Yoga, morning walks, lifestyle modifications – lessons learned from Covid-19

Nagpur: Hemant Sharma’s bicycle was full of dust for months but the IT professional took it out earlier this week, repaired it and started cycling daily. “I have started cycling as well as doing Pranayama. My aim is to keep myself fit. All of us have realized that fit people can face Covid-19 better,” he said.
As Covid has taken a long pause, it seems people have now learned their lessons to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are more takers for Yoga, Ayurvedic medicines and fitness-oriented lifestyle.
Ayurveda experts, fitness trainers, physiotherapists are busy these days. “Visitors to my OPD are asking for an ideal Ayurveda lifestyle which ensures sound health in the long run. I ask them to follow the ideal body clock. Wake up early, go to bed early, maintain meal timings and avoid eating a few things at a particular time of the day. Many follow this advice quite seriously nowadays,” said Vaidya Swanand Joshi, who practices pure Ayurveda.
As medical treatments are allowed following the Covid protocol, a large number of people are visiting the Ayurvedic Panchakarma centres for massage and detox treatment.
Physical trainer Allan Morde said gyms are open since the last two weeks on a regular basis and fitness freaks are serious about following their exercise schedules. “We are still to get the desired number of admissions in gyms but those who have enrolled are regulars and follow the schedule sincerely,” he said.
As morning walks, evening walks and even indoor sports are now allowed, a visible rush can be seen at popular morning walk points. “People have realized that good health is the best vaccine that can keep Covid away. Immunity boosters are still in demand,” said Ambarish Ghatate, who has been organising workshops for medicinal plant lovers during the rainy season.
“People want to know about the importance of medicinal plants and many want to develop a home herbal garden by following a simple yet systematic path,” he said.
The pandemic phase has also made many accept that psychological issues are real. “The hesitation is still there, but it has gone down for sure. Many visitors speak openly about what they feel these days,” said psychiatrist Dr Pradip Patil.
Spending weekends with family, rejuvenation and recharge activities are also in demand and all for sound health.
POST-COVID CHANGES
* Yoga classes, online tutorials are in demand
* As gyms reopened, more takers for personal trainers
* Many following Ideal lifestyle as per Ayurveda
* Many into regular morning, evening walks, exercise
* Less hesitation in visiting psychiatrists
* Focus on rejuvenation, relaxation, recharge