A TIME FOR HEALING

Seven successful, multi-hyphenate professionals—leading from the front, while holding the fort at home—share what helps them find inner peace, composure, and focus when they feel overwhelmed.

- Humra Afroz Khan

ASHI DUA

PRODUCER, LUST STORIES & GHOST STORIES, AMONG OTHERS

“As a producer, I am involved with every element of the project—from the conceptualisation of the idea, to finally releasing it to the public. There are no fixed hours in terms of how much I have to be ‘in office’. There are days when I end up working for 13 to 14 hours, and there are others when I am not working at all!

Like any other field, this, too, can be fairly mentally taxing. One of the biggest challenges is that, often, things are out of your control, no matter how much you try. You could skip deadlines, or exceed budgets, or the casting of actors doesn’t work out. It is best, then, to disassociate yourself from the situation, and tap into quieter, slower activities that bring you calm. Travelling brings me tremendous peace. Unfortunately, that has taken a back seat this past year, so I have found alternatives, like watching shows and movies, and reading. Playing with my child also relaxes me, as does taking a nap.

During pre-Covid times, I would switch off every three months, for a short getaway. I find disconnecting from the world extremely calming. One of my favourite things to do when on holiday is to spend time amidst nature, and with animals. It takes away the frenzy of city life, and brings me closer to myself, spiritually.

I think when struggling for balance, sometimes, it is best to take a break from social media, and be with yourself. Let things take their course, and believe that whatever is meant to be, will be.”