Holistic good health could be within reach

By Narayani Ganesh

At one time, say even two decades ago, ailments among those living in India were predominantly brought on by infections. Today, however, that number has been overtaken by lifestyle diseases.

According to a recent TOI report by Shiva Rajora, “Nearly half the population in India has reported cardiovascular and metabolic ailments such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and thyroid, compared with 31% a decade ago.

The latest pan-India survey by National Statistics Office showed that in 2025, 25.6% of those surveyed reported cardiovascular ailments, compared to 16.7% during July 2017 to June 2018.”

This could be why more people are turning to lifestyle-correcting techniques and practices such as yog, meditation, ahimsa, deep breathing, mindfulness, moderate diet that is mostly plant-based and detox methods to wean one away from substance abuse and lately, from digital and electronic addictions.

There is also the disturbing trend where in one day, a particular report exaltscertain food items as healthenhancers, and another day, the same food items are trashed by another study as being bad for you. The way out of this confusion could be to follow moderation and portion control.

Following a stable meal schedule might help, whichever school you follow. But lifestyle-related diseases are not just about food choices. Although it is said ‘you are what you eat.’ A lot also depends on physical and mental activities that lead to either unhealthy or healthy bodies and minds.

Moderate exercise, dancing and walking, are effective ways to burn calories as are routine, manual, household chores. A good diet and regular physical activity may take care of physical health. But mental health is a different ball game altogether.

All negative emotions such as greed, jealousy, selfishness, anger, anxiety and stress may adversely impact one’s mental space. These also have a bearing on physical health, since body and mind are closely connected and what impacts one is bound to impact the other.

Cultivating a positive attitude and outlook is crucial to one’s well-being as well as the wellness of others. That is why a holistic approach is important for healing to happen.

Mind and body need to be addressed together while trying to figure out treatments, whether in allopathy, ayurveda, Tibetan, Chinese, or any other system of medicine. Very often, it has been found that if the ailment is not of a critical nature, simple lifestyle and attitude changes can work wonders in the healing process.

Kindness, compassion, gratitude and selflessness play major roles in improving one’s health, for these boost self-esteem, create goodwill. Positive vibrations that create more understanding, less acrimony, come back to you and help achieve harmony in relationships – with you and others and with your own self.

You can never go wrong with conscious eating, thinking and acting. It is said that you need just seventeen to twenty minutes each morning to set the tone for the day towards holistic good health, it is called the 5-7-5 rule.

Start with five minutes of positive affirmations. Meditate for the next seven minutes. The next five or more minutes dedicate to movement – yog, deep breathing, stretching, and/or Surya Namaskar. These bodily movements are at a relaxed pace, to mobilise the body after the first twelve minutes of stillness.

This regular morning routine recharges mind, body and spirit, and helps you face the day in a calm, collected manner.

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