Why running for the hills might actually good for you

For all the quick service commerce and comforts that it offers, city living can be terribly isolating. Shuffling between their homes, offices, malls and movie theatres may fill the hours of metro city dwellers but they’ve never been lonelier and unhappier. Their endless commute eats away into leisure time and long work hours leave them fatigued, which is turn loops them back into a reliance on ordering-in to satiate themselves and an array of digital screens to stimulate every waking moment of their very little free time. Even if you weren’t a doctor, you’d see how adversely this could affect one’s physical and mental well-being. But we got one anyway. HELLO! spoke to Dr Milind Salunke, Director of Wellness, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary in Pune, to share his expertise on wellness fads one shouldn’t buy into and why a break by detoxifying from modern living might be exactly what you need.

HELLO!: Why has wellness has become so important for the present generation?

Dr Milind Salunke: The current generation has forgotten to live. There is no sleeping time, there is no waking time, there is no meal time. Theirs is carbohydrate-rich diet with aerated, carbonated drinks, which are high in sugar. All of it combines to create inflammation in the system. This inflammation is clogging micro-molecular channels, which are responsible for normal functionality of the body.  Once blocked, regular functionality is affected. Toxins are not necessarily external. Pollution, processed foods, and produce from artificial sources are where toxins enter the body. But, by not following proper dietary and lifestyle regimes, the body accumulates toxins, which are equally hazardous to the system.

If these dietary and lifestyle patterns continue, the health of the generation will suffer. The yogic way of living, pranayama, and meditation are important practices required to keep the mind and its energy in place as it is food for the mind. A combination of these practices will help in healthy living for the mind, body, and soul.

HELLO!: In the midst of a busy life balancing responsibilities, why is it essential to take a break to heal, rest and detoxify?

Dr Milind Salunke: It is important for the today generation to take a break at spaces which focus on well-being, like spaces like the Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary in Pune. In the present day, barely any of our produce is local. Food and ingredients from any part of the world are available on our tables at any time of the day. Our food philosophy in India is to eat locally and seasonally. If we go against these philosophies, the body starts accumulating toxins in the form of ama. When they accumulate, they lead to lifestyle issues. To go back to basics, to learn the ropes of an Ayurvedic lifestyle and follow its dietary regimes, a break from daily living is necessary. Swastik focuses on these modalities of right dietary and well-being, with a five-dimensional approach to health, wealth, love, bliss, and spirituality. Detoxifying in a scientific way and focusing on emotional health are an important part of the journey, which can greatly help reverse lifestyle issues.

(Also Read: Why travelling solo is the hottest travel trend for every season)

HELLO!: How important is it to follow facts and expertise for one’s health and lifestyle, rather than fleeting online trends?

Dr Milind Salunke: Today’s younger generation and the dietary and lifestyle routines they follow, are more prone to lifestyle issues; including gynaecological, hormonal and digestive issues. Following facts and expert advice is highly important, rather than trends which are made to increase likes and followers. Expert advice can guide them scientifically to understand what is right and what is wrong as well as to reverse any health conditions and live a healthy lifestyle.

(Also Read: Saif Ali Khan's latest holiday home is a lush island retreat in Qatar)