A Conscious Effort to Stay Peaceful
Dr Adarsh Annapareddy of KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals reflects on how doctors, in the race to save lives, often forget to safeguard their own — and shares his three-fold approach for it
The long hours, emotional intensity, and physical demands of medical practice often leave little time for personal well-being. But Dr Adarsh Annapareddy, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon and Executive Director at KIMS-SUNSHINE Hospitals, says it’s time that changed. “As doctors, we’re wired to prioritise others. But the truth is, if we don’t look after ourselves, we eventually won’t be able to look after anyone else,” he says. Dr Annapareddy believes that staying healthy—both physically and mentally—requires a conscious, structured effort.
Diet
“We know what’s good for the body. But following it ourselves is the real challenge,” he admits. “A well-maintained diet rich in essential micronutrients isn’t just about physical energy — it’s the foundation for mental clarity too.”
Physical Activity
“One of the biggest excuses I hear from peers is lack of time. But if I don’t make space for it, no one will do it for me,” he says. “I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and play tennis from 6 to 7 a.m. That hour sets the tone for my entire day.”
He’s quick to point out that walking hospital corridors or moving around during surgeries doesn’t count as proper physical activity. “Structured exercise—something you choose and commit to—is different. For me, it’s tennis. For others, it might be a jog, yoga, or even dancing.”
Mental health
For him, that peace comes from being with family. “I try to finish work by 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. so I can spend the evening with my children. That’s my happy place — it rejuvenates me more than anything else.” He also carves out time for solitude. “Some evenings, I enjoy watching a film alone — either in a theatre or at home. That time with myself helps me decompress.”
Dr Annapareddy’s philosophy is simple yet vital: “Our profession will always be demanding. But we can’t let it come at the cost of our health. Healing begins with us.”
