Among the many hats I wear—photographer, comedian, conservationist, card magician, content creator—there’s one thing I haven’t spoken much about: being physically fit. Maybe because it’s never been a separate “thing” for me. It’s just… always been there. Like sleep, except far more energising.
I can’t recall a phase in life where I wasn’t playing something. Cricket in the gullies, hockey in school, basketball and tennis somewhere in between—and for the past six years, it’s been badminton. Not the slow, feather-floating kind, but the 6 AM, sweat-your-soul-out kind. There’s something about chasing a shuttle that flips the switch for the entire day.
Playing sport isn’t just about building muscle or losing fat. It’s about finding rhythm. It’s about pushing your body to do what your mind thinks it can’t—and then watching your mind get braver because of it.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to and worked with kids and teenagers about how this physical rhythm often translates into mental balance.
On that note, here’s a quick story. A concerned parent sent their 11-year-old boy to help him play any sport. I spent over a year (weekly twice) playing multiple games. This boy, on day one, couldn’t catch a tennis ball thrown at him. 4 years later, he was in his School Basketball team.
Being physically fit is not about being able to participate in competitions or run a 10k or bench your body weight. It’s about being able to carry your day with strength and clarity. It’s about showing up—on time, with energy, and without that constant background hum of fatigue that so many silently endure. You can’t expect your mind to run a marathon if your body’s not even warming up. Movement gives you momentum—in thought, decision-making, creativity, and the ability to bounce back.
And no, you don’t need to be an athlete. But you do need to move. Walk, cycle, stretch, swim, dance badly—anything. Just don’t let your body become a storage unit for stress.
Because when your body is fit, your mind gets the memo. And then, the tasks of the day don’t seem like battles—they feel like games you’re ready to play.
Here’s a glimpse of my weekly exercise. Point to note, the combined age of my partner and me is 99. :). Oh, in case you are new here, I am the one in the blue t-shirt.
