In an interview with ETMarkets, Dawar talks about strategies for staying mentally healthy, the importance of mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, and the crucial role of regular physical activity in everyday life.
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We also discuss the impact of mental health on effective leadership and offer valuable advice for recognising and dealing with mental fatigue.
Dawar’s journey highlights that mental and physical health are essential to sustaining both personal happiness and professional success. Edited excerpts:
Q) Thanks for having me on this segment. How do you stay mentally healthy?
A) Mental health is very important. I make a conscious effort to look after my mental health. I practice meditation and yoga 3-4 times a week to find peace and clarity in my mind.
Going for regular walks can help you feel refreshed both physically and mentally. Also, reading books of various genres and listening to soothing music like classical music or ghazals can be very soothing.
And to keep things fresh and stimulating, I actively engage with the younger generation to bring in new perspectives and ideas.
This holistic approach, combining physical activity, mindfulness, intellectual stimulation and social interaction, is the cornerstone of my mental fitness routine.
Q) Yoga is certainly a disciplined way to stay physically and mentally healthy. Is there a particular form of yoga that you do and how often and for how long do you do it daily/weekly?
A) Yes. Yoga is a disciplined practice that benefits both the body and the mind. I practice traditional yoga which includes pranayam (breathing exercises), asana (physical postures) and dharana (concentration techniques).
These practices help me maintain physical flexibility, strength and mental clarity. I usually attend yoga sessions 3-4 times a week and perform a balanced combination of pranayama, asana and dharana.
Practicing yoga frequently will help you stay consistent and also allow you to fit it around other commitments.
Q) We’ve heard that you go on long walks. Do you set any goals for yourself each day? Some people set goals like 10,000 steps a day.
A) Walking not only provides exercise that improves overall health, but also provides me with valuable “me time.” I don’t have a specific step goal like the commonly-stated 10,000 steps, but I do keep myself active by walking around my workplace and staying engaged at work.
This will help you to be more active throughout the day. On weekends, take longer walks of 30 to 45 minutes each. This will give you more time to enjoy the walk, appreciate nature, and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Setting daily goals gives you direction and helps you stay focused on your physical activity while juggling other responsibilities.
Also read: Mind Over Money profile
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/mind-over-money/newslist/91256725.cms
Q) How important is maintaining mental health for those in leadership roles?
A) Mental health is a top priority for those in leadership roles. Leadership roles are inherently demanding as they involve making difficult decisions and managing high levels of stress.
Without good mental health, it will be difficult to sustain such a demanding role. Furthermore, when mental health is neglected, especially at senior levels, it impairs the ability to exercise sound judgement.
Poor health can also reduce an organization’s ability to navigate a rapidly changing business environment, both inside and outside the organization.
Leaders need to prioritize mental health to effectively deal with complex situations, increase their overall effectiveness, and contribute to the success of their organizations.
Q) Are there any signs of mental fatigue that I should keep track of?
A) It’s important to recognize the signs of mental fatigue, as they can have a major impact on your health and performance. A clear sign is a noticeable drop in energy levels, making it difficult to meet the demands of work and daily life.
Additionally, feelings of irritability, anxiety, and lack of motivation may surface more frequently, signaling an underlying imbalance.
It is important to be aware of these warning signs and take appropriate action. Seek medical attention for any mental or physical fatigue.
It’s alarming how prevalent stress-related issues are in the workplace, especially among young people. Managing work-related stress is a key area of your job. Make sure you make self-care a priority.
This includes activities like traveling, pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with family and friends, etc. Recognizing the signs of mental fatigue and taking immediate action is essential to safeguarding your mental health and ensuring your long-term resilience.
Q) What made you decide to get into mental fitness? Was there a particular trigger?
A) About five or six years ago, I noticed that health issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar restriction were becoming more common.
However, three years ago, I realized the seriousness of neglecting my health when I suffered a tragic loss of a close family member at a young age. This incident was a major catalyst for me to begin prioritizing my physical and mental health.
(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions expressed by the experts are their own. They do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
