How these top Kenyan CEOs unwind and beat stress

Long hours of work without some time for little relaxation can lead to reduced productivity, diminished creativity, and strained relationships, studies have shown.

From bonding with family or spending time on the treadmill, these Kenyan CEOs explain how they manage to unplug themselves from their hectic schedules:

Manu Chandaria, Chairman and CEO of Comcraft Kenya Ltd.

The billionaire industrialist's way of unwinding is quite unconventional.

"My relaxation is work. If I can be useful to somebody for five minutes, I would rather do that than go and play golf or play anything else. God has given me good health."

Despite his age, 89, Chandaria still keeps healthy and hardly does exercises.

Sanjiv Shah - CEO, RMA Motors

Shah is not a big fan of travelling and prefers spending time with family at home.

"I spend time with my wife and, when my daughter is over, with her and my pets at home. I am a bit of a home bird. I like my home. I don’t really like travelling, per say."

Joanne Mwangi - CEO, PMS Group

For Mrs Mwangi, dancing is the best way to relieve stress.

"I love music and I love dancing so I will always look for every opportunity, everywhere, to dance. I am a party girl."

Despite being a people's person, she avoids huge crowds.

"I prefer small groups. In small groups I thrive, I have a fantastic time [and] I unwind."

She is also loves working out and playing golf.

"I play golf but I am useless. What I really enjoy is going to the gym. It really gives me that Zen."

Dr Betty Gikonyo - Co-founder and CEO, Karen Hospital

"I like travelling to my rural home. In my younger days I really loved gardening. I am a hands-on person. I also enjoy family gatherings.

Our chairman always says you can “work rested” such that when other people think being at work at 9pm is stressful, you can work long hours because you love your job."

James Mwangi - CEO, Equity Bank Group

"By spending time with my family. Being on a treadmill early in the morning really energises me."

Bob Collymore - CEO, Safaricom

"I like flying and I read a lot. I also have a deep appreciation for the arts and music."

Terry Mungai - Founder and CEO, Ashleys Kenya

"I go to the gym. I really find the gym relaxing. I also listen to inspirational music. Occasionally I love to watch a good drama."

Gina Din-Kariuki - Founder, Gina Din Group

Gina Din love is a big fan of exploring new places to travel with her daughter.

"So I travel, I have the most incredible family and I spend a lot of time with them. We do lots of fun thing; we travel to lots of new places. My daughter and I are real adventurists so we are always looking for new places to go. I like massages. I love to spend an evening with friends."

She also mentors young people through the Gina Din Foundation.

Tabitha Karanja - Founder and CEO, Keroche Breweries

"I spend time with my family over a good meal. When I get time I jog and of course music makes my day. I love good music with a Christian message."

James Mworia - CEO, Centum Investment Company

"I play squash once in a while. I also play with my children and talk with my wife."