If I want to be ready to serve God and my neighbour, I need to be healthy. God wants to use me for His Glory, and if I don’t look after my health, I’ll not be able to serve Him as He deserves.

Having time for recreation activities was always a challenge for me with so many engagements, meetings and travel. Very often, family time is sacrificed. So, intentionally, I book in my calendar block time to be with the family. This time needs to be diversified and of quality, visiting places, cooking together, being in nature, playing games or gardening.

I’ve always enjoyed being involved in physical exercise and sports. With my current responsibilities, finding an activity that would fit my travel engagements and the busy schedule was not easy, so I was neglecting this important aspect of my lifestyle. Recently, I made up my mind that I have to find time to run at least two times a week for half an hour, but preferably three times. So far it is working, and I’m feeling much better than earlier.

Stress and busyness are constant in my life. So I’m always intentional about finding ways to cope with it. The spiritual part of spending time with God is essential for that. Also reading a good book or seeing a proper programme on the computer or the TV is relaxing. The two strategies mentioned earlier of quality time with the family and exercising are also a blessing to cope with stress. Finally, keeping good humour in the office with colleagues and family is also critical.