The Wellness Factor

Are you finding it tough to get your 40 winks a day? No time to eat meals on time? Are you a junk food junkie? Is stress eating you up? Welcome to the malaises of the modern world! Thanks to technology and globalisation, we are on call 24/7 and rest and relaxation, and time for our families and ourselves are at a premium. So how do we stay sound physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Here are some pointers:

Take a break from work

We all need time for our loved ones and ourselves. Take a vacation. Either turn off your cell phone or put it on silent. Leave your laptop behind so that you are not tempted to log in and check work-related emails. If long vacations are difficult in your line of work, take short breaks-a three to four day break every three months. You will return refreshed and rejuvenated.

Nature nurtures

Soak in the beauty of nature. No medicine can match the healing power of nature. So allow your senses to arrest the tranquil beauty that your surroundings have on offer. Plan a visit to a beach or the mountains. Alternatively, in your city, take a leisurely walk every week in a park or next to the sea, if you are fortunate to live near the coast.

Let go!

While striving to do better is commendable, when one becomes overtly attached to status and wealth, dissatisfaction sets in. There will always be someone who is better than you, richer than you, better-looking than you. Learn to be happy with what you have.

Goodbye guilt

Guilt can eat you up from inside, gnawing at you and causing stress. Guilt could be due to various factors – guilt over not spending time with family, for something that happened in the past, for leaving work early to attend a family function. Do a reality check to assess whether your guilt is an automatic response based on thought processes internalised over the years. Don't blame yourself unnecessarily. Even if you have done something wrong, forgive yourself and move on.

Think Positive

Banish negative thoughts and don’t grieve or worry about things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the present moment. Begin each day with upbeat thoughts, savour each moment of your life. Problems will come, but they will go too. Nothing lasts forever!

Be thankful

Each of us has been endowed with talents and many blessings. Every night, before you sleep say thank you for all the blessings and good things in your life. You will realise how blessed you are!

As Erma Bombeck, the late American humourist says, “Given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!” Live life with energy, empathy and enthusiasm.”