How I Keep Healthy: Beyond Burnout

In a profession that demands precision, resilience and long hours, good health does not come automatically, it has to be built with intention.

For Prof. Dr Vijay Mohan S, HOD of Internal Medicine at Kamineni Hospital, fitness is not about dramatic overhauls. “For me, it is about building steady, sustainable habits that can withstand the pressures of modern medical practice. After more than a decade in cardiac and neurocritical care, the toll became impossible to ignore. Long shifts, sleep deprivation and constant high-stakes decisions created relentless stress,” he says, adding, “As doctors, we are trained to care for others but often ignore our own health until the body forces us to stop.”

His shift back to internal medicine was not about stepping away, but about recalibrating. Experience, he says, has taught him that balance is essential, not optional. “Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury, it is a responsibility.”

Today’s medical professionals are navigating an increasingly demanding environment. “Time is scarce, expectations are high and emotional fatigue is constant, and somewhere along the way, my own health slips quietly into the background. Long hours, lack of sleep and constant stress are silently affecting doctors and we need to start taking our own advice seriously.” The consequences are becoming harder to ignore. Rising lifestyle diseases and reduced life expectancy among doctors point to a systemic issue. “A healthy doctor is essential for healthy patient care and that begins with small daily discipline.”

His approach is refreshingly simple. “I begin the day with gentle stretching, even before getting out of bed, followed by a structured walk that shifts from brisk to slow. Simple habits like stretching, walking and eating on time can make a big difference in preventing burnout. “I keep my exercise routine consistent but measured. I balance light strength training with adequate recovery and rest. Fitness is not about intense workouts alone. It is about consistency, balance and giving the body time to recover.”

Nutrition follows the same philosophy. “Home-cooked meals, mindful portions and regular eating patterns form the foundation, even if schedules are not always perfect.”

Equally important is his mental well-being. “I treat time to pause and disconnect as essential. Music, for me, is a form of therapy, helping ease stress and restore focus.” What defines his routine is quiet discipline. “No extremes, no unrealistic goals, just consistency. A reminder that even in the most demanding professions, small daily habits can create lasting impact.”