Nature has a quiet power to restore. Fresh air and natural light can lift your mood, clear your mind, and help you reconnect to the moment (Image: Canva)
Wellness is important to live a happy and healthy life. There’s a reason why they say health is wealth. In a world where burnout is common and stress is constant, taking care of your physical and mental health is a conscious decision. Wellness helps you manage your energy, stay focused, and improve your quality of life.
According to Dr Prarthana Shah, health coach and wellness curator, wellness is about tuning into your body and mind before they start seeking attention. “It’s daily maintenance, not damage control. It’s in your daily choices, what you say yes to, what you let go of, and how you care for yourself in quiet moments. If you’ve been feeling like your self-care is just another thing on your to-do list, you’re not alone," she says.
Most of us go through the motions: meditating, exercising, eating healthy but never stop to ask why we’re doing it all. Are these habits helping us feel better, or are they just pressure in disguise? “Real wellness starts when you stop performing and start checking in with yourself honestly. If your routine feels like a burden, it’s time to reset,” says Dr Shah.
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It’s not about doing more. Instead, it's about doing what works for you.
Learning to pause can be the most productive thing you do. Choosing to slow down doesn’t mean giving up. It means being present and making decisions based on how you feel, not what others expect. It’s not about dropping everything. It’s about leaving room to breathe. “Burnout doesn’t just show up in your energy levels. It affects your mood, your skin, your sleep. Rest is essential,” Dr Shah explains.
- Skip scrolling your phone:
Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, give your brain a chance to wake up naturally. The notifications, emails, and news can instantly shift you into a reactive mode. Start your day with intention, stretch, breathe, or simply enjoy a quiet moment before checking in with the world.
- Have a calming tea ritual:
Creating a daily ritual can ground your nervous system and bring a sense of calm, especially when it involves something as soothing as a warm cup of herbal tea. Try this gentle blend to help relax your body and mind: 1 teaspoon of chamomile, 1 teaspoon of lemon balm, ½ teaspoon of rose petals, and 1 teaspoon of tulsi (holy basil). Steep the herbs in hot water for 7–10 minutes. As the tea brews, resist the urge to check your phone or dive into tasks, just pause, breathe deeply, and allow yourself a moment of stillness. Sip slowly and mindfully, letting this simple act become a sacred pause in your day.
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- Leave space between tasks:
Your mind and body aren't meant to run back-to-back marathons. Avoid stacking your schedule too tightly. Instead, build in 5–10 minutes between meetings, errands, or commitments. These moments give you space to reset, breathe, and show up more fully for what’s next.
- Learn to say no, unapologetically:
Saying no is a powerful form of self-care. You don’t need to justify or over-explain. A simple, respectful “I can’t take this on right now” is enough. Every time you say no to something that drains you, you’re saying yes to your well-being.
Multitasking scatters your focus and heightens stress. Choose to be present with one task at a time, whether it's responding to an email, cooking a meal, or having a conversation. You’ll find that you work more effectively and feel less overwhelmed.
Nature has a quiet power to restore. Step outside, even briefly, feel the sun on your face, listen to birds, or take a walk around the block. Fresh air and natural light can lift your mood, clear your mind, and help you reconnect to the moment.
- Rethink your idea of productivity:
In a world obsessed with hustle, remember: rest is not a waste of time. Joy, play, and stillness are vital parts of a healthy, balanced life. Productivity doesn’t mean doing more, it means doing what matters in a way that supports your well-being.
