We live in a fast-paced environment; there is an expectation for every minute of the day to be exciting, productive, filled with something meaningful and rightfully so, there is no greater feeling than a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. However, with technology permeating through every aspect of our daily lives, we tend to ignore the need for a balanced routine that includes both work and play.
Dharana at Shillim, a holistic yoga retreat centre near Mumbai, India, believes that the first step towards holistic living is to achieve comprehensive well-being. While the journey to attain that is extensive and requires dedication, there are daily habits that can inch us closer to it.
Getting enough sleep: Impurities in the body deter a good night’s sleep. The nerve cells in our body are designed to actively rid the body of toxins while we sleep, which in turn recharges the system and prepares it for the next day, to be at its most productive. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep daily is an important factor if you want to wake up refreshed and energised to take on challenges for the upcoming days.
Digital Detox:
Observational studies have linked the excessive use of smartphones and computers to depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, and hyperactivity. Due to its addictive and comparative nature, social media can bring out a competitive spirit. Because the millennial mindset tends to ignore the impact of digital technologies, a conscious elimination of social media has a multitude of positive results: the opportunity to connect with the real world, a calmer mind, elevated mood levels, and overall well-being of mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, the simplest method to conquer negative emotions is to pause and take a break from the cause altogether.
Eating well but eating right:
Dharana’s food philosophy is embedded in conscious living and embracing healthy living by using organic farming, seasonal produce, and slow cooking techniques. Dharana offers customised programmes that emphasise a balanced diet, that not only nourishes the body but also the mind. By including a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, grains and pulses, etc., that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, the overall health of the brain improves, in turn allowing us to function better in all our daily activities.
Daily exercise:
It is a known fact that when we exercise, our body releases a chemical called Endorphins. Known as one of the “happy hormones”, endorphins trigger positive feelings that result in well-being and happiness. Moreover, exercising regularly keeps negative feelings, anxiety, and stress at bay, along with maintaining and improving physical health. Over the course of time, a simple 30-minute workout daily can boost your health immensely. By understanding your body’s unique composition, the experts at Dharana Wellness Centre assess your level of fitness and accordingly personalise programmes for you. Activities include hiking, trekking, nature trails, and more, so you can take in the abundance of the lush green mountains of Shillim.
Meditation & Yoga:
Meditating daily is a simple method to recharge your batteries and calm your mind. It clears the mind by bringing back the focus on your breathing. It is known to be one of the best ways to curb symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Dharana’s way of life champions the importance of spiritual well-being. The core philosophy of Dharana is inspired by the Yoga philosophy “Yogena Chitasya padena Vacha, malam shareerasya cha vaidyakena” – which focuses on the removal of impurities in your mind, body, and soul by doing various Yogic practices. The combination of Meditation and Yoga enables the mind and body to function in harmony and the results are long-lasting.
Small changes in daily life lead to a better life. Spending time with loved ones, doing hobbies, reading, etc. – all of these are different ways of self-care. Dharana at Shillim, an eco-wellness retreat, offers a wide range of personalised programmes which include weight loss management, stress management, anti-ageing treatments and more, to help you live a balanced life. With in-house experts that will customise your programme based on your needs, this eco-retreat located amidst the lush green hills of Shillim is what you need for complete body and mind rejuvenation.