Taking a step back to enjoy life

TWENTY years ago, work intensity took a toll on my health, and I often fell ill, to the extent of having nose bleeds. A visit to an ENT specialist changed my perspective on life. I realised, where's the good in gaining the world but losing your life?

I made a commitment then to change my working habits and improve my health. I have since developed an exercise, diet and rest routine that keeps my mind sharp and lifestyle balanced.

My fitness regime is simple but consistent. I make it a discipline to get my heart pumping at least four times a week, where I trail run 5-10km at MacRitchie Reservoir twice a week, hike Bukit Timah Hill for about 7km on Saturdays, and cycle 40km on Sundays around the Seletar Aerospace Park area for its serenity and smoother traffic for safety!

Trail running keeps me focused and creates positive energy. I enjoy the sight and smell of the forest and the sense of peace as I run past the trees in solitude, building mindfulness as I connect with nature - they call this forest bathing or "shinrin-yoku" in Japan. I learn new perspectives and find inspirations as I listen to podcasts while running in the forest. This "me time" provides me a booster for my life journey, strengthen my willpower to never give up.

I believe one has to be fit to serve. With a sharp mind, you can think of the best strategies and make the right decisions. This is why ERA Realty has set up numerous sports clubs since 2013, to encourage our trusted advisers to participate in. We have several sports clubs for running, cycling, golf, soccer, as well as a basketball club with members who were from the national teams.

I am extremely heartened to see these communities emerging within our organisation as we promote a healthy lifestyle as well as bonding activities that create a sense of belonging. As they say, "teams that play together, work together" and their well-being is something I seek as an achievement on my part. We have participated in competitions together, and won the 1st runner-up for OCBC Cycle Singapore CFS Partners' challenge in 2019. I have also run 7 full marathons.

In the real estate industry, a hectic lifestyle is inevitable. But I am a firm believer in creating and maintaining positive mental well-being, and there is honestly no better way to do this than with an active lifestyle. Exercising your heart rate up and sweating it out provides our brain the endorphins it needs to be in a state of happiness and peace. It also naturally de-stresses oneself.

Over time, I have come to realise my mind is clearer when I am physically fit. I can process and unload whatever has happened in the day as I listen to my inner voice while connecting with Mother Nature. Exercise is also a way to build resilience, endurance, and discipline, because a fitness regime means having to do something repetitively and regularly without giving up.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created more awareness around mental health and well-being, due to a sudden, extreme reduction in human interactions and disconnection of relationships. These challenges can be drastic, affecting our mental health, so working out is one way to combat them. However, you must always find a balance - I suffered an injury in my lower back as I was running every day during the Circuit Breaker out of boredom and the desire to get some fresh air after being at home the whole day. I now incorporate at least a 20-minute stretching and weight lifting session first thing every morning to help my body recover, and to build strength and resilience.

I am not a professional athlete nor a health guru, but I will say that keeping an active lifestyle makes a substantial, positive difference to one's life - physically and mentally. I know because it definitely made a difference to mine!

Tips for a healthy lifestyle:

Find the balance. Make time for regular exercise. Try different regimes such as running, walking, stretching, cycling, weightlifting, HIIT, to find the best fit. Like keeping a balanced and healthy diet with a variety of nutritious food, exercise should also be a variety of cardio, flexibility and strength training.

Never overdo a workout. Have ample rest and recovery. Alternate days of rest and exercise boost better energy output.

It's important to love yourself. Pay attention to your mental health and well-being, always have a positive mental attitude and connect with friends regularly.

Gratitude. Be thankful and focus on what we have, especially for being alive and healthy.

The writer, 55, is CEO of ERA Realty Network