I am Important and so is my Wellbeing

By Nabanita Banerjee (Sabbatical from 15th May 2024 to 15th August 2024)

From May 15 to August 15, 2024, I embarked on a much-needed sabbatical after a challenging period
marked by chemotherapy treatments that began in December 2022 which extended until June 2023.
Undergoing chemotherapy was not merely a physical battle; it was a harrowing experience fraught
with profound challenges. I recall grappling with an overwhelming sense of anxiety as I fretted over
the effectiveness of my treatment, which was aggravated by the ever-increasing workload paired with
the issue of monitoring my staff’s performance.

Upon my return to office on 1st July 2023, I encountered considerable difficulty in re-establishing my professional engagement, compounded by emotional and physical distress that manifested in sleepless nights and anxiety. The pressure of managing workload and staff retention added to the strain, leaving little time for family or personal well-being. Despite my commitment to work, Sundays became another day filled with many responsibilities, further diminishing my family time. My mood swings added to the emotional complexity, making each day unpredictable.

As I was navigating my way through this tumultuous journey, I came across The Cocoon Initiative. Their program is designed to support social leaders like me, who often bear the burden of accountability in project management while operating under immense pressure. The Cocoon Initiative’s mission and vision are quite out of the box. They are the first ones to come up with such a unique idea by enabling social leaders to be away from the social sector for three months, hence giving a new connotation to leaders in the social sector.

A family trip to Milan and other parts of Europe from 25th May to 5th June became a significant
highlight in this chapter of my life, marking a joyful and rejuvenating reunion during a period that had
otherwise, been defined by stress and responsibility.

The sabbatical period profoundly transformed both my personal and professional life. During this
time, I re-embraced my identity as a home mom. It allowed me to reconnect with my children, who
now see me not just as a working mother but as a nurturing presence in their lives. I took part in
birthday celebrations, engaged in activities such as watching television, enjoying movies, and
sharing cartoon time with my children. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to reconnect with old
friends and schoolmates, allowing for meaningful interactions that had long been neglected.

Reconnecting with family and close friends filled my heart with joy, while interactions with old
classmates rekindled cherished memories, reminding me of the bonds that truly matter. For the
longest time, I was only able to spend time with my husband on official trips. This sabbatical gave me
an opportunity to go out on dates which had become a fond and distant memory. For the first time in
years, there were no timelines to catch. I experienced the luxury of unhurried Saturdays, a blessing that brought me immense relief from the relentless pace of work.

In search of healthy coping mechanisms during my hiatus from the social sector, I joined the Art of Living program, which is chaired by none other than Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Their guided meditation sessions
provided some relief and kept my panic attacks at bay. As my sleepless nights transformed into peaceful rest, I discovered the power of meditation to calm my spirit and lift my mood, replacing crankiness
with a newfound sense of tranquility. I even had the joy of celebrating my anniversary, a moment that reminded me of the love and commitment that enriches my life, while precious time spent with my
parents brought me closer to my roots.

During my sabbatical, I reflected on the very essence of life. In retrospect, I found myself asking the most profound questions about purpose and mortality. As a leader and a changemaker who has always made herself available to her duties, especially for the underserved community, this was the first instance where I did something for myself. During the onset of my hiatus, the sense of relief was quite alienating, and the calm days were deafening. I cannot recall the last time when I was away from work; therefore, I felt this obligation to take a step back. I asked myself, “How am I supposed to look out for others when my own sanity is at stake?”

Thus, a sabbatical was the need of the hour; it was paramount to keep myself sane and put my wellbeing
first for once. This sabbatical has not only reinforced my belief in the necessity of such breaks within the NGO sector but has also inspired me to implement a policy within my organization that allows staff
members with over three years of service to take a minimum 45-day sabbatical.

I also aspire to introduce motivational talks to enhance the mental health of our team, since I’ve realized just how crucial it is to support one another. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, we will allow staff two Saturdays off each month to ensure they can spend quality time with their families, free
from the burdens of work. Moreover, The We Foundation is committed to cultivating a positive work
environment by removing toxic, regardless of their performance levels, and prioritizing medium
performers who contribute to a healthy organizational culture. As we continue to grow as an
organization, I believe these changes will cultivate a space where every individual feels valued,
supported, and empowered to thrive.

I extend my gratitude to The Cocoon Initiative for giving me this unique opportunity to detach myself
from work and reconnect with the trifle joys of life. I thank them for allowing me to embrace the
importance of personal well-being in the midst of a demanding career. I encourage all social leaders
who transverse through a difficult path to resort to the unique program offered by The Cocoon
Initiative. They have been quite supportive and played an integral part in my healing process.