EXECUTIVE HEALTH: QUICK DOSE FOR STRESS-S- BUSTING

QUICK DOSE FOR STRESS- BUSTING: STRESS CAN BE COSTLY. IT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A RANGE OF AILMENTS – FROM HEART DISEASE AND DIABETES TO DEPRESSION. IN THIS HYPER- COMPETITIVE, LITTLE-TIME-AT-HOME, DEADLINE- CHASING WORLD, EXECUTIVES CANNOT AVOID STRESS. BUSINESS TODAY SPEAKS TO DOCTORS, HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERTS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Take time out: Be with yourself, alone, for at least 15 minutes – either plan and allocate time for yourself or just grab it when you find the opportunity. Could be a short walk, 15 minute meditation, a little jog, if the place provides a scope for it – just stay away from your digital devices and go off the grid for a few minutes. If planned, this could be done between meetings. Make the most of travel time. For instance, try walking up and down the airport while waiting for a flight. In a one hour flight, if you cannot take a short nap, try and take a 30 minute break. This is particularly important for travel-stressed executives.

Cut the clutter: Controlling the mind for 30 to 45 minutes could have hugely positive outcomes. The best tool is doing things that are totally unrelated to your work, say sifting though the pages of a new book or just listening to music. Eat on time: It helps. Stick to fixed eating hours. There is enough information on how cortisol, the stress hormone in the body, inhibits digestion. In fact, cortisol levels in the blood rise when you skip your meal and result in mood swings.

Home & hobby: When back at home, ensure you constantly nurture your hobby. Could be photography, listening to books on your phone, yoga, swimming or jogging. Hit the gym when possible – with a headphone on so that no one gets to talk to you.