4 Pillars of Healthy Living

Trees swing in the air. Birds fly in the sky. Animals take long walks on earth. They all exercise and remain healthy. On the other hand, human beings think comfort means eating without any physical work and therefore spoil their health. Exercise, Yogasana and Pranayama, and Relaxation are compulsory for everyone. They provide the benefits of prevention of diseases and promotion of health.

Exercise:

In the morning air there is one and a half times the oxygen. Go for fresh air, preferably in a park, and stay there for 60 minutes. Have a brisk walk of about 3 km. While walking, both your arms should continue to move in a natural manner. This movement strengthens the muscles of the heart, lungs, chest and back. In the morning a man walks with his whole body; in the evening only with his legs. All of us should set aside a minimum period of 30 minutes every day in the morning for exercise.

“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”

Yogasana:

It tones up the whole body and the internal organs function effectively without sluggishness. Yogasana may be practiced in the morning or evening on an empty stomach. Select your set of asanas. Practice daily at least 3 rounds of Surya Namaskar.

Pranayama:

It regulates the breath and the mind. In the correct method of breathing, with every inhale the abdomen goes up and on exhale it goes down; the respiration is comfortable and relaxed. This system of breathing is called diaphragmatic or yogic breathing, and this is what you have to adopt. Daily practice of Kapal-Bhati, Ujjayi, Anulom-Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama is highly beneficial.

Relaxation:

True relaxation is experienced by the body and mind when little or no energy is consumed. It is nature’s way of recharging. Since every action uses stored energy, relaxation is necessary for good health and peace of mind. Without proper relaxation, body and mind become overworked and inefficient. Relaxation is done by focusing on various parts of our body and relaxing them one by one, giving suggestions, or by focusing on the process of breathing. Just 20 minutes of relaxation gives us the benefits of two hours of natural sleep. Daily practice of relaxation at a fixed time and place brings wonderful results.