Thrive Global India: ‘Do Something That You Can Continue for a Lifetime’
CEO and Founder of MapmyGenome, Anu Acharya, on what helps her juggle a busy schedule with some downtime. Originally published on Thrive Global India.
TGI: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
I stretch and meditate for a bit. While checking my emails and messages I take a cup of tea (and finally wake up). Exercise is a must for 45 minutes or so before getting ready to go to work.
TGI: How do you unplug and recharge?
The best way to unplug is to get away from the phone. While I let my phone charge I do some reading, exercise, socialise or just sleep. I also love travelling and writing poetry — in most cities I travel, I wander around feeling the energy in the air. When something strikes me positively or negatively I like to pen my thoughts down.
TGI: What’s your favourite well-being tip?
Do things that you can continue doing over a long period of time. Make healthy eating part of your lifestyle, not just a fad diet. Moving around is essential — if you cannot get to a gym, do something that makes you walk every day. And if none of those work, turn on the music and dance.
TGI: How do you deal with negativity on social media?
Like everything else in life — with a smile!
TGI: When was the last time you felt burned out?
I don’t remember feeling burnt out. I don’t get stressed easily. There are challenges every day but there are also surprises and joy in the life of an entrepreneur.
TGI: What would you do on an ideal day?
Assuming that I wake up with a clean inbox and get lots of orders automatically for Genomepatri — I would like to be on the beach or the mountains, connected yet disconnected. Look at nature, trek, and my thoughts would be automatically written into completing my unfinished book.
TGI: How do you incorporate well-being into your daily life?
I eat healthily and stay active. The best way I learnt is to do something small that you can continue to do for a lifetime. I could be doing yoga, walking, rowing or dancing — being active is an important part of my life. Socialisation is known to be the best well-being habit. I like to spend time with my family and friends and just being myself.
TGI: What benefit do these habits have on your ability to perform?
I can do a 20-hour work day with just four hours of sleep, travel for several days in a month, and still stay positive and confident in the toughest situations. My genes have a significant role to play in this — and so does my lifestyle.
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