Mind Over Money: How ‘me time’ of 1.5-2 hrs a day helps this MD & CEO keep mentally fit
Mind Over Money: How ‘me time’ of 1.5-2 hrs a day helps this MD & CEO keep mentally fit
1/6/24 8:58 AM
“I have found that it is usually the simplest things that help me stay mentally fit. I start my day at 5:30 am and the next 1.5 to 2 hours are ‘me time’,” says Sumit Rai, MD & CEO, Edelweiss Life Insurance.
In an interview with ETMarkets, Rai said, “Running is a great way to recharge for me because not only does it help you stay physically fit, but also compels you to disconnect from whatever is bothering you at the moment,” Edited excerpts:
I have found that it is usually the simplest things that help me stay mentally fit. I start my day at 5:30 am and the next 1.5 to 2 hours are ‘me time.’
I spend those two hours either working out, reading a book or newspaper, listening to a podcast I have been looking forward to, going for a walk or a run, etc.
And that’s my ultimate form of selfcare, spending those two hours on my personal development. They sound like small things, but I have found them to be extremely effective.
Running is something that recharges your body. Is there a specific schedule you follow? How much time do you give or specific km that you run daily?
I have been running on and off for years, but the unique circumstances brought on by COVID-19 created significant consistency in running.
Running is a great way to recharge for me because not only does it help you stay physically fit, but also compels you to disconnect from whatever is bothering you at the moment.
It gives you great mental clarity and I have discovered its many benefits in recent years. I work out regularly to keep up that physical fitness routine.
How much time do you spend in the gym? Is there a specific schedule that you follow?
I try and go to the gym at least 2 to 3 times a week, depending on my work and other commitments. Each gym session typically lasts for about an hour, giving me enough time to engage in a comprehensive workout.
I am sure your readers will also resonate with this, but as long as I am physically fit, staying mentally fit is not a challenge for me.I find it much easier and more importantly have the physical stamina to prioritise the activities that are necessary for my mental wellbeing.
Has working out, running or reading books helped you in decision-making?
Engaging in activities like working out, running, and reading books has positively influenced my decision-making over the years.
Such activities are a great way of gaining fresh perspective because they compel you to observe your surroundings, learn new things, and therefore approach everyday situations from different angles.
It has often helped me drive my team and reach innovative solutions to a problem.
What about books? Any books that you would like to recommend?
Reading books is more of a habit, than a deliberate form of mental exercise for me. Some of the recent reads that have made a mark on me are Trillion Dollar Coach by Alan Eagle, Eric Schmidt, and Jonathan Rosenberg, The Half Known Life by Pico Iyer, No Rules Rules on Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings, and Reflections by Swami Vivekananda.
Why are physical fitness and mental fitness important for someone who is in leadership roles?
Let me respond to this question by giving you an example. When you think of Chess, you rarely think of physical fitness. Sure, chess is a mental sport, but it is equally a game of physical endurance.
When you are playing chess, your mind is in overdrive, which creates a physical fallout like high blood pressure, lungs working harder, and more.
So, if you ask a chess player, they will tell you that physical fitness is equally important, if not more, when compared to mental fitness.
Being in a leadership position is similar. It requires agility and flexibility of mind and body to adapt to a changing environment and adequately respond to emerging challenges.
Mental and physical fitness are symbiotic and therefore one cannot be achieved without the other.
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