Yogic Principles for Healthy Living: Part 1

In my first post for yogic principles for healthy living, I'll be discussing yogic principles for healthy living and its benefits.

Yogic principles for healthy living discuss the importance of discipline in aspects of our life ranging from our diet to our conduct. In this post, I'll be discussing two yogic principles: ahara and vihara. For my next post, I'll be discussing achara and vichaara.

Ahara (Food): This yogic principle discusses self-discipline with respect to our diets.

The yogic approach to food emphasises the importance of a balanced diet. For this, the stomach is considered to be divided into four parts: two parts are for food intake, one is for water intake, and another is for digestion. According to ahara, our diets should be such that we only fill one-half of our stomach with food - ensuring we have sufficient water intake and reduced indigestion.

Ahara also classifies our diets into three types: saatvik, rajasik, and tamasik.

Saatvik diets consist of food which is easy to digest and naturally grown (ex: dairy, fruits, jaggery, sugar, and oil). Yogic principles recommend saatvik diets, as such diets are known to be easy on the stomach and are believed to aid in the improvement of mental peace (due to the link between our gut and our brain).

Rajasik diets consist of food which is heavy to digest (ex: spicy or fried food). Such diets are undertaken by people who are physically active, and according to yogic principle, rajasik diets encourage physical activity and movement.

Tamasik diets consist of food which is artifically produced and by yogic principles, can disturb the balance of the nervous system (ex: frozen, canned, and refined food). If people include such food in their diet, it is recommended that they eat root-based fruits and vegetables as well.

While yogic principles recommend the above diets (depending on your preference and requirements), it's important to keep in mind that our diets are also influenced by our climate. If a certain diet works for you and doesn't agree with the diet suggested by yogic principles, it is recommended to continue with the diet that aids in your metabolism.

Having discussed different diets via the yogic principle of ahara, I'll now be discussing the yogic principle of vihara.

Vihara (Recreation): This yogic principle discusses the importance of recreation and physical activity in our daily lives.

The yogic approach to recreation emphasises participation in activities which rejuvenate the body and mind, recommending activities which allow you to express your emotions through creativity. It is recommended that each person engages in such activities for 30 minutes every day, as it allows you to remain energised throughout the day.