Let’s talk about How to stay fit with a busy Indian Lifestyle.
..yeah… the same ‘Health and Fitness’
The most ignored. But the most recalled topic (almost every day) and specially in medical situation by over 100 crore Indians (Hmm.. big country India 😊)
Out of 141 plus crore, 50% is below 25 years of age and 65% is below 35 years of age. These facts are for relative comparison to what we are about to discuss.
The gurus say “balancing health and fitness with a busy lifestyle is achievable with planning and dedication” and other bla bla bla..
See first, what we are up against.
Against the “aspects of economic development and population dynamics of a developing and about to be ‘the highest populated’ country. “
‘Developing’ means, one has to work harder to earn the same amount of resources compared to any developed nation.
‘Highest populated’ means, inversely proportionate chances of getting opportunities.
In a densely populated country like India, there is often more competition for jobs, education, and other resources. And individuals may need to work harder to secure opportunities. Have heard the term ‘Higher Competition’?
Another characteristic is that developing countries often have a wider gap between the rich and the poor. This fits right in India. This disparity can make it more challenging for individuals from lower-income backgrounds to access resources and opportunities. So, Income Disparity raises the ‘Ohh my God’ bar higher.
Developing nations may have less developed infrastructure and public services. Which is not entirely true about India but yes only few departments are developed and there is a big lack of sync among interdependent service departments overlapped with loads of corruption in the infrastructure.
Seeing the vastness of country and social, lingual and cultural diversities it seems obvious. But contrarily it seems like Indian Infrastructure and Services affect the ease of doing business and accessing essential services like healthcare and education.
On the contrary and as known, India has a large young population, which can be a significant advantage. And as with every youthful workforce, it drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
So dose India, which has been experiencing rapid economic growth, leading to increased job opportunities and improved living standards for many. The growing economy can provide more opportunities for those willing to work even harder than this. Which is a duel sided subject because this improves living standards via financial liberty but on the other side forces to live an increased anxieties and tension full life.
However, system is coping up side by side, by initiating and continuing various government programs aim to improve education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, which can help reduce the burden on individuals.
It sometime feels that good effects are slower than the spreading disasters.
Economics says that the cost of living in developing countries is often lower than in developed nations, which can offset some of the challenges related to earning resources. This nullifies with lower wages in developing nations compared to developed.
The work culture and expectations also play a significant role here. There may be a stronger emphasis on work-life balance, but the ask for longer working hours is more common.
A typical overloaded, long hours corporate job is also a thing in India, among office going girls and boys and men and women. This leads to stress, burnout, and a lack of time for personal health and fitness. After a span, means after job and marriage, children and social responsibilities, and in older stages of age, this ‘health and fitness’ shifts to medicine and health insurances.
This already is a pile of unresolved topics and above is authenticity of food and dietary habits is a real concern. Especially among young people who are adversely impacting their health and well-being because ‘God knows’ what is being fed to them under the tsunami of trends and beautiful social media platters, both on cheap street side and on executive chief menus.
The quality and nutritional value of food is directly affected by factors like agricultural practices, food processing and storage conditions. In India ‘storage conditions’ is a huge issue and is directly affecting what poison is being fed and is eaten.
And next level food processing is so on a level that doubts difference between ‘food processing’ and ‘processing something to fed’. Everyone is aware of milk productions and productions of dairy items such as paneer, cheese, butter milk, ghee, and yogurt.
Milk is not milked from cows and buffaloes. Instead, it’s been manufactured via preserved milk powder and some other agents.
Then the grains grown on the bed of accelerator, growth hormones and fertilizers. It’s an unverified fact that fertilizers harm the body and make it sick, but growth hormone have capability to mutate human genetics. Hunger for more quantity of harvest from smaller plants and bigger size has been done under the name of hybrid varieties of crops and other plants. What are the odds about hybrid!! hybrid;ing the body of its consumers.. i.e. us.
