Shaila Merchant, the mother of Radhika Merchant and a prominent figure in the business world as a managing director of Encore Healthcare, recently opened up about significant personal challenges she faced. During an appearance on the podcast ‘Her Side of the Story,’ Merchant recounted experiencing a nervous breakdown in her 30s, a period that tested her resilience amidst her burgeoning career.
Merchant, who co-founded Encore Healthcare with her husband Viren Merchant, detailed her early career in the male-dominated construction industry, emphasizing her learning-by-doing approach to business. However, the balancing act between professional ambitions and personal life proved demanding, culminating in a nervous breakdown.
Recalling the difficult time, Merchant shared an intimate moment where an aunt’s concern prompted her to confront her struggles. “Are you okay?” her aunt asked, to which Merchant admitted, “I don’t think so.” This pivotal conversation led to her aunt’s recommendation: yoga.
Merchant discovered that yoga was a ‘game-changer,’ practicing it multiple times a day to regain her center. She now strongly advocates for yoga and any form of physical exercise as essential tools for mental well-being, regardless of age. “It could be any form of exercise, at any age we have to do. That is the answer,” she stated, emphasizing its transformative power.