Balanced Living Guide: Aahar, Vihar and Vichar

By Dibya Prakash

Last week, I met a Yoga practitioner in Rishikesh. Her insights made me reflect on some misguided practices in our lives. While we often focus heavily on our diet to stay healthy, there are other crucial factors beyond food that contribute to our overall well-being and happiness. Our lives today are frequently marked by stress, chaos, and imbalanced routines, making balance and harmony seem elusive. However, the ancient wisdom of Aahar, Vihar, and Vichar offers a roadmap to achieve this. Integrating these three key principles—Aahar (food), Vihar (lifestyle), and Vichar (thoughts)—help cultivate a sense of fulfillment and well-being.

To understand these concepts more clearly, let’s break them down individually. Aahar refers to the food we consume to nourish our bodies. It highlights the importance of eating wholesome, nutritious, and balanced meals, promoting mindful eating and savouring each bite. Recognizing the connection between our food choices and our overall well-being is essential. Food is not only a kind of fuel for the body but also a source of nourishment and vitality.

Aahar extends beyond just food; it encompasses everything you take—what you eat, the words you hear, the things you see—everything that enters your senses. Being mindful of all these intakes is crucial, as they profoundly affect us as individuals. Our modern life is inundated with information from advertisements, banners, billboards, news channels, and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Much of this is irrelevant and does not add value to our knowledge, leading to mental overload. To keep our minds clutter-free and more productive, it’s essential to avoid addiction to these mediums. In a nutshell, be mindful of everything your senses are absorbing.

Secondly, let’s consider our Vihar. Vihar includes our lifestyle choices—activities, exercise, sleep patterns, and daily routines. Regular physical activities like yoga help maintain physical fitness and flexibility, while reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. It also encourages adequate rest and sleep, which are crucial for the body’s rejuvenation and restoration. Practices such as meditation and controlled breathing are also essential. A well-structured daily routine, aligned with natural circadian rhythms, fosters stability and supports overall health and vitality.

A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental for everyone, regardless of age. Many elderly individuals believe they have worked enough and it’s time for rest. However, to live an independent, happy, and healthy life, it’s crucial to stay active every single day as long as your body allows you to. Take proper rest and sleep on time, and strive to keep yourself stress-free. By maintaining a more active routine, your body will adapt, allowing you to enjoy your golden years with greater zeal and contentment.

Thirdly, consider your Vichar, which means your thoughts, beliefs, and mental disposition. How you feel is entirely dependent on your mindset. Maintaining a positive outlook and feeling good about yourself leads to happiness and health. Your thoughts profoundly influence your overall well-being. If you start feeling less worthy, your body will soon follow, potentially leading to a cycle of disease.

Never feel lonely or dependent on others—age is just a number. Your experience and wisdom are invaluable, even if your energy levels aren’t as high as people younger than you. Recognize your worth, keep a positive outlook, and stay socially connected. Staying active is key to achieving this. Positive and constructive thinking patterns foster emotional resilience, mental clarity, and a sense of inner peace. Practising mindfulness and cultivating gratitude, compassion, and self-reflection help nurture a positive mindset.

Aahar, Vihar, and Vichar emphasize the importance of a balanced and harmonious lifestyle. Here are some tips for each:

 Aahar

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive meat consumption.
• Practice mindful eating and savour your food.
• Be mindful of everything you consume—food, words, images, and information—as it all impacts your well-being.

Vihar

• Spend time in nature.
• Engage in regular exercise and ensure adequate sleep.
• Create a peaceful and relaxing home environment.
• Incorporate yoga or meditation into your routine.

Vichar

• Cultivate positive thoughts.
• Practice gratitude for what you have.
• Forgive others and yourself.

It’s evident that well-being extends beyond just dietary choices. “Health is wealth,” and this wealth is built through mindful consumption (Aahar), an active lifestyle (Vihar), and positive thoughts (Vichar). By paying attention to what our body takes in, staying physically active, and maintaining a positive mindset, we can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. As the saying goes, “A healthy outside starts from the inside.” Embracing these holistic principles not only enhances our physical health but also enriches our mental and emotional well-being. The moral is simple: by nurturing our body, mind, and spirit, we can truly thrive at any age.

(The column Metamorph with Dibya appears every Friday.)

Read Also:
Gut health:  The key to your overall well-being|
Good teeth, better nutrition: The key to a healthier life
Balancing love and health in caregiving