The Healthy Mind Platter for the Great Lockdown: Reneta Kripalani
Much like Ranbir Kapoor in the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, when we got into lockdown, I echoed with dismay, “Mein Udna Chahta Hoon, Daudna Chahta Hun, Girna Bhi Chahta Hun. Bus, Rukna Nahi Chahta!” Work from home with increased responsibilities, amidst the air of anxiety meddled with my productivity. I played hide and seek with the news, only to rush through fluid days, struggling to settle into the “new normal”.
Meanwhile, Nike released their campaign “Play for the World”, supporting this shift in public life. I was invigorated by their approach to novel problems with the invincible spirit of an athlete. Indeed, it was time to have an indomitable life force to stay productive in an epidemic of overwhelm; mental wellbeing, not just personal safety, was crucial.
When I tabled this with our Professor of Creativity at INSEAD, Jamie Anderson, he recommended I put into practice a framework taught: The Healthy Mind Platter, with seven essential daily activities for mental wellness and optimal productivity. Jamie, recognized as one of the world’s top 25 Management Thinkers by the Business Strategy Review, focused on skills to be honed by leaders of the future. He emphasized on not just having intellectual prowess, but also developing creative thinking abilities with purposeful passion and cognitive health. He redefined productivity for me: a well-balanced day to hone these skills.
I followed this scientific routine with daily activities to integrate the brain for a healthy mind. The results: more productive and gratifying days:
1. Focus Time:
Did you know that Scott Adams, the creator of the famous Dilbert comic strip spent only 25% of his time working on it?! Razor sharp focus right?
So, I decided to break up with multi-tasking and utilize my personal peak hours to finish work. As we navigate one of the steepest learning curves of our professional lives, I used time saved on commuting to upskill.
2. Play Time:
Managing work with studies together over the last year often left with me without any play time. Spontaneity and creativity were a fair weather friend. But I was reminded of Albert Einstein, who arrived at the famous E=mc2 equation through combinatory play – blending art, music and thoughts to come up with scientific new ideas! His music breaks were an important part of the creative process.
Thus, as necessity is the mother of invention, I started off from being a Freshman to now a Sophomore Cook. I conducted a makeup masterclass, continued my French lessons on Duolingo and have finally understood the PUBG obsession! Certainly helps to stay nimble.
3. Connecting Time:
I have built-in a daily routine to nourish my extraversion; lunch is always with a friend, dinner with family, and at night, I wind down with friends. Over an inspiring chat, I learnt about the rich heritage of Rolls-Royce. Working from home, Henry Royce designed some of the most significant engines that powered aviation!
4. Down Time:
Did you know Google searches for stargazing have never been that high since the start of Covid19? So I dedicated 30 minutes to just stare into space! A stream of bees would come by each day at the same time for nectar producing flowers. When I dwelled further, research showed that the flower is weary of attracting a bee if it fails to provide nectar. Flowers are much like brands in today’s day, rethinking their roles in the lives of the consumer; moving from selling to value creating!
5. Physical Time:
Neuroscientist Friederike Fabritius shared, that when we exercise, the brain releases Dopamine, which helps us to feel better. We get a boost of serotonin which stabilizes the mood and we flush the stress hormone Cortisol out of our bodies. So, I try sticking to exercising 5 days a week. The bright side? Training with celebrity fitness experts like Yasmin Karachiwala!
6. Sleep Time:
I aim to sleep and wake up at the same time as otherwise, clocking in the same hours.
7. Time In:
I practice Nichiren’s Buddhism; an hour of chanting is revitalizing!
Since we are all juggling different priorities, you can carve out as much time for each activity as suited. What works well is keeping the framework in mind and planning ahead to avoid decision making fatigue.
However, following the Healthy Mind Platter currently comes with a disclaimer. It is important to acknowledge the uncertainty; there could be some good and not so good days. So, I let myself bounce back the next day, knowing that I am preparing for the future, the new normal that will be.
History has shown that adversity leads to opportunity: General Motors was formed from the Panic of 1907, FedEx soared through the oil crisis in the 1970’s, and the Great Recession saw the coming of Whatsapp and Instagram. Today, we are at the cusp of change, in this unique moment of history, which could be exciting if we prepare for it. Reminds me of the caterpillar and butterfly, with the latter stating, “We are supposed to change”. The Healthy Mind Platter for me has been an integral step; importantly, a happier one.
Reneta Kripalani leads Branded Content Strategy and Sales for News18.com’s Indian Language Platforms, present in 11 regional languages. Prior to her stint at Network18 Media & Investments, she worked with Unilever, where she was instrumental in launching and relaunching iconic brands like TRESemmé, TONI&GUY and Brylcreem to name a few. She brings with her diverse experience as a marketer, having worked on brands that straddle the pyramid, in both the FMCG and media industry. With over 11 years of experience, Reneta has worked with some of the leading firms like Ogilvy and The Times of India, amongst others. Currently, she is also pursuing a Business Leadership and General Management Programme at INSEAD.
* The Healthy Mind Platter is created by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute and Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine in collaboration with Dr. David Rock, Executive Director of the NeuroLeadership Institute
