Ravi Kumar Jha, MD & CEO of LIC Mutual Fund AMC, exemplifies the harmony between wellness and leadership.In an interview with ETMarkets, he shared how traditional practices like Neti, yoga, and meditation are integral to his daily routine, enabling him to maintain focus and resilience amidst a demanding schedule.From starting his day with respiratory cleansing techniques to unwinding with evening walks, Jha’s holistic approach to health not only enhances his personal well-being but also sharpens his leadership and decision-making abilities.His commitment to wellness underscores its transformative impact on navigating challenges and leading effectively in the corporate world.Edited excerpts: Thanks for taking the time out. In your busy schedule as MD & CEO, how do you manage to incorporate wellness practices like Neti into your daily routine? Thank you for the invitation. Wellness practices are integral to my routine, helping me remain centered despite a demanding schedule.I incorporate Neti early each morning, which aligns well with my other health rituals and doesn’t require much time. This practice supports my focus, and over time, it has become as essential as any other part of my day, allowing me to engage fully with my responsibilities.You practice Neti every morning. How has this traditional technique helped you maintain respiratory health, especially given the challenges of a city environment? Practicing Neti has had an incredibly positive impact on my respiratory health, especially given the air quality challenges in a bustling city like Mumbai.It clears my nasal passages of impurities and has helped me avoid common respiratory issues that can arise from pollution.Neti also helps me feel more refreshed, which is a wonderful way to start my day on a positive and health-conscious note. Could you share more about the role of light stretching and yoga in your fitness routine? How do these exercises contribute to your physical and mental well-being? Light stretching and yoga exercises are the cornerstones of my fitness routine. These exercises keep me flexible and active, helping to alleviate stiffness or tension that can build up over time.They also support my mental clarity by promoting a mind-body connection, which is invaluable in grounding myself for a productive day.Mentally, the focus required in yoga helps me feel more present and prepares me to manage any challenges that arise.What specific benefits have you noticed from incorporating flexibility and circulation-focused exercises into your routine?Focusing on flexibility and circulation has been transformative. It keeps my muscles and joints agile, reducing the risk of aches and stiffness that can be common with desk work.Improved circulation, especially from these low-impact exercises, energizes me throughout the day and helps me stay sharp and attentive in my role.After yoga, you spend 10-15 minutes meditating. How does meditation help you prepare for the demands of your role, and what techniques do you find most effective? Meditation is my mental reset each morning, allowing me to enter the day with calm and clarity. I focus on simple mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or guided visualization, which clear my mind and help reduce any lingering stress.This practice enables me to approach decisions from a place of patience and balance, which is especially helpful in a leadership role. In the evening, you go for a brisk walk to unwind. How does this activity help you transition from a fast-paced workday to a more relaxed, reflective state?An evening walk is my way of marking the end of the workday and letting go of any residual stress. Being outdoors in a natural environment allows me to reflect on the day’s events, consider my accomplishments, and prepare for the next day.It’s a physical activity that doesn’t require intense exertion but allows me to slow down and unwind.Would you say that these wellness practices have had a noticeable effect on your leadership and decision-making abilities at LIC Mutual Fund AMC?Absolutely. These practices have enhanced my leadership capabilities by keeping me calm, focused, and clear-headed.The ability to manage stress positively impacts my decision-making, helping me approach challenges thoughtfully rather than reactively.Wellness is, therefore, not just a personal benefit but a professional one, strengthening my capacity to guide LIC Mutual Fund AMC effectively.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)