Kolkata: Last weekend, residents across several housing societies in Kolkata gathered in their shared spaces for a conversation that struck a chord with many — their growing dependence on screens and the need to restore balance in daily life.As part of The Times of India’s nationwide ‘Let’s D-Stress’ initiative, specialist-led sessions transformed a common urban concern into an open and practical dialogue on digital overload, family habits and mental well-being. The initiative aims to address rising digital stress in India by encouraging small yet meaningful changes in everyday behaviour, helping individuals improve focus and emotional balance.The sessions witnessed active participation from people across age groups, with discussions ranging from managing screen time to building healthier routines at home. What stood out was the willingness of participants to share personal experiences and listen to others facing similar challenges.Class VII student Mizma Rizvi asked expert Kathakoli Goswami: “Ma’am, if I use screens for simple homework, will it affect my ideation skills?” Meanwhile, Mayank Goyal, a professional in the trading business, raised a practical concern: “My work requires me to be on screens constantly. Is there a way to manage this better?”“Let’s D-Stress’ is definitely an important and timely initiative. It opens up conversations that people are already experiencing but not always reflecting on. Digital imbalance is not just a ‘young people’ issue anymore. It’s cutting across age groups,” said clinical psychologist Mandira Das.Designed as the first in a series of such engagements, the initiative aims to create safe and accessible spaces where communities can reflect and find workable solutions together.As part of the programme, TOI also introduced a simple self-assessment test to help participants evaluate their level of screen dependence. Many attendees said the exercise offered valuable insights, prompting them to rethink their habits and take the first steps towards a more balanced digital lifestyle.
