Living Well – The New Lifestyle

In the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the meaning of ‘living well’ has transformed from a mere aspirational goal into an essential lifestyle choice for many. This shift is especially notable in India, where the crisis catalysed a nationwide introspection on health, wellbeing, and the very essence of a life well-lived.

In India, the concept of living well isn’t new. It’s deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural fabric, reflected in the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga. However, the recent health crisis has propelled this concept from the peripheries of lifestyle choices to its very core. Today, living well in India encapsulates a holistic approach – balancing physical, mental, and spiritual health, tailored to the modern Indian’s lifestyle.

The pandemic underscored the importance of physical health and immunity. Across India, there’s been a noticeable shift towards fitness, with a surge in people embracing activities from traditional yoga and meditation to home workouts, reflecting a pivot towards health resilience. This renewed focus isn’t just about combating a virus but nurturing a body that’s fit, resilient, and thriving.

Nutrition has taken centre stage in the Indian household, with a pivot back to traditional, home-cooked meals. The Indian kitchen, rich with spices known for their therapeutic properties, is being revisited not just for flavour but for health. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and other staples are being recognised not just as ingredients but as natural immunity boosters, integral to the Indian diet.

The conversation around mental health, long stigmatised in India, is gaining momentum. Mindfulness, once a concept largely relegated to spiritual circles, is now mainstream, with meditation and yoga becoming part of the daily routine for many. There’s a growing understanding that mental resilience is as crucial as physical strength, catalysing a shift towards practices that nurture the mind.

The lockdowns brought an unexpected silver lining – a reconnection with nature. Confined indoors, many Indians rediscovered the joy of nurturing plants, leading to a surge in home gardening. This reconnection isn’t just about beautifying spaces but about understanding the profound impact of nature on wellbeing, fostering a lifestyle that respects and integrates the natural world.

The pandemic brought the importance of social connections to the fore. Families, communities, and friends found new ways to connect, reinforcing the Indian ethos of community and kinship. This has led to a deeper appreciation of relationships, viewed not just as social constructs but as pillars of personal wellbeing.

Recommendations for Embracing a ‘Living Well’ Lifestyle

• Adopt a Balanced Diet: Embrace the diversity of Indian cuisine, rich in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and spices, ensuring a diet that’s not just nutritious but also immunity-boosting.

• Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical exercise, be it yoga, walking, or any form of workout that suits your lifestyle, keeping the body active and energised.

• Cultivate Mental Resilience: Allocate time for mindfulness practices like meditation or pranayama. These not only aid in stress reduction but also enhance overall mental clarity and wellbeing.

• Connect with Nature: Whether it’s gardening, birdwatching, or simply spending time in green spaces, cultivate a connection with nature to improve emotional wellbeing.

• Nurture Relationships: Invest time and effort in maintaining strong social ties, essential for emotional support and personal growth.

• Pursue Continuous Learning: Keep the mind active and engaged by learning new skills or hobbies, contributing to cognitive health and personal fulfilment.

• Contribute to the Community: Engage in community service or support initiatives that resonate with your values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

Living well today is about embracing these multifaceted aspects of health and wellbeing, creating a lifestyle that’s not just about surviving but thriving. It’s about making conscious choices that respect the body, mind, and environment, paving the way for a holistic approach to living that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and enriching.