What do you do?... and besides that...

Many people are enslaved completely by their "work life" due to lack of alternatives. However, many others do not realize or accept the fact that they are nothing more than "slaves" of their work life. Having a "life outside of work" is important for several reasons:

• Work-life balance: Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being. When work dominates all aspects of life, it can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in physical and mental health. By having a life beyond work, you can create space for relaxation, hobbies, relationships, and self-care, which are all essential for a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. For instance, if you are a professional sportsperson, you should integrate activities, absolutely different from you sport(s) and its training, into your routine.
• Personal fulfilment: Engaging in activities and pursuits outside of work can bring a sense of joy, fulfilment, and purpose to your life. It allows you to explore your passions, develop new skills, and experience personal growth. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or engaging in creative outlets, these activities contribute to a well-rounded and satisfying life. These activities also expand your personal network as you interact with others pursuing the same activities. And it is often while pursuing these activities that we get closer to some people we already know or meet someone whom we would have never met otherwise, but they end up becoming your bestie.
• Enhanced productivity: Paradoxically, taking time away from work and focusing on non-work-related activities can actually improve your productivity when you do return to work. Having a break and allowing yourself to recharge and rejuvenate can increase motivation, creativity, and overall cognitive functioning. It can also provide perspective and fresh insights, which can be beneficial in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Healthy relationships: Maintaining strong and meaningful relationships is vital for emotional well-being. Having a life outside of work allows you to nurture and invest in your relationships with family, friends, and community. Building and sustaining these connections provides support, happiness, and a sense of belonging.
• Self-care and well-being: Taking care of yourself should be a priority. Having a life beyond work gives you the opportunity to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, getting enough sleep, and pursuing hobbies that bring you joy. Nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for long-term health and happiness.

So, if you don't do anything besides- what do you do, try to explore multiple things and continue with one or two you enjoy the most. It is not necessary that you would find an activity you would enjoy and like to continue in your first few attempts. So it is important to experiment.

PS: It is a misconception that athletes do no face mental health challenges. Sports, at professional levels requires you to absorb extreme pressures, besides the training itself which is insanely demanding physically as well as mentally. This does at times pose serious mental health challenges for athletes. Others turn to sports and physical activity when they go through a tough time. But what do you do when all you do is sports and physical activity and you are going through a tough time?! I do know the answer and it is not the same for everyone. I am grateful to all the people who have been there for me, personally or professionally, whenever I had gone through a tough time.