Top tips for a good life

None of life's goals are achievable without good health. Most office-goers can't allocate special hours to take up specific physical exercises. Some simply can't afford to enroll in fitness centers. Unless you're serious about following fitness programs, you're sure to end up losing weight -- but from your pocket only! But if you become too serious, there's no enjoyment.

Many people wish to keep fit at the office -- refer to an article on Page 6 of The Jakarta Post on July 23, 2000. During the last five years or so, I've observed a few simple physical activities during working hours and I have found them to be quite effective. They are listed below for the benefit of readers.

Don't let others carry your briefcase. Do it yourself. If it is a little heavy, it's an advantage. Walk up the stairs rather than using lifts. It's not too difficult to climb up three to four stories every day. I usually avoid lifts, unless someone holds it for my sake.

When you are in the lift, look around at the familiar faces and say "hello" or smile at them. Start your day with a mark of courtesy. Our attitude and behavior matter a lot in building up health.

Years back, I read the following anecdote in the Readers Digest. Early in the morning, a lift operator was seen singing a tune and enjoying himself. Somebody asked him "what's so special?" He replied: "I'm happy because I haven't lived this day before!" I was astounded to read it. What an attitude! I wish we all could emulate some of these ideas in our day-to-day lives. Bigger goals in life can be achieved only by working on easily achievable smaller goals -- no point in aiming too high, if we can't follow through.

After walking up the stairs and reaching your desk, practice deep breathing for a few seconds, calm your pulse rate and then settle down to your work.

When going to the toilet, climb up a flight of stairs or go down. Walk erect and briskly, but not too fast. We should be able to look around and say "good morning" to our colleagues. By the way, have you seen the people who walk hither and thither across the hall, going from one cabin to another with a serious look as if they are working in the Pentagon? Oh, come on, guys, after a few years, people won't even remember that you ever existed!

Cut "intercom" talks within the office. Just walk to your staff and deal with the matter right there -- "walk the talk" if you like. All these short walks add up and improve our wellbeing. And please, for God's sake, don't ever make official memos (certainly not the Indonesian way!), unless they have to be formal. Small handwritten notes might be in order by way of reminders.

When sitting at your desk, if you feel comfortable without shoes on, just go ahead. Who cares? After all, it's your place. You are entitled to sit whichever way you like. First and foremost, we live for ourselves. Only then can we live for others!

If you feel thirsty, get up and walk to the water dispenser. If the dispenser is at a distance, it is another bonus. After lunch, close your eyes and totally relax for at least five minutes. In India, some companies have gone to the extent of providing meditation halls for the use of executives.

To summarize, let's make fitness a part of our lifestyle. Mahatma Gandhi used to clean public toilets and expected his wife, Kasturba, to follow suit. Of course, after a little reluctance, she did comply. But, then, those were the days (sigh!). Forget it, modern women would no way accept such "indignities". They're in to judo, boxing and martial arts. Time we men get some punches, isn't it?

D. CHANDRAMOULI

Jakarta