Healthy Habits: A good night’s sleep is key for Dr. Ritwick Agrawal

June 11, 2018 Dr. Ritwick Agrawal, Fitness, Healthy Habits, Nutrition and Wellness, sleep medicine

Taking care of your health is a priority and nobody knows that more than physicians and healthcare providers.

It can sometimes be difficult to find ways to stay healthy, so we’ve asked members of our Baylor College of Medicine community to share what they do in their daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Ritwick Agrawal, assistant professor of medicine-pulmonary at Baylor, shares some of his healthy habits with us.

Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I believe that fitness is a way of living. I incorporate fitness into all aspects of life. I start my day after a good night’s sleep, followed by a walk or run with my dog when possible. I try to sneak in exercise whenever and wherever possible.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: I prefer steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast at least two to three times per week. I experiment with different fruits and nuts to make it more flavorful and nutrient rich.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: I enjoy walking and running with our dog, Lucy. She is a fun companion and is always ready for more! If I go to the gym, typically I like doing the elliptical and some weight training.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: I listen to audiobooks during my workouts. The more interesting the book, the longer the workout.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I avoid taking the elevator at work. Climbing several flights of stairs usually is not enough, but it’s better than no exercise.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: It’s an Indian snack called idli. It is a fermented, steamed cake made from black lentils and rice.

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: Vitamin D. I would instead get it naturally by sunlight, but I don’t get enough, unfortunately.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Spending time with my two little kids, reading, listening to audiobooks and taking care of plants in our backyard.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: As a sleep specialist, I think the key to overall health is sound, refreshing sleep. Embracing sleep as a friend rather than a bare minimum necessity goes a long way. Investing time and effort in healthy sleep usually pays off in many ways.