Physical Fitness and Mental Resilience Essential for High-Stress Professions

Director General of Police Sri C.V. Anand, IPS, on Tuesday addressed the Times Network India Health Summit 2026 on the theme, "Resilient Leaders: Balancing Elite Physical Fitness and Agility in High-Stress Roles," underscoring the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience and self-discipline for professionals working in demanding environments.

Addressing the gathering, the DGP observed that policing involves unpredictable working hours and relentless pressure, causing fitness to often take a backseat after recruitment. He urged every police officer to dedicate at least one hour each day to physical exercise and mental well-being, stating that fitness is not merely about looking smart in uniform but about remaining healthy and capable throughout one's career.

Reflecting on his own journey, Sri Anand said cricket had played a defining role in shaping his discipline, leadership, teamwork and mental toughness. Having represented the State at both junior and senior levels, he noted that the lessons learnt on the cricket field proved invaluable in policing. He added that his long years of service in Naxal-affected districts such as Nizamabad, Warangal and Adilabad reinforced the importance of remaining composed under pressure, alongside maintaining physical fitness.

Sharing his personal fitness regimen, the DGP said he regularly engages in cricket, tennis, golf, yoga, stretching and weight training. He also highlighted the importance of healthy eating habits, mentioning that he consciously limits the consumption of what he described as the "four whites" - sugar, salt, rice and maida. He stressed that with discipline and effective time management, it is possible to maintain fitness even while handling the responsibilities of one of the busiest and most demanding professions.

Concluding his address, Sri C.V. Anand said that physical strength, mental resilience and self-discipline are non-negotiable attributes for anyone serving in high-stress professions, particularly policing, where both physical endurance and sound judgement are tested every day.