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    Meditation, yoga & lifting weights: How ClearTax founder keeps his mind & body in shape

    Synopsis

    While meditating helps Archit Gupta keep his mind sharp, he also does yoga and lifts weights regularly.

    Gupta also listens to 'bhajans' and tries to focus on his mental health.Agencies
    Gupta also listens to 'bhajans' and tries to focus on his mental health.
    For Archit Gupta, founder of ClearTax, playing a variety of sports is key to keeping his mind and body in shape.

    Mind

    “Meditating after a good workout has proven to be useful and helps keep my mind sharp. I try writing notes and whiteboarding for thinking out aloud and brainstorming with the team. “Mental health is important to maintain a work-life balance. It’s like being a top athlete. The longer you can stay in the zone, the better you can perform. Long hours, remaining calm as a leader, seeing the needs of the team and placing them above your own, all of these come from a sound, meditative mind.”

    Soul

    “I enjoy listening to bhajans with my family. I am not super religious, but my grandfather used to have us listen to bhajans as children. This helps me keep my soul at peace. Good food, time with family, being in nature, running/lifting, working with great people, they all let me be thankful for whatever I have. I enjoy my work and spending time with my family. I am at peace when I can maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

    Body

    “Fitness is everything for me. I want to accomplish a lot, and key to this is remaining top of the fitness game. And I don’t just mean physical fitness: A happy mind is as important as a fit body. I exercise 3-4 times a week, and lift weights regularly. Over the past year, I have added weight training into my regimen. I have started using kettleballs to push myself.

    “I love doing yoga, which my wife teaches me. Apart from that, I also enjoy morning runs at Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park. I prefer exercising early in the morning as I have more control over my time. There is work in the evening, and also worse traffic. “But most importantly, build a habit of consistency. It’s even more important than what workout you do. I find that when people get fancy with their routines, they may actually fall off the fitness wagon. “I play ultimate frisbee, a niche sport, but lovely to play with a team. I would love to learn swimming. If I could play a sport with anybody, I would pick tennis with Roger Federer, football with Lionel Messi or basketball with LeBron James. I want to learn from the best in the world, about the spirit, determination, focus, and commitment they bring.

    “I am a vegetarian, and I prefer eating many small meals besides breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diet hack: Stop eating after 8 pm. I eat more protein-rich food and those light on carbs, so I don’t feel sleepy after a meal. Eating fresh food is the key. Avoid deep fried food and restaurant food. Anything home cooked is good.”


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