A Minimalist approach to Good health!
I remember before the pandemic hit the world, most of us were engaged in at least a little physical activity. Maybe walking from parking to the office or climbing steps or going to the tea break during breaks. For most of us, since lockdown, everything is defined to our desks at home. We were suffering from anxiety, Insomnia, dizziness, being lethargic, unhappy…!
And for me, because of this lifestyle, I was not able to give my best in my job. After reading a lot about why this happens and ways to tackle it, I realized over a period of time, every action that we do, depends on our internal body condition. Our body needs some of the aspects that need to be done for the healthy working of it. In simple terms, our bodies are like a machine, if you don’t take care of it, issues will bubble up. After following some of the principles for quite a period of time, I have realized some ways to be a healthy and fitter individual. And hence, I thought of sharing with the people who are actually going through this. Let’s start with the Minimalist approach to Good health.
Disclaimer: I am neither a dietician nor a fitness expert, It’s all about my experience of how making small changes in my lifestyle I discovered better health and productivity.
I think that your health primarily depends on the following factors.
1. Movement throughout the day
2. Food that we consume
3. Water Intake throughout the day
4. Mental well being / Sleep
1. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to move your body. When I say move, I mean at least walk, run, dance, anything that makes you happy. This not only helps in keeping your mind fresh but helps you in the smooth digestion of the food. I have indulged in a few activities that have helped me build a strong gut and stay energetic throughout the day.
a. Morning walk in the sunlight for 10–15 mins
b. Walk after your meals for 10 mins.
c. Try to walk as much as you can.
d. 20–30 mins Exercise /sport/dance any activity that you like, which involves movement.
We hear from multiple sources that walking 10000 steps a day keeps you fit! Sometimes these many steps can be discouraging. We can start with 5000 steps as compulsory and build on that.
This has helped me solve multiple problems that I suffered because of sitting at only one place for hours.
2. “We are what we eat”, this is rightly said.
As I mentioned earlier too, our body is like a machine.
For e.g if I keep feeding by bike with Kerosene and Petrol, what should I expect!!
Similarly, it is with our body. I am here not talking about any Fad diets or magic foods that need to be consumed. But something very simple.
a. 2 Fruits a day
b. 1 Green vegetable a day
c. Light food in the evening
d. Local and seasonal fruits and vegetables every day.
e. Dry Fruits like Walnuts and Almonds.
f. Say NO to packaged food.
g. Most Importantly, “Enjoy your Food”
I have been feeding myself a lot of junk food almost every day. I have experienced a lot of health issues because of this. I do not mean to stop eating food you like. Obviously, you can and you must. The secret behind this is “The Portion control”. Never Overeat. It disturbs our Gut and Our gut is the second brain of the human body. Think Twice before giving it anything. I loved Pizzas like anything. I used to have sometimes a complete Pizza. Now I have it once a month and 2 pieces of it. Another Fad going on in our society is to have shots that give you vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. Instead, focusing on Local and Seasonal fruits and vegetables will give us much more than the packed items.
3. The amount of Water Intake you have throughout the day is very important to keep you fresh and energetic.
There were times when I had just a glass of water a day. Many of us confuse our thirst with “Hunger”. I did the same.
I used to open a packet of chips and have it. Frequent headaches and dullness were all I got. Here are a few tips for Water Intake.
a. 40: 90 min rule
b. 8–9 Glasses water every day.
c. First thing in the morning.
I have seen this happening right from my childhood. We used to drink a lot of water after meals. All it does is bring down the environment created in your stomach for digestion. Thus the poor digestion and problems like constipation, acidity. 40 mins prior to the meal and 90 mins after the meal, please avoid water. You can see the changes slowly.
4. Physical fitness is important, so is mental well-being. The first Key to have healthy mental health is sleep. A good sound sleep of 7–8 hours gives the body the total rest it needs for the next day. Another key that I have discovered is Pranayama/meditation/ yoga gives relaxation to your mind. It gives you clarity in your thought process. Practicing these activities 2–3 times a week has helped me to a great extent.
Finally, I would like to say that “Health Fit toh Sab Hit”. Why do we need to get into trouble to understand the importance of good health? Even if we are a lot busy with our lives, our careers, If we want to achieve something in our lives, the first step is your health. I have realized this with a lot of examples that I and people around me went through.
Very soon, when the world will go back to normal, these things will really benefit you in the long term. Even if you inculcate one habit a week, Congratulations, you have started on your fitness journey. :)
