Strong Body, Sharp Mind: Balance Is the Secret
Dr Shreeja Gurrala builds her balance with disciplined workouts, mindful meals, and moments of quiet reflection
Between surgeries, consultations, and constant patient care, Dr Shreeja Gurrala, Consultant Urogynaecologist and Vaginal & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, still finds time to prioritise the one thing that keeps her grounded: her health. Here’s how she makes fitness her most consistent prescription.
MAKE MOVEMENT A LIFESTYLE
“My schedule is relentless, but I refuse to let sitting take over my day,” says Dr Shreeja. “I train in CrossFit twice a week and dedicate Sundays to cardio. Even during hospital hours, I’m conscious of keeping my body moving—taking the stairs, walking between OPDs, or fitting in a short stroll after meals. I treat movement as medicine—it’s what keeps my mind and body aligned.”
GUARD YOUR NUTRITION
“In medicine, time rarely bends around you. But I’ve learned to design my nutrition around my day, not the other way around,” she shares. “Breakfast is simple—three egg whites and one yolk. Before every meal, I have a small bowl of greens, and I like my dinners done before 7 p.m. When cravings hit, I have a salad first—it keeps portions realistic and sugar levels steady. Protein is the anchor of my meals; it keeps me strong, alert, and energised through long hours in the OT.”
PRIORITISE SLEEP
“Late-night scrolling and endless charting can wait—rest can’t. Sleep is my body’s natural reset button, and I protect it like any vital sign. It’s what allows me to show up sharp and centred, both in surgery and in life.”
MANAGE STRESS PROACTIVELY
“In my field, stress is part of the job—but I’ve learned to turn fitness into my therapy. Whether it’s an intense CrossFit session, a quick run, or even a walk in the sun, moving my body instantly resets my energy. It’s what keeps me calmer in the OR and more focused with patients.”
NURTURE LIFE OUTSIDE MEDICINE
“True health isn’t just about the body—it’s about joy,” Dr. Shreeja says. “Spending time with my family, making space for laughter, and finding balance in small moments—these are as essential to wellness as any workout.”
