TV celebrities on how they cope up with their stressful lives

Every profession comes with its own challenges and in a competitive scenario, stress is inevitable. Television actor Sanjit Bedi passed away earlier this week following a fatal bout of shingles. Read more

It is said that those with low immunity are most susceptible to this disease - erratic schedules, irregular food and sleeping patterns, and the pressure of deadlines increase one's vulnerability. hitlist speaks to a clutch of television actors about their stressful lives and coping mechanism...

Kamya Punjabi, actress

I am too passionate about my work. It keeps me alive and motivated. One has to deal with stress when there is no work.

Vivian Dsena, actor

Acting is a ruthless profession. It doesn't matter whether you live or die or your family suffers, you have to ensure that your show is telecast on time. If not, the producer is penalised. Asking for leave is considered rude and arrogant. Food habits and shoot schedules are erratic, but as actors one should take suitable precautions. I try my best to eat at the right time and keep myself hydrated.

Rohit Roy, actor

Odd, long hours of work can affect any person's immune system. Then there is added stress of failure when your show or film doesn't fare well. I have a simple way of dealing with it. I eat home-cooked food at the proper time and irrespective of my schedule, I work out every other day. If my show/ film fails, I grieve over it like I lost someone dear and move on with a stronger resolve and positive frame of mind.

Rashami Desai, actress

TV is a demanding industry. When we chose this profession, we knew what it involves. No profession is free of stress or worries. We need to know how to manage our lives. I practise yoga when I get time. Keeping yourself sane is also necessary in a glamour-driven world. I carry food to the set from home. That is the secret to good health. I also believe in the power of positive thinking.

Ridhi Dogra, actress

Stress is part and parcel of any career, but TV industry surely has erratic schedules. It does affect one's health, but one needs to take extra care as shooting atmosphere and location varies and it's a deadline-driven scenario. You have to take charge of your food habits and lifestyle. One needs to keep oneself motivated and a support system is needed. My husband, Raqesh, belongs to the same industry and we have a positive approach towards career.

Mrunal Jain, actor

I can't be complaining about stress and odd schedules as acting in a daily soap makes one financially secure, brings fame and ensures additional perks like no other profession. I am a vegetarian, so food is always an issue. But I carry home-cooked food to the set. I make sure I pay attention to my immune system. As far as stress goes, I have people who lend mental and emotional security, and keep me motivated.

Shivin Narang, actor

In show business, one has to be professional and understanding about the way things function. Night shifts do take a toll and I have ended up skipping my workout many a time. But one's health is in one's hand. You have to be careful no matter what your profession is. Having the right people around is equally important. Stress is part of life and necessary too. If you do what you love and love what you do, you can manage this profession comfortably.

Kushal Tandon, actor

I don't know the exact reason for Sanjit's death, but it would be unfair to blame it on television. You can have irregular food habits and feel stressed out with a desk job too. So, actor or not, it is our responsibility to keep a check on our health. If we can't take care of our own system, why are we even earning our bread? I eat the right kind of food and workout to keep myself healthy.

Aastha Chaudhary, actress

More than actors, the production and channel officials should give this (erratic schedules and stress) a thought. I rely on yoga and meditation to battle stress and for good health. Don't consider yourself a superhero and that you can deal with problems alone. Discussing it with a family member or a friend greatly helps reduce stress levels.

Kavita Kaushik, actress

For me, my health and free time is of utmost importance. I work to live and travel. Even while doing FIR, I would shoot only 15 days a month and devoted the remaining 15 days to myself, my family, friends and travel. I don't let work stress eat into my beautiful life.

Sukirti Khandpal, actress

I worked with Sanjit Bedi in my first ever show and was shocked by the news of his demise. Of course, odd working hours take a toll, but I wont blame our work completely. Incidents such as this are an eye-opener and we must take care of our health.

Karanvir Bohra, actor

Sanjit had chose to not work for a year. He passed away due to shingles, which got complicated. He was deep into yoga and meditation. And odd working hours and irregular food habits can affect anyone's health, not just actors'.

Himmanshoo Ashok Malhotra, actor

Every profession has its own pros and cons. Stress is a part of life, so is anxiety. One has to be particular about eating habits and lifestyle. The TV world runs on deadlines, where name and fame are additional perks. One should take acting as a craft and if one does a balancing act, everything works out well.

Sneha Wagh, actress

TV industry has always had erratic hours of shooting. Story lines change and twists and turns happen overnight and there is no bank of episodes in case of daily soaps. I am always careful about what I eat. A good family atmosphere is essential too. Acting is just a profession for me; at home, I live life on my own terms.

Vishal Singh, actor

Television doesn't run in 9 to 5 shifts. One has to slog to meet deadlines as TV shows are a daily episode affair. One is paid accordingly too. But you have to consciously take care of your health. No one else can live your life or routine. Yes, it's stressful but which profession doesn't come with stress, anxiety and insecurities?