What politicians do to fight stress before elections

NEW DELHI: Election time is clearly synonymous with stress for politicians, who are taking recourse to various means to ensure that the long hours of canvassing with little sleep and erratic meals, not to mention the daily bickering with rivals, do not take a toll on health.

While some opt for yoga to de-stress, others take to meditation, a morning stroll, swimming or listening to old classical Hindi songs to rejuvenate them for the hectic day ahead.

"Everyday I make it a point to read for at least 10 to 15 minutes. I read all kind of books including fiction, poetry and essays but recently I have started reading spiritual books," said Kiran Walia, Delhi Minister of Social Welfare who is contesting elections from Malviya Nagar.

"My favourite book which was a turning point in my life was 'Autobiography of Yogi' which taught me that there is more to life than mundane issues," she said.

If books work for Walia, former Delhi BJP chief Vijendra Gupta who filed his nomination from the New Delhi constituency, goes for a morning walk "to clear his mind".

"I have been going to Lodi gardens from the past 13 years for morning walks," Vijendra Gupta said. He also loves going to India Habitat Centre for relaxation. "I also try to go for gymming and swimming everyday."

Meanwhile candidates from Patparganj have found different means to relax.

Chaudhary Anil Kumar, sitting MLA from the constituency, turns to Mohd Rafi songs when he is under stress.

"I make it a point to listen to Mohd Rafi songs everyday before going to sleep," Anil Kumar said. "I am also interested in martial arts and cricket and these two activities particularly relax me during times of stress and tension."

His opponent from the Aam Aadmi Party Manish Sisodia sticks to meditation and talking to people around him.

"I talk to people and try to find out what they are going through and what they expect from us," he said. "Listening and solving people's problems relaxes me."

On the other hand, BJP candidate contesting for Patparganj constituency Nakul Bhardwaj prefers walking, his nephew said.

Other ministers like doing yoga and meditation for peace of mind.

"I hardly get time for relaxation but I do try to do yoga everyday," said Minister for Education, Tourism, Languages Arvinder Singh Lovely who is contesting elections for the Gandhi Nagar constituency.

Ramakant Goswami, Minister of Industry and Labour seeking reelection from Rajinder Nagar Constituency, sticks to meditation.

"I o a two-minute meditation of Om to relax myself daily," he said.