Excluding those places that we never encounter, food adulteration and mixing of food products with inferior or harmful substances to lower production cost, increase quantity and profit is the most common practice in the country.
Local illiterate vendors put accelerators and sprays color on leafy veggies and fruits right at the selling node, so that it appeals fresh.
Many young people (many means every young and young adults), especially school and college students, are increasingly consuming junk food. This trend is driven by the easy availability, affordability, and aggressive marketing of such edibles. Regular consumption of high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat-full junk food, lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Other names, you know them (that leads married couples to fertility centers). And the hygiene of the servings of these foods is both hidden and well known at the same time.
But whatever, it tastes good and extremely budget friendly… cheap and yum.
And ‘zahar hi zahar ko kaat-ta hai..’ .
In India, both allopathic ( the modern Western medicines ) and traditional systems of medicine coexist and are widely used. However, the majority of the population tends to rely on allopathic medications and procedures for primary healthcare needs.
And need not to say any further about what I am trying to explain with that line above. But we are helpless and are compelled to take allopathic medicines. In all this adulteration in medicines with the world of generic and branded medicines is a topic for another time. Right now know this is enough that it’s a multi-billions turnover business.
I am sure, still there is a lot that can be addressed as disorders of health and lifestyle. Even it becomes a volume of books, conclusive collection of corrective possibility is all what matters and is for what all this is being written and is being read.
Can addressing these challenges via a collective effort from individuals, families, educational institutions, and the government will make things better?
Or fresh new deployment, promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring the availability of nutritious food, can help improve the health and well-being of people will work?
I say, as we take a pause and breath before climbing up any peak decision in our live, we must do same for our health and fitness and specially for mental wellbeing. We can’t pause and think, we can’t do.
That is what happening right now, as are not thinking about it. It became very casual for us, as like a glass of water in one hand while eyes on swiping on mobile with other hand. We know that we can sip anytime, so we let us text first. And we miss the right spot when our body wanted highest of its thirst to be dissolved. We drink after, but for our body… now it is more like a formality of staying alive and not for the fulfilment of life’s entity. This, a right ‘sip of water’, is so minute that even its happening or absence cannot be felt. But somehow it is the difference between our presence in universe and us being mere alive.
I assume that what I am writing will not gear votes in favor. But trust me, these minutes and ignored behaviors of ours, leads us to all kinds of disasters that we are seeing around and in us right now. This includes our health. Or can be said that we can only take care of health and for every rest bits, let fate drive it.
Truth is that individuals in developing countries like India face unique challenges. But there are also significant opportunities for growth and development.
The key is to leverage the available resources and opportunities effectively.
So, what we are left with. What resources are available to us.
Good news is its list is long. Starting with us being alive and waking up every morning. Yes, being alive means getting another chance. Everyday morning means, nature is pressing reset for us… lets avail it. Start your day with waking up with this sense of getting another chance in a fresh new day. Its not the point of waking up early or late. It’s about becoming happy when you get back your senses. All those things will stay as they were yesterday. If you completed last and had no pendency’s, then you won’t have any in the morning… so smile.
If you had some small or big thing left yesterday. Means you have to go through them today, and consider it as your life’s job of solving them and all other puzzles. A good sign that you will definitely win and get over all of them is that you woke up. Meaning you are getting another chance in the form of this fresh new day. So… smile.
If you can, start your day with a quick workout. Or 15-20 minutes of yoga next to your bed, or stretching, a brisk walk can make a big difference.
If possible, walk or cycle to work. If you use public transport, try getting off a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way. And you already have heard of simple exercises like leg lifts, seated marches, or stretching can be done at your desk or while commute.
Include a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in your meals. If it is like math-science class that we skipped, simply try traditional Indian foods like dal, roti, sabzi, and curd can be very nutritious.
One little secret, a very… very important one. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating. Some use smaller plates. I think reaching 80% of full appetite and consciously holding back your hand is more like a workable solution. Try, you will feel happy.
