The balancing act

Are you one of the many who feels too exhausted to do anything after work? Tensed about the next bomb blast?

Are you one of the many who feels too exhausted to do anything after work? Ever wondered why you feel this way? Could it be because you are stressed and over worked? There maybe a million reasons for this.

Is the rise in inflation really getting to you? Are you tensed because you have absolutely no idea when and where the next bomb blast will take place? It is because you’re just waiting in line to be mugged, again? Or it is simply because you are working more than 10 hours per day and have absolutely no time for yourself and for your family/ friends?

When there are so many other more “important” issues on one’s mind, who’s got the time to think about health and proper nourishment?

According to Ayesha Zahid Khan, senior research officer-nutrition, Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University Hospital, “Physical activity is a must for health. It could be a scheduled activity like a daily walk or making a complete lifestyle change such as making the effort of taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Pursuing a schedule for physical activity brings a sense of well being to an individual; a feeling that they are doing something good for themselves. It also provides consistency and dependability in life.” What we don’t realise is that by making modifications to our physical activities/lifestyle, our mental state will change for the better, automatically. She believes that her time is “undisturbed peace with a good book or watching a good movie with my husband.” A 45-minute walk everyday will not only make you lose weight but will leave your feel energised and fresh. For those who are into meditation, yoga is the best solution. However, for younger lot who are more energetic and music lovers, aerobics is a good option.

Physical nourishment of the body is easy. It requires: fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, green tea and vitamins. However, mental nourishment of the body is more ambiguous. The mind has to be dealt with very differently. Apart from eating nuts, oysters and blueberries to remain sharp, one can’t really think of anything else edible that can help. However, there are numerous other ways to keep the mind growing and active.

Making puzzles, solving challenging mathematical sums, playing mind boggling games such as chess, (that really makes one use their brain) Sudoku and crossword and reading intellectual books of all genres is equally important for the soul. It makes one think, thus, making the brain exercise. It is important to expose the mind to new arenas. You don’t know when your mind will pleasantly surprise you. You might discover a talent or two.

Lubinka Zafar, a university graduate feels “At the end of the day it’s all about feeling healthy and content. One can feel mentally 'nourished' by reading, writing or just discussing current issues with friends and family.”

Many people spend endless amount of time on the internet and particularly on social networking websites and classify it as “my time.” But is it really? For me “my time” would include something along the lines of perhaps reading a book, taking a bubble bath, listening to music whilst walking in the park or doing yoga. It’s just about anything that relaxes the mind.

Afshan Khan, a business woman believes that one can provide physical nourishment to the body, “By doing activities which make you relax, takes your mind away from the normal chores, and brings a smile to your face.” Quoting her example, Afshan says, “the moment I reach home, I need to do my crossword; it instantly focuses my mind, taking away the day’s stress. My evening walk is just beautiful after the long indoor workday, the outdoor activities do wonders for me. I would never trade it for a treadmill.” For Afshan “my time” is “the time spent on activities of your choice rather than being imposed.”  On Saturdays, I usually plan the day with things that are fulfilling to me, whether it be gardening or going for a head massage, or visiting my favourite people etc,” she concludes.

It is important to give our minds a break from the hullabaloo of the day. We must learn to put our health before anything else.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2010.