Bestselling author Shiv Khera is back, this time with a compelling exploration of stress and how to manage it effectively. His new book, Live While You Are Alive, published by Bloomsbury, sheds light on stress’s often-overlooked emotional and economic impact and offers practical strategies to tackle it head-on.
Stress is a universal experience, but Khera challenges the idea that it is solely an external burden. His approach focuses on internal reactions rather than external circumstances. Whether at work, in relationships, or facing daily challenges, stress is not just about what happens to us but how we choose to respond.
In his signature engaging style, Khera presents stress as a force that can either break a person or push them to perform at their best. While many books suggest traditional stress relief methods such as yoga and meditation, Live While You Are Alive shifts the focus to mindset and attitude, asserting that a change in perspective can transform how we experience pressure.
Khera’s insights are deeply personal. Coming from a business family that faced financial collapse, he experienced firsthand the anxiety and uncertainty that come with failure. His early struggles working menial jobs, facing rejection in sales, and eventually building a successful career that taught him resilience and the right mindset are critical in overcoming stress. By shifting from blaming external factors to taking responsibility, he turned his failures into success.
Why This Book Stands Out
Unlike most books on stress that focus on relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes, Khera’s work is rooted in the idea that stress management starts from within. He emphasizes that no vacation, deep breathing exercise, or scenic retreat will help if one’s outlook remains negative. The book provides actionable steps to shift perspectives, reframe challenges, and use stress as a tool for growth rather than destruction.
While stress is often viewed negatively, Khera argues that the right kind of stress is essential for high performance. Athletes, public speakers, and successful entrepreneurs all harness stress to push their limits. By understanding how to use stress constructively, individuals can break through barriers and reach new heights in their personal and professional lives.
Work-Life Balance: A Myth or a Necessity?
The modern conversation around work-life balance often suggests that working smart eliminates the need to work hard. Khera challenges this notion, pointing out that true success requires both. Whether in entrepreneurship, medicine, or any other demanding field, sustained effort is necessary. He acknowledges that achieving a perfect work-life balance is often unrealistic, but managing one’s time and stress effectively can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Beyond Individual Stress: Systemic and Societal Pressures
Khera does not limit his discussion to personal stress but also examines systemic issues. From the pressures of unemployment to the educational disparities, he argues that societal structures often contribute to overwhelming stress levels. He actively advocates for reform in education, where students from different state boards face unequal opportunities in national-level exams.
He also critiques the materialistic culture that equates success with wealth, arguing that this mindset fosters unnecessary competition and dissatisfaction. Many people chase material possessions to impress others, adding unnecessary stress. His book encourages readers to redefine success on their own terms rather than society’s superficial standards.
What’s Next for Shiv Khera?
With Live While You Are Alive making waves, Khera is already working on his next projects. His upcoming books will be on relationships, parenting, and a bold critique of corruption in governance.