Global Wellness Day is celebrated on every second Saturday of June and is observed with the aim of recognizing the value of our lives. It was first celebrated in 2012 in Turkey. For 2022, the theme of Global Wellness Day is #ThinkMagenta.”It is an idea that rises amidst the negativity in the world. A reminder with a positive effect on life,” reads the official website of Global Wellness Day. Health is holistically defined by WHO as a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. For mental wellbeing, it is very important to have positive thoughts. Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan, Head, Wellness and Wellbeing at Columbia Pacific Communities explains how to control our thoughts and what to eat in order to have positive thoughts. Excerpts:
What happens to our physiology with negative thoughts?
This input of negative thoughts had set in a cascade of reactions and many succumbed to this fear and hopelessness more than COVID-19 itself. Our thoughts impact the physiology. Positive thinking empowers one at the physiological level of the Cell. Our basic functional units are called cells that function in two modes towards its survival. One is to nourish itself through cellular rejuventation. The other mode is to protect itself from offending agents, for which it has to close its membrane and guard with sensors. At any given time, the cell can perform either of the functions.
Fear and uncertainty send a message deep down to the cells and sets them in a protective mode. If the cells are recruited mostly for protection, then vitality of the cell gets compromised as there is not much nutrition function happening.
Positive thinking helps to switch the mode of function in a balance more towards nourishing mode, thereby the cells are well nurtured and their vitality is improved.
Is it possible to have a volitional control over our thoughts?
Yes, thoughts are generated by the mind and if the mind is nurtured well through the right kind of food and activities, then one can stay positive despite challenges. Ayurveda explains moderation in food, rest and activities and lays a path to good health.
What should one eat to stay positive?
“You are what you eat” is a famous quote. Our ancient wisdom talks about how food plays a major role in how we act out in the world either by being reactive or by being responsive. One must have balanced nutrition with complex carbohydrates, adequate protein and fat along with vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Millets provide adequate protein, calcium. One big serving of seasonal fruits with breakfast and fresh greens and salads provides adequate vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Eating dinner early improves the quality of sleep.
Practising yoga helps one balance their energy. Breathing efficiently through pranayama practices and meditation give clarity in thinking, thereby enabling one to respond to any situation with a positive attitude.
Similarly, mindful movements like Tai-Chi channelises the flow of life energy called Chi Practising these mindful movements refines the mind to stay focussed with positivity.
