Mind Over Money: This CEO follows 30-min gym session, meditation & deep breathing to stay mentally fit

In an interview with ETMarkets, Murugan said: “I do some general exercise for anyone over the age of 50. This includes at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week,” Edited excerpts:

Thank you for talking to us. You are an IITian and CEO of a top investment platform. With so much on the plate how do you keep yourself mentally fit?

I believe it is crucial to prioritize mental fitness just as much as physical fitness. Making wise judgments that benefit our stakeholders and customers requires a sound mind. Hence, here are a few techniques I use to maintain my mental health:

It has been demonstrated that exercise is good for mental health. Whether it’s a morning jog or a gym session, I make it a point to exercise regularly.

I can control my stress and be present in the moment by engaging in mindfulness exercises like meditation and deep breathing.

To improve personally, learning is necessary. I make it a point to read books, go to conferences, and have talks with thought leaders in the field.

Besides, work-life balance is also important, in my opinion. I find that it’s easier to stay grounded and rejuvenated when I spend time with my family, and friends and pursue interests and hobbies outside of work.

The importance of mental and physical wellness is equal. When necessary, I prioritize getting help from professionals, and I advise my colleagues to do the same.

Overall, prioritizing mental fitness is a key component of being an effective resource and ensuring success in business. I also try to stand and work on most of the afternoons.

Tell us more about the routine you follow for your exercise at the age of 50? Tell us how many times you go to the gym and the time spent on average?

That being said, I do some general exercises for anyone over the age of 50. This includes at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week.

This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Stretching exercises improve flexibility and range of motion, which can be especially important as we age.

Therefore, I incorporate stretching exercises in my routine at least two to three times a week. Falls can be a serious concern for older adults, so including exercises that improve balance and coordination can be beneficial. This also includes yoga.

My advice to others would be to remember to start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise routine. It’s also important to listen to your body and make adjustments as necessary.

Why is physical fitness necessary for traders/investors especially now when work from home culture has increased?

People need to be physically fit because it supports their overall health and wellness. Regular physical activity can enhance mental health, sleep quality, and cognitive function in addition to preventing chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Even though the culture of working from home has grown, this does not imply that everyone is living a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, a lot of people claim that they are sitting more now than they did when they worked in an office, which could be bad for their health.

For people who work from home, maintaining physical fitness might be especially crucial because it can help counteract the harmful impacts of a sedentary lifestyle.

Exercise can lift your spirits, lower stress and anxiety, and boost your energy and productivity. People might use it as a way to unwind from work and get their minds fresh.

In general, people need to be physically healthy regardless of their employment circumstances. Regular physical activity and exercise can benefit one’s physical and mental health and make one feel their best both at work and outside of it.

Any investment or leadership lessons that you would like to share or have observed during your daily routine?

My advice to my team and aspiring young talents would be:

Prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency. This helps ensure that the most critical tasks are completed first, and that deadlines are met. Learn time management and avoid wasting time on non-essential tasks.

Practice active listening by paying attention to what others are saying, asking questions, and seeking to understand different perspectives. This helps build trust and foster a positive company culture.

Besides, a CEO should be willing to embrace change and take calculated risks to achieve the company’s goals. This requires a willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Finally communicate clearly and frequently, using a variety of channels and formats to reach different audiences. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that important information is not missed.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)