic background, grasping complex financial concepts and regulatory frameworks was pretty hard. After knowing the initial problem, I adopted strategies to solve it.?

I tried to break down complex topics into manageable daily learning goals and seek guidance from mentors and colleagues, which not only enhanced my understanding but also provided emotional support.

Building a Support System

Working in a comfortable environment will alleviate stress. During my internship at Departemen Kebijakan Sistem Pembayaran (DKSP), I built a support network of fellow interns and colleagues.

We usually had lunch breaks together to share our experiences, advice, and any random life hacks. Knowing others faced the same struggles made the workload seem less intimidating. We would discuss everything, from balancing work life to the best-fried chicken in the city, which brought a sense of normalcy and mutual support through the special bond we share.

Setting Boundaries and Personal Time

Achieving work-life balance required me to set clear boundaries. Initially, the desire to excel made me blur the lines between work and personal time. However, I learned that maintaining a balance was essential for sustained productivity. I made it a point to leave work after office hours and not check emails after a certain time in the evening.

To ensure I had personal time, I pursued activities that I loved. Whether it was going for a jog every weekend or spending time with family and friends with good food. Weekends were sacred; they were my time to recharge and engage in activities that brought me joy.

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My internship as Researcher Analyst at Bank Indonesia taught me that managing stress and achieving work-life balance is not a destination, but a journey.

It’s about finding the right balance, setting boundaries, and taking care of oneself. As I look back on those months, I realize that the skills and lessons I learned are invaluable, not only for my professional growth but also a deeper understanding of myself.

Name: Kezia Patricia Hutagaol

NIP: 202408074

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