Marcos on dealing with major problems: Step back, take a break

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday shared a simple tip to address or solve major problems: take a break.

In Part 2 of the BBM Podcast Episode 6, Marcos said that having a few hours’ break helps him think more clearly.

READ: Marcos: Politics a thankless job but it’s all worth it

He was also asked about the state of his mental health, given that he holds the highest position in the government.

“I’m fine. I’ve…maybe over the years I’ve gotten used to the fact that I have a big advantage because my father was President,” Marcos responded.

“So for 20 years I’ve been watching him. I said to myself, I know how difficult this job is. So you have to learn how to manage it. When I first sat in office, I didn’t want to take breaks because there was so much work. But you have to teach yourself that you need to take a break.”

Marcos said he is not at his best mentally when he is tired, so he developed a “system” for dealing with big problems.

“When there’s a big problem, my approach is always like this: I tell myself, learn everything about the problem, then step away and do something else — something completely different so you’re not thinking about it,” he explained.

During this “break,” the President said he usually exercises, listens to music, or chats with his children.

“I’ve been through hell and high water you know I don’t panic anymore. I don’t…I don’t panic anymore. So that’s my advantage,” he said. /gsg /das