The Gift of Stress-Free Moments

By G Athilakshmi M S (Sabbatical from 15th April 2024 to 15th July 2024) 

During Sabbatical period, I have undergone few training courses, and paid visits to tourist places including few pilgrimage centres. Traveling or immersing oneself in different cultures and communities can broaden perspectives and foster cultural understanding. I travelled to Trichy, Kanyakumari and Kodaikanal. I have undertaken sign language course, Car driving, Indian sign language and IELTS course.
 
I just stepped away from my routine and demands of work which helped to get clarity on my values, priorities and my long-term goals. It paved me a way to explore new interests and identify my untapped potentials. I realized myself as what am I. Also, I learnt how to balance my life and work.
  
The cultural heritage of Sriranga temple will not be eased from my memory. Enjoying the architectural beauty with traditional blend is an unforgettable experience. The nature has gifted Kodaikanal as a memorable place to see and retain in memory.
 
The sabbatical duration gifted me stress free moments and meeting different people, visiting different places happened to be stress busters for me. This gives me an idea of extending sabbatical leave to my sub-ordinates also.  Having learned the basic idea of sign language, I understand the importance of disability care and I desire to have a training programme in my organization on Sign language training both Indian and international perspectives.  I gained self-confidence and I gained a hope of being successful in all my endeavours.
 
As already mentioned, my sabbatical was a decline in stress and an increase in psychological resources and overall well-being. I was able to take care of my mental health and physical health and I feel peace and light in post sabbatical.

My family got the surprised and enjoyed the days of happy tours. My children gave the appreciation for getting the sabbatical support. Colleagues were kind and felt happy to see me again after a gap and perceived a kind of change in both my physical appearance and my attitude. They welcomed my ideas to implement which I learnt during sabbatical. My colleagues missed for a short duration, they were Happy about my state of peace, rest and ecstasy.

My only struggle was time management. Remote controlling of my project were the difficulties encountered during sabbatical period. Unplanned trips made me feel difficult in finding tickets and accommodation in some places.
 
While appreciating and congratulating the CI for their efforts on initiating sabbatical projects, an extended budget for future beneficiaries would be highly appreciable. More sabbatical numbers may be increased.
 
My sincere advice for future sabbatical beneficiaries is to set your purpose, themes for sabbatical. Having set the themes, prioritize the activities during sabbatical. Above all adopting a right mindset for sabbatical is more important and crucial for success and satisfaction.