Virat Kohli on the need to prioritise mental health: ‘Even in a room full of people who love me, I’ve felt alone’

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In an exclusive interaction with indian expressVirat Kohli talks about what brings out the best in him, his fitness tripwhy recovery plays an important role in an athlete’s journey, how to unwind after a hectic season, the importance of mental healthand his guilty indulgence. Edited excerpts below:

How do you de-stress after a tour to prepare for the next series?

The only thing that really helps me relax after a hectic season is spending time with my family. Other than that, I love spending time on my hobbies. Traveling is something that helps me a lot to de-stress, and of course coffee; I think I’m a coffee connoisseur and I love trying different coffee flavors and places around the world.

No matter how hectic your schedule gets, you never miss your workouts. What does your daily routine consist of?

Me fitness journey is interesting. The first few months are the hardest because this is the time when you really need to push yourself. The only thing that keeps you going is your desire and how badly you want to make those lifestyle changes, so I do my best to never miss my training. My daily routine consists of simple things like staying hydrated, eating healthy foods that help detoxify my bodyand helping my body recover faster.

What do you think is the most challenging thing about being an athlete?

I think the competition brings out the best in me in terms of agility and focus, and in a sport like cricket, you have to work to be precise in what you do and there is no room for error. This challenges me as a person and is actually something I look forward to! It’s a big job, every time, as an athlete to make sure that when the season is underway, you’re focused on the ultimate goal, which is trying to make your team win. But challenges help achieve excellence after all!

How do you ensure recovery after a match, while preparing for an upcoming tournament?

It is very important to focus on recovery as an athlete because we put our bodies to the test every day. But even today, the recovery concept it’s still extremely new and underrated. The reality is that it is the most important part of an athlete’s journey because we are always trying to push our limits on the field and dealing with a lot of injuries as a result. When I started, I was struggling to find products that would help me get my body back to the most optimal level possible, as quickly as possible. Things were very basic, not as portable as they are today. When it comes to your muscles, some support is needed for them to recover and be in peak condition; and Hyperice helps me do that even when I’m not racing. His gadgets, like the Hypervolt gun, help release knots and muscle tension, not only when I’m competing, but also when I’m relaxed. I also do my best to prioritize rest and good quality sleep to help my body recover.

You are also extremely conscious about your diet. What are the pros and cons you follow?

There was a time when I didn’t focus diet and fitness but in the last few years, I have really changed the way I eat and become more disciplined. I try to always be fully aware of my food intake. For me, the dos and don’ts are pretty simple: no processed sugar, Without gluten. I also avoid dairy as much as possible. Another trick that has helped me keep my health in check is eating up to 90 percent of my stomach’s capacity. For an enthusiast like me, all these things are not easy, but at the end of the day, when you start to see positive changes in your body, staying healthy really becomes an addiction.

So, I make sure I stick to what I need to do, whether it’s my diet, exercise routines, making sure I don’t miss a few reps or a a couple of series in the gym, or that I don’t snack on things that aren’t good for me. All these changes make you realize that you can go beyond a limit and strive to be the best version of yourself.

Conversely, on a cheat day, what does your plate look like? What is the one thing you love to enjoy?

One thing I would love to enjoy would be chole bhature. But even when I enjoy my favorite Indian dishes, I make sure to keep my diet in check. It’s never really a cheat ‘day’ as much as it is a cheat ‘meal’ when it comes to my eating habits. i make sure i did intermittent fasting for my body to break down the food as soon as possible so it can get back to normal faster.

How do you make sure you maintain your mental well-being in the midst of pressure, criticism, injury, and loss? Any advice you’d like to share with aspiring athletes?

For an athlete, sport can bring out the best in you as a player, but at the same time, the amount of pressure you are constantly under can affect your performance. mental health negatively. It is definitely a serious subject and as much as we try to be strong at all times, it can destroy you. My advice to aspiring athletes would be that yes, physical fitness and a focus on recovery are the keys to being a good athlete, but at the same time, it’s crucial to constantly stay in touch with your inner self. I have personally experienced times when, even in a room full of supportive and loving people, I felt alone, and I’m sure this is a feeling many people can relate to. So, make time for yourself and reconnect with your essence. If you lose that connection, it won’t be long before other things fall apart around you. You have to learn to compartmentalize your time so that there is balance. It takes practice like anything else in life, but it is something worth investing in, that is the only way to feel a sense of sanity and enjoyment while doing your job.

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