The wellness conundrum
The “good old days” weren’t perfect, but they thrived on simplicity. Our ancestors didn’t measure dopamine or track steps—they moved naturally, ate seasonally, and honoured the rhythms of nature. Food was fresh, family was central, and wellness wasn’t a trend; it was a way of life.
Science is now validating what traditions have quietly championed for centuries. Take circadian rhythms: Ayurveda's “Brahma Muhurta” recommends waking before sunrise, aligning with studies showing improved cognitive function and hormonal balance in early risers. Seasonal eating, once second nature, is now backed by research proving its impact on gut health and immunity. Even rituals like oil pulling or turmeric in meals find scientific support, recognised for their oral health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food,” Hippocrates declared, mirroring India's ancient wisdom of “Ahara” as the foundation of health. Yet modern life often strays. Snacking all day, skipping movement, or prioritising convenience over care leaves us battling stress, poor sleep, and preventable illness.
Traditions offer a roadmap: eat mindfully, move intentionally, and reconnect with community. Wellness isn’t new; it’s timeless. Science has finally caught up, reaffirming that living in harmony with ancient practices isn’t just nostalgic—it’s necessary.
It’s time to embrace the wisdom of the past with the clarity of today’s evidence. Wellness, after all, is where tradition and science shake hands. Before we end this, have a read of these lines from ancient scriptures with their meaning:
"Yatha pinde tatha brahmande"
As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm – This Vedic axiom reflects the interconnectedness of human health with nature, an idea that modern systems biology and ecology affirm in concepts like circadian rhythms and ecosystem health.
"Yatha annam, tatha manas"
As is the food, so is the mind (essentially implying that you are what you eat) - Science says that nutrition has a profound impact on mental health. Diets rich in whole foods, like those emphasised in Ayurveda, improve mood and reduce the risk of depression. Indian traditions have always recognised that food nourishes not just the body but the mind. Practices like mindful eating align with modern research on the gut-brain axis.
The list of similar extracts from Indian scriptures being mapped to modern science are many and we will perhaps keep coming back to revisit them. For now, remind yourself that by looking after your health, you aren't embarking on a journey that no previous generation has been on before. Being healthy is not sufficient, believing that you are healthy, both in the mind and body is crucial.
Habits require more than willpower
Your goal today: New year, new you, fresh habits! But hold your horses—it's not as easy as it sounds! New Year’s resolutions often hinge on a burst of motivation that vanishes quicker than your holiday leftovers. Plus, let’s be honest: those grand intentions for change usually bubble up from a pool of guilt after a month of indulging, making them feel a bit flimsy. Research shows that only a teeny fraction of folks manage to stick to their resolutions—think single digits—before losing steam by mid-January.
Now, let’s take a cue from traditional Indian wisdom. Winter isn’t meant for starting fresh; it’s more about curling up and catching up on rest! In fact, it’s advised to steer clear of new adventures or routines during the chilly season, especially in January. Instead, this time of year encourages you to conserve your energy, take it easy with movement, and sync up with nature’s slower vibe.
Historically speaking, many ancient texts suggest that spring is the real season of fresh starts. Did you know that not too long ago, the Western world celebrated the new year in March? That was until Julius Caesar swooped in and shifted it to January—talk about setting us up for a tumble down resolution lane!
Even if we momentarily forget ancient wisdom, let’s not overlook the science. The “winter blues” are a real thing; low energy feels like a given. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can sap our motivation and make sticking to new habits tougher than finding matching socks. Studies reveal that dopamine levels (the magic chemical behind motivation) dip during the darker months, making it even trickier to stay on track. You can't ignore this, can you?
So, be gentle with yourself—January isn’t the time for drastic changes! Don’t get caught in the "New Year, New Me" trap! Focus on improving yourself gradually, but hold off until spring rolls around to let nature give you a little boost on your path to greatness.
The morning myth
Ah, mornings—the whimsical tug-of-war between our dreams and the snooze button's siren call! This magical time of day was adored by ancient sages and trendy influencers alike. Ayurveda tells us that those early hours, affectionately dubbed the golden window of Brahma Muhurta, are the secret sauce to living a vibrant, balanced life. Instagram wellness gurus chime in, encouraging us to hydrate, meditate, journal, and—if we have a spare moment before the day launches into chaos—simply breathe. Breathe? Is this really the life-changing elixir it's made out to be, or is it just another wellness trend in disguise? That’s a debate for another day!
But let’s get real: does rising at 5 a.m. truly transform us into enlightened beings, or is it just another wellness hustle? Science does suggest there's some wisdom in the early bird’s antics. Morning sunlight tunes our circadian rhythms, kicks cortisol (the good kind) into gear, and revs up our metabolism.
However, do we really need a full-on Ayurvedic checklist at the crack of dawn to experience these perks? Probably not! And what about those of us living in winter wonderlands where the sun doesn’t peek out until well after 7 a.m.? Ancient texts do hint that rolling out of bed a few hours before sunrise can help the mind and body sing in harmony—worth a shot, right? So, to begin, ignore the 5am wakeup calls; instead, wake up a little earlier than whatever time sunrise is meant to be in your part of the world.
Let’s take it one playful step at a time. How about picking just one ritual that sings to you? There's no need to do it all or nothing at all! Ditch the pressure to oil pull, sun salute, and manifest world peace before your first sip of coffee. Maybe it’s a cozy cup of ginger chai, a quick Tadhasana, or simply admiring your houseplants. Those small, joyful moments and consistent practices? That’s where the real magic happens.
Because let’s face it: mornings aren’t about perfection; they’re about fresh starts, one sleepy step at a time. And honestly, even the wisest sages would give a nod to this philosophy. So, why not do something each day? Just a little something!
Do you have a quirky (or not-so-quirky) morning ritual? Do share and it may just may brighten someone's day.
