The mounting demands of work, energy-draining social dynamics, and the flood of information on gadgets sometimes put one's mind in endless tension. If left to accumulate, it can trigger stress.
Therefore, managing stress is no longer an option, but an obligation in realizing maximum mental and physical well-being. One way to do this is to engage in meaningful activities for oneself.
An inspiring story comes from Anne Patricia Susanto, Vice President Director of Pan Brothers, a leading garment manufacturing company in Indonesia.
According to her, for a businessperson, sports are not just about maintaining physical health. Beyond that, this activity is closely correlated with work performance and mindset formation.
More than just a hobby and entertainment, Anne chooses running as a way to train her resilience in surviving – just like a company that must have resilience to survive.
Anne chooses running as a way to train her resilience in surviving – just like a company that must have resilience to survive.
“My running hobby is more about training my mindset, more about long-distance running like marathons. It's not just physical exercise, but training myself for resilience, endurance, and commitment,” she told SUAR at the launch of SUAR media in Jakarta, Thursday night (21/8).
Anne said that running has an impact beyond just relieving stress. This activity increases energy and body stability, so stamina is stronger to face a long work rhythm.
She feels that a fit body can make business decisions clearer. She exemplifies that completing a 42-kilometer marathon requires a strong commitment and mindset.
That process, according to Anne, is in line with her business journey.
“The correlation is endurance training. Just like in the manufacturing world, we must be resistant to change. So this is not just about physical, but also training the mindset. In a fit body, there is a healthy mindset,” she added.
“This is not just about physical, but also training the mindset. In a fit body, there is a healthy mindset,” said Anne.
Although it had stopped during the pandemic, Anne has been running regularly again since last year. She believes that anyone can exercise as long as there is intention. “If we really want to and have a strong will, everyone can,” she said.
For Anne, discipline is key. She schedules training every morning, from core training to strengthening. This routine, according to her, is in line with the principle of building a business, which requires consistency, patience, and long-term commitment.
Not only that, sports also open up networking opportunities. Many business people find partners or clients through golf, futsal, and the gym. Anne herself was once active in a running community.
“I used to join a community with a WhatsApp group. But because the schedule sometimes didn't suit me, I now prefer to run alone,” he said.
Strategize in badminton
Besides Anne, the principle of work life balance is also always held by Vice President Director of PT Triputra Agro Persada, Budiarto Abadi.
According to Budiarto, spending free time doing hobbies is the best way to enjoy life, not just about work.
Almost every week he spends time playing badminton, both with his community and friends in the office.
To SUAR, he admitted that he really likes badminton because it can increase stamina and make the brain work a little by setting strategies to defend and attack.
"Playing badminton is not only about playing tactics, but also many benefits are obtained, such as burning calories and strengthening joint muscles," he said when met after the launch of SUAR media in Jakarta, Thursday night (22/8).
In addition, for Budiarto, badminton can also improve mood and improve mental health.
For Budiarto, badminton can also improve mood and improve mental health.
“There are so many benefits that can be obtained from playing badminton, which are clearly physically and mentally healthy,” said Budiarto.
Budiarto said that he has liked badminton since childhood and it has become a hobby until he grows up like now.
“I really like badminton because it makes me sweat and always feel healthy after playing,” said the man who idolizes Susi Susanti as his favorite athlete.
Susi, in Budiarto's eyes, has a smart and agile way of playing, an attitude that he thinks every entrepreneur must have in running a business. "Smart and agile are very important," he said.
Understanding the role in basketball
Meanwhile, Junas Miradiarsyah chose basketball as an important activity. For the Director of the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), basketball is not just a sport.
He said that in this game there is a deep philosophy, such as teamwork, complementary roles, discipline, and a healthy competitive spirit. He also applies all these values in his leadership at IBL.
“In basketball, everyone has a role. Some guard the defense, some score points, some set the tempo. Same as an organization. Not everyone has to be a star, but everyone has to understand their role,” he said.
Junas said that on weekends, he still often plays basketball or even works by monitoring basketball competitions in various cities in Indonesia. But for him, it feels like doing his favorite activity.
"I can map out what can be improved, what are the shortcomings both from the technical and non-technical sectors so that other people can enjoy it," said Junas.
He said that basketball teaches him enthusiasm both in terms of job position and the game.
"The spirit to win is also our spirit to survive in the job. So, in my opinion, basketball is not just a sport, but also a value that has made me who I am today," said Junas.
