The Mahatma's Fitness Mantra - Staying Fit the Gandhi Way!

Add as a preferred source on Google

Years ago, we had a 5 feet 5 inches tall elderly man with a slender build, thinning white hair and round glasses wearing a simple khadi white dhoti and shawl; free India from the clutches of the British with his weapon of 'Ahimsa'. His name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly known as Bapu by his loved ones and 'Father of the Nation' by Indians like us. Today, On October 2nd we celebrate the 155th anniversary of Gandhiji's birth. Taking a break from the cliche subjects related to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideologies, let's focus on how Gandhiji despite being pretty slim, maintained his fitness and holistic health.

Be An Early Bird - Gandhiji believed in the concept of early to bed, early to rise. Though it is said that an average person should get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep, Mahatma Gandhi, it is believed, only slept for about 4-5 hours a day, and ensured he would wake up to see the sunrise as he believed it helped him extend his hours of productivity.

This up at dawn, down by dusk habit leads to better sleep quality, enhanced productivity, and improved mental well-being. By waking up witnessing the sunrise, you enjoy quiet, focused time to accomplish more while ensuring your body gets the rest it needs. This has a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, improving mood, immunity and efficiency.

Meditation for the Mind - When Mahatma Gandhi rose up at 4 am in the morning, he made meditation a regular habit along with his daily prayers. It was not just in the mornings but he practised meditation in the evenings as well. He firmly believed meditation boosted focus and brought tranquillity to the mind.

Once we practise meditation regularly it helps in keeping our blood pressure levels in check. Additionally, meditation can enhance emotional health, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and promoting a positive mindset. Overall, it leads to improved clarity, better emotional regulation, and a greater sense of peace.

Eat Well, Live Well - Gandhiji's diet consisted of fresh, locally sourced fruits and leafy greens, with meals prepared using minimal oil and salt. Not just that, he ate controlled portions and stayed away from processed sweets, fried and spicy food. His meal also included a healthy blend of jawar, bajra, and locally-grown millets. He believed in vegetarianism citing that it lowered mortality rates, the risk of cancer and heart diseases.

Gandhiji's mantra in food was that one should have a meal that could be easily digested and that was simple, light and not overly spicy. Adopting this minimalist diet similarly encourages mindfulness in eating, fostering a deeper appreciation for the food we consume and the nourishment it provides. By prioritizing simplicity in our meals, we can cultivate a balanced lifestyle.

The Power of Fasting - Not just eating well, Gandhiji believed that one should fast to stay in good health. He believed it made one disciplined and helped the body to detox by releasing toxins out of it, cleansing the system.

Consistent fasting encourages the body to tap into its stored fats, aiding in the prevention of infections and promoting healthy bowel function. Additionally, it can reduce "bad" cholesterol levels and lower the chances of weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

Walk All the Way - The popular picture of Mahatma Gandhi walking with a walking stick is pretty familiar to us, right? Did you know that he walked about 18 km daily for nearly 40 years? Even during his political campaigns from the years 1913 to 1948 he walked a total of a shocking 79,000 km. Walking was a vigorous habit for Gandhiji which is vital for one's holistic health.

If we follow Gandhiji's footsteps, we can improve the health of our heart. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that one should walk for about 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. This simplest form of cardiovascular exercise offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, low risk of diabetes, enhanced muscle and bone strength. It boosts mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function.

To sum it up, Gandhi Ji prioritized natural remedies over conventional ones, favoring honey, hot water, and lemon as nourishing drinks instead of tea, coffee, and cocoa. He advocated for complete abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, recognizing their links to life-threatening diseases.

While he respected allopathic medicine, vaidyas, and hakims, his true passion laid in naturopathy, which he practised for over fifty years. Gandhi believed that if diseases stemmed from violating nature's laws, then nature itself could provide the cure, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and holistic treatment.

Concluding with a line from Gandhiji's book. 'The Story of My Experiments' - "The human body is both a kurukshetra and a dharmakshetra. In so far as it is a dharmakshetra, it is one's duty to keep it in good shape."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.