Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2 in India. The purpose of this event is to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. It is considered to be one of the main national holidays of the country.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence all over the world. Whenever we think about the lessons that are taught by Mahatma Gandhi, many of us often think about truth and non-violence. However, some people are yet to know that Mahatma Gandhi also wrote a book which is known as “key to health”. Alongside advising people, he used to practice some beliefs that are related to health.
Health Practices Suggested by Gandhi
Here are a few beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi on health that are effective and essential for all of us to follow:
1. Balanced Diet
According to Gandhi, everyone needs to consider food as a medicine and a daily duty in order to sustain their body. He was a strict believer in veganism. He mostly preferred consuming leafy vegetables and suggested everyone do so. Gandhi was also against the consumption of condiments.
In recent years, it has been proven by many studies that one can become more healthy and fit by consuming vegan foods only. Vegetarianism has also been associated with lower mortality. Consuming vegetables has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer as well. Therefore, in order to have a healthy lifestyle, they must maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating, eat seasonal vegetables and fruits, add all colours of fruits and veggies to the daily diet, avoid packed, fried, and processed foods.
2. Daily Physical Activity
According to many sources, Mahatma Gandhi used to consider walking the most effective exercise. He used to walk a lot. He used to believe that doing exercise is as significant for achieving good health as it is to maintain a healthy diet. Walking is not a high-intensity exercise, rather it is a moderate-intensity workout. The Heart Association of America recommends that one must do thirty minutes of moderate-level exercise at least five times every week to improve heart health.
Walking is one of the easiest forms of workout that one can do. Daily walking can help you keep your weight in check and improve heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Going for a walk with friends and family members could be extremely relaxing. Daily walking also helps to lower stress and improve energy levels as well as sleep. Walking also helps in improving your bone health along with balance & coordination. It can also prevent illnesses in the elderly.
3. Mediation
Gandhi used to consider meditation as the key practice that can help one to achieve a healthy body and mind. He used to practise meditation for a long time every day before going out as he used to believe it would help him show the right path to accomplish his goals.
Meditation has been in practice in India for a long time. Recently, some studies have proven the effectiveness of practising meditation every day. It is the easiest practice that can help you to increase focus, reduce stress, and be fully present in a situation.
There is also some evidence that shows that practising meditation can help to cure anxiety disorders. It can also help you to lower blood pressure but for that one needs to diligently practise meditation. However, one needs to learn how to meditate properly.
4. Sleep and Wake Up Early
It has been revealed by some sources that Mahatma Gandhi only slept for four to five hours every day. He preferred to wake up before sunrise.
Today, many health experts suggest having eight hours of sleep a day. However, we can practice sleeping early and waking up early. Beginning the day early in the morning can help increase our productivity and lower stress.
5. Fasting for Better Health
Mahatma Gandhi used to believe in fasting as it can help maintain discipline in your daily life. It not only helps the body detox and flushes out toxins from the body to keep it clean but it also helps our body to use the extra and unused fats and nutrients to enhance our immune system. Fasting helps in bowel movement and prevents infections from affecting our bodies.
6. Give Up Tobacco and Alcohol
Everyone is aware of the health issues related to the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. It does not do any good to our body and only leads to various health issues. Consumption of tobacco can lead many to diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke as well as lung cancer. Therefore, one must avoid consuming alcohol to live a healthy life.
Conclusion
Gandhi Jayanti is one of the international days in October which is celebrated every year to mark his birth as he was one of the most prominent leaders of India who fought against British rule. His inspired practices have been proven to have great significance over physical and mental health. One can follow these practices and welcome a huge change in life.
