Some (v) room for stress

Riding a bike can help get of rid of stress, too! We speak to a Thaneite who wheels in well-being to his life…

RAJIV SHAH, 30
Project Manager - software industry
Resident of Ghodbunder road

I AM thankful to my wife Vidyut, who fortunately understands my passion for my bike. For me there is nothing more relaxing than riding my Bullet motorcycle. After work, when I ride home from the Powai lake area where I work the traffic does not induce any relaxation, but once I am home and after dinner my wife and I usually go for a ride around the Upvan lake area, or sometimes into the Yeoor hills. Sometimes we simply go out for dinner somewhere in Thane or enjoy cutting chai on the Ghodbunder road, and the relaxation is complete. The beauty of Thane's greenery helps me distress in a very Positive manner.

Very often over the weekends we ride out into the countryside, either alone or with the Bullet Club I am a member of. We cover a lot of ground and I have ridden into Rajasthan, Nagpur , Bhimashankar, Bhandardhara, Goa and many such locales. The ride, catching up with friends, very often from across the country and the great outdoors get you relaxed and take all the stress right out of you. ,

Sometimes in the afternoon either when work is slack or just after lunch, I ride my bike, or simply walk along the Powai lake for about half an hour and I note the difference it makes to my work. Getting my mind off work and letting the fresh air hit my face in the middle of the afternoon does wonders in getting rid of my stress.

Over the weekends, cleaning and polishing my bike takes up a few hours. I know when I have overstepped when I hear my wife's "Rajiv" Then I know it is time to get back home while I still have one! Vidyut is learning to ride and hope fully soon will be equally competent!

It is important to get your mind off work completely in order to de-stress. A simple walk, a movie - anything will do to divert your area of concentration for the time, giving your batteries a chance to recharge.

(As told to Nasser Lalljee)