How I Keep Myself Healthy & Fit: Verdure amid busy schedules

Prioritising health and adopting a structured routine, Dr Srikanth Gundlapalli found ways to maintain physical and mental well-being amidst professional responsibilities.

The core of his running routine forms the backbone of his fitness regimen, with a weekly mileage of 15-20 kilometers.

“Morning runs, especially on weekends, help refresh my mind and energise my body for the day ahead. Yoga, practised three times a week, complements my plan, improving flexibility, focus, and relaxation. This combination of aerobic activity and mindful stretching ensures a balanced approach to fitness,” he tells us.

The doctor takes a short stroll to relax and unwind. The walks also help manage post-meal hyperglycemia, which is a simple yet effective habit he’d recommend to others. On how diet supports his fitness, he adds, “A traditional South Indian breakfast provides the energy I need to start the day right. Lunchtime is quick and light, often comprising fruits and nuts, which are easy to carry and consume during short breaks. Dinner is simple and wholesome, usually whole wheat chapati with a vegetarian curry.”

Needless to say, a balanced approach to meals ensures he meets his nutritional needs without feeling sluggish. One must wonder how he allows room for flexibility. The doctor reveals his mantra. “Once a week, I enjoy a hearty meal and desserts.

The occasional indulgence keeps the routine sustainable without compromising long-term goals.” Finding balance in a busy life, and that too, incorporating fitness into a tight schedule requires consistency rather than grand gestures. Short but effective activities like running, yoga, or even a stroll can go a long way in maintaining health.

“A balanced diet and occasional indulgences help make the process enjoyable and sustainable over the long term. As I have realised, taking small but consistent steps towards health not only improves physical fitness but also enhances mental clarity, which is essential in a demanding profession,” Dr Srikanth says. As the saying goes, a sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state. “The principle guides me to strike a balance between work, fitness, and overall well-being,” he adds, signing off.