They say, opt for fruits, nuts, or yogurt instead of fried snacks. Keep healthy snacks handy to avoid junk food. I say, only have two meals and avoid any else intake. No snacking, no breakfast, no 4 O` clock, no grazing. And you will automatically build a system to avoid off-time intakes.
Remember to Stay Hydrated. But reduce the intake of sugary beverages like sodas and packaged juices. No lectures on that.
Earning is necessary so it is right to put so much effort. But question, can you see another day without earning only for a couple of days?
Answer is yes.
Another question, can you see another day without eating for a couple of days.
Answer, you know.
So, when it is known that eating is a compulsory affair and doesn’t make any sense to skip because sooner or later you have to, so Eat Mindfully. Eat Slowly, take your time to chew and enjoy your food. This helps with digestion and prevents overeating.
And Avoid Multitasking. Try not to eat while working or watching TV. Focus on your meal to enjoy it fully and recognize when you’re full.
Incorporate meditation or yog into your routine to manage stress. Even a few minutes a day can be beneficial. Take short breaks during work to relax and recharge. Deep breathing exercises can really help reduce stress.
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, you know Sleep-Friendly Environment. Avoid screens before bedtime.
A little planning, use weekends to plan what meals you will have for the week. This can save time and ensure you have healthy options available and will also keep the accounting limit in mind.
Do plan active outings with family or friends, as per your like and availability and resourcefulness. It’s not really like a plan and more like a few minutes of thinking inside, but if you give a thought, you won’t overdo these activities.
It’s said thatexercising with a friend can make workouts more enjoyable and keep you accountable. You know find a Workout Buddy. I say, if you develop habit of being with yourself, you will win. You will get rewards when other admire you for your forms and such regularities. Followers are always better than work buddies.
I don’t know how to deal with junk food issue but maybe it can start from educating in schools and following same in school and college canteens.
I don’t think that right now India and government can put on efficient and strict regulations on food safety and quality. Means we have to address the issues of food adulteration and low nutritional value by ourselves. We are smart. We only have to decide and say no to it.
A social change by parents can encourage healthy eating habits at home by preparing nutritious meals and limiting the availability of junk food. Encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential nutrients.
There’s been a noticeable shift towards fitness and gym culture among young Indians in recent years. And awareness about the importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, thanks to social media, fitness influencers, and health campaigns. Good side of internet that provides easy access to information on fitness routines, diets, and wellness tips, making it easier for young people to adopt healthy habits. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are filled with fitness content, from workout videos to healthy recipes, motivating young people to stay fit.
All thumbs up to internet and social media.
Events like marathons, fitness challenges, and other, I wish more participation in such and get these more in mainstream. Do not skip, you will be shy for a while, but it will fly away in a flick. And the reward after, is amazing.
Exercise is known to reduce stress and improve mental health, which is particularly appealing to young people dealing with academic or work-related pressures. And above all, regular physical activity contributes to better sleep. Resulting in higher energy levels and improved mood.
Growing fitness culture is a positive development, as it not only improves physical health but also enhances mental well-being and overall quality of life. Be part of it as much chance you get.
Some companies now a days are recognizing the importance of employee health and are introducing wellness programs, fitness challenges, and flexible work hours to promote a healthier work-life balance. Do identify and differentiate between a propaganda and a real wellbeing initiative. Involving children in physical activities is the best a responsible person can contribute for next generation and for society.
Maintaining fitness and health requires conscious effort and planning, but it is achievable at any stage of life. By making small, consistent changes, individuals can improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
It is wise to keep an eye on health which is going beneath and take reasonable medications. Many Indians use a combination of allopathic and traditional medicine (such as Ayurveda, Yog, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy – collectively known as AYUSH) depending on the condition and personal beliefs.
Overall, while allopathic medicine is the primary choice for many Indians, traditional medicine systems continue to play a significant role in the healthcare landscape. It’s all about awareness.
