I am a graduate of The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University). I received my Masters in Applied Physics and Math first and then got my Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from there. As a student, I was teaching high school students math and physics in the Distant Learning School of my University as a volunteer. At the same time, I was actively involved in the Math and Physics Olympiads for school children. Was teaching physics and math in a summer school for gifted children.
Since my graduate student years, I was following the advice of one of the Founding Fathers of my University, the Nobel Prize Winner, Pyotr Kapitsa, who was saying:" A person never knows his own subject if he does not teach it to somebody . When a good scientist teaches he always learns. First, you need to really understand the subject to clearly explain it to others. Then, while looking for a convincing and clear explanation one can get to new ideas, and, also, the questions that are coming from the students could seem to be ridiculous at first, but they can lead to a nonstandard view of a well-known phenomenon, which brings up creative thinking." I grew up in this culture and was doing so throughout my whole career. The list of subjects is quite extensive: General Physics, which included (one term long each) courses in Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Molecular Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics. I also was teaching Physical Kinetics and Gas Dynamics, an advanced course on Brownian Motion Theory, Computer Methods in Theoretical Physics. I continued to be involved with the Olympiad activity for the High School kids.
While motivation is a key in every engaging activity, I am trying to make such subjects as math and physic (however abstract as they are) relevant to the surrounding reality and everyday life. I always check if the student is still following the flow of thoughts by frequent interaction and questioning (not for the mark). This allows me to gauge the acceptable progress rate.
With my research activities covering a wide range of physical phenomena and with me using a wide range of mathematical and computational methods I was able to keep in shape as a mathematician and as a programmer.
Playing tennis allows me to keep in shape physically, and occasional drawing activities allow me to keep my mind clear and fresh.