Live, love and, most importantly, laugh ? if you get the basics right, then all will be well with you. Trust me, nothing is more valuable than a fresh and peaceful mind. Just like I spend time working on my fitness, I also devote quite a bit of my schedule to staying happy.

Fitness ? both mental and physical ? is an asset. To me, fitness is all about doing my daily chores with a lot of energy. I have never followed a fixed routine over a long period. But I?ve never spent a lazy day. At least one physical activity a day is my rule. This could be anything ? a game of squash, an hour-long swim or a walk in my compound. On some days, it could also be mopping the floor.

I am a member of a gym and I usually work out for an hour daily. When I am jogging, I head towards Versova. Apart from this, I take out a lot of time for walking and also running, both of which I have been doing religiously for the last 10 years.

I?ve gone through a number of phases in my life ? this diet, that regime and so on. At the end of each trip, I realised that fitness is not just about looking good. Not even if you are in showbiz. In fact, it?s more important to be fit. But if you can combine good looks with fitness, then you?ve made it. I am not impressed with just bulging muscles or chiselled bodies. If you are really fit then you must catch up with me ? even beat me ? on the treadmill.

I am conscious of my health because looking good and fit is part of my work. If I neglect my body, I know I am soon going to be out of the race. But such is my habit that I have to be on my toes all the time. I don?t believe too much in leisure. Even my vacations are packed with action and punch. I love rifle shooting, trekking and horse riding.

Keep it light

One thing I would like to change about myself is my temper. I tend to get stressed quite easily. But I?m working on it. I?ve found the best remedy for stress in laughter. Yes, I am a prankster on the Net. I love logging on as a man, a house-husband whose wife is earning a six-figure salary. I love doing such things. It recharges my batteries.

I often try and meditate. I have learnt it myself and it helps me to relax. The other thing I love doing is playing with my dog. It gives me an adrenaline rush but always leaves me very happy and high.

I do most of my household work. I do my own grocery, shopping, bank work and even managing my work schedule. I like to get most of the work done in the mornings. That?s why I begin my day early, not later than 6 am.

Panag?s tips

• Beauty and fitness are two different things altogether. You don?t have to look like a goddess. But don?t neglect your body. Exercise and eat well.

• Don?t depend on others to do your work. If you have no time for exercise, do your housework. Housework is great exercise. Mop one room a day. That?s great for your body.

• Smoking or drinking should be avoided. I don?t want to preach but it?s best for your health if you limit these two activities.

• One should not get bogged down with stress. Speaking from my experience, I can tell you that stress can be managed. While some beat stress with music, others do it with yoga. Keep trying ? you will find your channel.

Eat to live

I am a foodie and a great cook. I have shocked many a person by the amount of food I eat. Yes, I eat a lot but sensibly.

For breakfast I have two to three eggs, some cheese (I love cheese and stock at least 10 different types in my fridge) some bacon, salami, sausages or saut?ed mushroom. Heavy, but that?s what I call a proper breakfast.

Lunch consists of wholewheat bread and a huge bowl of green salad (which I mainly eat to keep my skin and hair in good shape), some chicken or fish. When I am shooting, I take what?s offered on the sets.

Dinner is much the same as lunch. I don?t take bread at night. Instead, I have salad and a meat dish.

I take a number of supplements daily. Most of these are vitamins and calcium.

I drink a lot of fluids during the day. If nothing else, I drink gallons of water. As a rule, I avoid dishes which are too spicy but I make concessions at parties or dinners.