A Simpler Way to Stay Fit

By Narvijay Yadav

During a hillside picnic years ago, my friend Dr Divay Mangla, a senior psychiatrist, shared an insight that changed how I understood fitness. He said, “Seventy per cent of illnesses are mental and can be controlled easily. Only thirty per cent truly require medical intervention.” That one statement opened a door in my mind. I later learnt that this field is called psychosomatic science. It studies how thoughts, emotions, and stress patterns influence physical health.

Psychosomatic disorders are conditions where mental factors such as anxiety, fear, or emotional distress manifest as physical symptoms. These symptoms can include headaches, high blood pressure, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and unexplained pain. Modern medicine focuses on curing diseases. Psychosomatic awareness focuses on preventing them. It reminds us that before any illness appears in the body, it first passes through the mind.

Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation explains this from a spiritual and scientific lens. He says that the human body is not built for falling sick. If we eat the right food, breathe consciously, and maintain a balance between body, mind, and energy, around seventy percent of diseases simply will not occur. The remaining ones can be treated with proper medical support. He also says that the belief that “diseases are normal for human beings” has been reinforced by market forces.

In my personal observation, health can be cultivated naturally by following what I call the Bliss Fitness Philosophy. It does not depend on strict gym routines or expensive diets. It begins with early mornings and gentle discipline. When you wake up at five in the morning, take deep breaths, and sit for a few minutes in meditation, you welcome clarity into your system. Gratitude calms the nervous system. Light stretches activate circulation. Mindful eating keeps digestion smooth. Many experts now support the idea of eating only when hunger is real and avoiding heavy meals after sunset.

Movement is the next medicine. A dietician once told me, “Keep your body moving all day long, doing various things. You do not need to go to the gym.” Simple daily actions like climbing stairs, walking, cooking, watering plants, cleaning your room, or rearranging your workspace keep the body alive. These movements seem ordinary, yet they keep the body flexible and prevent stiffness.

This form of natural movement therapy is often ignored in a world that equates fitness with extreme workouts. But the human body evolved through natural movement. Our ancestors stayed fit by doing daily tasks. They walked long distances. They lifted, carried, bent, and stretched as part of life. Their bodies stayed strong through consistency rather than targeted training.

The Bliss Fitness Routine is a reminder to return to this original design. It encourages deep breathing, gentle meditation, gratitude, stretches, natural movement, and mindful eating. These are small practices, yet their impact is profound. They influence mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical strength.

Science supports this approach. Studies show that deep breathing reduces cortisol. Meditation lowers heart rate and improves immunity. Gratitude strengthens emotional well-being. Light movement improves blood flow. Mindful eating enhances gut health, which influences the mind through the gut–brain connection. These pieces form a cycle that supports long-term health.

True health is measured by how you feel. It is the ease in your breath, the silence in your mind, and the lightness in your body. It is the ability to sleep well, digest well, and move without pain. When the mind is peaceful, the body listens. When the body is active, the mind becomes more relaxed. This two-way harmony is the foundation of the Bliss Fitness Philosophy. It is not a set of strict rules. It is a way of living that aligns with nature. If you breathe deeply, think lightly, move gently, and eat mindfully, the body takes care of the rest.

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The writer is a senior journalist and author. Views are personal.