Bring a holistic approach to good health this New Year!



We are entering into a new decade this New Year. New Year’s the time when one should check on the road taken so far and get ourselves back on track.

Good health is not just about a healthy body, it is about the whole person, it includes the body, the mind, moods and emotions. It is what we call a holistic approach to good health. Our ancestors had a good idea about this and it might not hurt to take a leaf out of their lives.

And we are talking about healthy changes, from sunrise to sunset, from head to toe, from inside out. Let’s bring a holistic approach to good health this New Year. Here are a few tips:

Start the day early –
By getting out of bed early, you can plan your day better. According to experts of Ayurveda, waking up early gives active Vata advantage. It improves flexibility, function of sense organs, mental activities, secretion and release of hormones.
Take a glass of warm water –
According to Ayurveda, drinking a glass of warm water with a dash of lemon can be beneficial as it stimulates the gastro-intestinal tract. Lemon is rich is vitamins and it stimulates the tongue to secrete saliva, which is helpful in digestion.
Spend time to do yoga and pranayama -
The benefits of Yoga and Pranayama are innumerable but can be summed up as an exercise that improves flexibility, strengthens limbs and magnifies your endurance. The best time for yoga and pranayama is early morning.
Take an oil bath -
Oils are rich in Vitamin E, which is great for beautiful skin. Also, one benefits from acupressure, through the massage.
Substitute sugar with jaggery –
Jaggery and sugar have the same sweetness and calories. But jaggery is rich in iron, thus an added advantage.
Eat Chyawanaprash –
Chyawanaprash contains amla, long pepper, punarnava, chandana and several such beneficial herbs. It boosts immunity and extremely good for a healthy body.
Cook in a low flame –
In villages, people still cook with firewood in utensils made of mud. The benefit is that the vitamins and minerals are retained in the vegetables. The food takes time to cook, but it is rich in nutrition. While it’s not practical in cities, try to cook the food in a low flame.
Include shad rasa –
According to Ayurveda, food must be a balance of 6 tastes – sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent. Your menu should include all the tastes for complete food. Also, eat on a banana leaf as it releases Vitamins beneficial for body when hot food is served on it.
Don’t compromise on sleep – Sleep is essential as your body needs rest. Always go to bed at the same time, make it a routine. Don’t sleep at daytime and try to do some light exercises, such as walking, in the evening.
Drink water stored in brass utensil –
Drink optimum quantity of water everyday. Avoid drinking water while eating as it weakens digestion. But above all, store water in a brass utensil. It kills all germs, making your water clean and healthy to drink!
What also important to note is the appropriate eating times -

Breakfast – Before 8 AM

Lunch – Between 11 AM to 1 PM

Dinner – Before 7 PM

So, ready to modify your lifestyle? We say, start right away. It is a new year & a new decade; and is the time to change old habits and welcome a new life!