Harnek Kang is a successful property developer who lives in Sheffield, UK. He frequently donates time and money to charitable causes. He has helped to develop many valuable properties during his time in the real estate industry. He has experience both with development and with property management. He has a lifelong interest in health and fitness. When he is not managing properties, he spends time with his friends and family, watching and playing sports.
Harnek Kang shares his health advice with My Interviews readers, beginning with the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
What is the most important aspect of a healthy lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle cannot be achieved without exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is as bad for the body as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and will shorten your life. If you haven’t been active recently, work yourself up to it over time. Make sure that your doctor approves a fitness regimen if you have any health conditions.
It’s easy to work fitness into everyday life. You can take the stairs at work or park further away from your office. You can take brisk walks at lunchtime. If you used to play sports when you were younger, there’s no reason why you can’t play them again. There are many recreational leagues for adult players. You may find that the fun of playing a sport helps you get over your shyness about exercising in front of other people.
Exercise is good for the mind as well as for the body. It gives you time to reflect on life. I find that exercise is as good as meditation when it comes to thinking about the things that are important in my life. Running is especially good as a meditative experience since you are alone with your thoughts.
Above all, don’t feel discouraged if you have a long way to go with fitness. Just getting out there and doing something puts you ahead of everyone who stayed at home on the sofa.
What are your thoughts on a healthy diet?
I believe that it is best to eat a diet of mostly plant-based foods, with lean meat and fish. Clean eating helps your body deal with stress in a productive way. Every day, you should eat many servings of whole fruits and vegetables. Balance these with lean meats or plant proteins and healthy carbohydrates like whole grains.
No food should be considered “forbidden.” When people set rigid diets for themselves, they are more likely to cheat and become discouraged. Everything should be taken in moderation. When you fill up on healthy food, you will be less likely to turn to empty calories.
You also need to reexamine your emotional relationship with food. If you eat when you are bored, stressed, or upset, or withhold food from yourself when you are having difficulties, you need to take a step back from this behavior and determine what is causing it. Practice substituting food with other forms of comfort. It’s likely that a good cup of tea will be as comforting as a piece of cake. If you have severe problems in this area, you should be checked for an eating disorder so you can get your life back on track.
What are your favorite sports to play?
Football has been my favorite sport since I was a boy. I love the fast-paced nature of the game, and I love the teamwork that it promotes. I also enjoy golfing and playing basketball. Golf is a great excuse to get outdoors in nature. It is also an excellent networking opportunity for a businessman like myself.
How would you suggest that a business incorporate sports into its team-building activities?
Team-building through sports is a great idea. It promotes teamwork and it gets everyone engaged. When your team uses sports as a bonding activity, you will notice an uptick in your team’s productivity. Activities on the field will help create a more collaborative environment in the office. You can even start teams for different departments and provide some fun interoffice competition.
