As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, my life is a whirlwind of responsibilities. My mornings are spent in the hospital consulting with patients, afternoons in the clinic, and surgeries squeezed in whenever time allows, early mornings, lunch hours, or even late evenings. Emergencies can happen at any time, whether it’s a woman in labour or a pregnancy complication. They often pull me away from family time, celebrations, or even important events.
This is the life of an obstetrician. It’s a constant balance between joy and sacrifice. Bringing new life into the world is a privilege, but managing both personal and professional responsibilities can be challenging. Over time, I’ve learned one important lesson. Taking care of my own health and well-being is not optional.
And this is the message I want to share with every woman reading this: your health is your foundation.
Women today wear many hats—professionals, caregivers, partners, parents, and community leaders. It’s easy to put yourself last, but the truth is, you can only give your best to others when you’re at your best. Here are some practical, tried-and-tested tips to help you prioritise your health and wellness, no matter how demanding life gets:
As women, we often ignore our own health until it demands attention. Don’t wait for something to feel wrong, make time to see your doctor regularly. Simple checkups like breast and cervical screenings, bone health checks and routine blood tests can go a long way in keeping you well.
I’m fortunate to have a loving and supportive family. My husband, my mother, and my two teenage boys. My elder son is preparing for university, and I also care for my elderly mother and in-laws, which adds to my responsibilities. But having a strong support system allows me to manage it all.
It’s easy to feel like you have to manage everything alone, but you don’t. Build your circle of support and let others step in when you need a hand.
Balancing work and family can feel overwhelming at times. It’s important to take a step back and give yourself space to unwind. For me, that means spending time on things I enjoy, like singing Carnatic music, painting, writing poetry, running, or gardening. These moments help me feel calm and centred.
Find what helps you switch off, whether it’s yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply being with people you love. And don’t hesitate to say no when something feels too much.
Even with my packed schedule, I make it a point to stay active. Physical activity doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. A brisk walk, stretching exercises, or even dancing with your kids can do wonders for your body and mind. Movement is medicine; don’t underestimate its power.
With back-to-back appointments and surgeries, it’s tempting to grab whatever is quick and convenient. But I’ve learned the importance of mindful eating. Choosing nutritious, balanced meals fuels my energy and keeps me going through long days.
Outside of my medical practice, I’m deeply passionate about maternal and child health and youth services. As a Rotarian, I conduct RYLAs (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and community health camps. I’ve authored two books: Growing Up Right, a guide for adolescent girls that has been translated into three South Indian languages and distributed to over 20,000 schoolgirls, and Nine Months: The Journey of a Lifetime, which celebrates the marvel of pregnancy and childbirth.
Beyond my professional work, I find immense joy in my creative pursuits, singing, painting, writing poetry, and gardening. These passions give me a sense of purpose and fulfilment beyond my career.
Find something you love, whether it’s art, writing, volunteering or gardening, and make time for it. Your passions are what keep you grounded and happy.
As women, we often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards. It’s okay to have days when the laundry isn’t done, the house is messy, or things don’t go as planned. Be kind to yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Through my work as a doctor, author, Rotarian, and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how women can thrive when they prioritise their health and wellness. It’s not always easy, especially with the demands of family and work, but it’s worth it.
To every woman reading this: take charge of your health, embrace your passions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are the cornerstone of your family and community, and your well-being matters.
Let’s make 2026 the year we put ourselves first, not out of selfishness, but out of love for ourselves and those who depend on us.
Women can prioritize health by setting realistic routines, scheduling time for self-care, delegating tasks, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life.
Simple habits include staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity.
Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalance, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep issues. It can be managed through exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and maintaining a support system.
Hormonal balance can be supported through a nutritious diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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