The leader's guide to cultivating healthy habits for a balanced life

If you ever get a chance to meet Arindam Bhattacharjee, you are certainly going to remember your conversation with him. And the reason for this is the passion that he brings to his conversations, his work, his hobbies, and everything he is associated with.

But what does a usual day look like for a security leader at Deloitte? He quips, “My job is simple–to manage expectations. The expectation that when you come to the office, you enter and exit safely. But managing expectations isn’t an easy job.” So, how does he do it with such ease!  

Arindam, who also leads well-being at Deloitte , thanks to his healthy lifestyle for being the driving force behind many of his endeavors. He emphasizes that real strength lies not in muscles but in the mind. This belief has been a cornerstone of his well-being journey, helping him navigate various challenges while staying calm and focused.

His well-being journey began when his father decided to enroll him in martial arts at the age of 13. This early exposure was not just about physical training but also about building a mindset that went on to shape his character and outlook on life.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged Arindam’s resilience, only for him to succeed, it was a defining moment in his career.  To help transition the entire workforce to operate in a virtual-first mode and extending support to them and their families was a true test of his courage and mental fortitude. His ability to lead these efforts effectively was rooted in his personal well-being practices.

So, when asked to choose between hustle and slow living, he mentioned he believes in not picking any particular lifestyle but blending both to suit different situations. “You cannot drive looking at the rearview mirror, while a momentary reflection to cherish what you accomplished is important, you also need to keep looking forward,” he advises. This personal discipline translates into his professional life where he sets clear boundaries to facilitate a healthy work-life balance. He has instituted a ‘zero-meeting Friday’ policy for his team, encouraging them to focus on their tasks and clear their communications before ending the week to spend quality time with loved ones. He believes that there is no secret formula for achievements. His philosophy is simple: When you love what you do, you naturally excel at it. This passion-driven approach determines that accomplishments become a consistent and effortless part of your journey.  

Focus, depth, and click! The well-being leader’s passion for photography has not only given him different perspectives but also continues to keep him humbled time and again. Pursuing this hobby remains a great stressbuster for him and a way to focus on his mental well-being.

He also shared a well-being practice that has worked for him over the years. He stands by the 10-3-2-1-0 principle, which is basically –

• 10 hours before sleep: Stop consuming caffeine for a good night's rest.
• 3 hours before sleep: Stop working to allow the brain to slow down and prepare for sleep.
• 2 hours before sleep: Avoid eating to prevent discomfort and support better digestion.
• 1 hour before sleep: Avoid screens to reduce exposure to blue light and promote better sleep quality.
• 0 snooze: Avoid hitting the snooze button to start the day with energy. (albeit the other 0 should be alcohol and smoking too)

Arindam’s well-being journey is a testament to the power of discipline, consistency, and conscious choices. For him, well-being is not just a personal journey but a professional imperative, and it is never too late to get started.

As a well-being advocate, he believes “Martial arts is not just a sport, it is a philosophy for me. It enhances your agility, flexibility, stamina, and most importantly, it transforms you into a better person.”

About Arindam
Arindam Bhattacharjee is the business services leader, security, and well-being leader at the Deloitte in Hyderabad. He remains committed toward well-being by staying disciplined and maintaining a work-life balance as well as empowering his team to invest in their well-being journey.

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