Physical transformation is possible, if like the ancient yogis, we follow the actions of young animals. Watch the young dog. It is always in movement and bouncing and stretching. Make physical movement a part of your daily life. As the salesmen say ‘Cover territory instead of covering your chair’. ‘Use it or lose it’ said Jane Fonda. Violent physical exercise once a week is no use, if you’re just vegetating for the rest of the week in front of the Tv or computer. Listen more and bark less, use non verbal actions to show unconditional affection to family and friends.

Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. If you are hungry, eat. If you are lonely, communicate, ask for a hug. If you are angry, deal with your anger constructively, resolve it. The body is our vehicle for the journey of our soul in this world. You may be an immortal soul who happens to own a body, but the body-vehicle has to be maintained in good condition, so that we may achieve the goals for which we were created.

You have much to live for. Don’t become one of the many million people who have a heart attack every year. Fifty per cent die in the first five minutes. No second chance. Now is the time to adopt the daily habits of good health, because health is a 365-days-a-year affair.

Parameters For Physical Wellness
Perfect Breathing
Rest
Sleep
Oil Massage
Bath
Food
Water
Timing of food
Exercise

There are eight components of yoga.
• Follow universal moral commandments.
• Self-purification by discipline.
• Maintain good posture.
• Rhythmic control of breath.
• Withdrawal of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects.
• Concentration.
• Meditation
• A thoughtless state in which one becomes one with the object of the meditation.

Start by practice the first four. Find a teacher to help you do it right. Meanwhile, follow the dog!

Article published in the Deccan Chronicle Me-Time on 17th Oct 2011

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Let us consider the responsibilities at home.
* Preparing food and drink
* Cleaning the house
* Getting clothes ready
* Shopping for food and necessities
* Managing a comfortable atmosphere
* Deciding the rules
* Preventing and dealing with conflict
* Indoor maintenance (plumbing, electrical and architectural)
* Outdoor maintenance (roof, lawn, plants, etc.)
* Automotive maintenance
* Household bills, checking and saving accounts, and personal financial investments
* Household services
n Entertaining and taking care of pets

Identify which members of the family can take charge of the activity. Remember the new man is the Raymond’s Man, who is allowed to change a baby with a smile or shed a tear. Reflect on which activities can be out sourced. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Here is a table that you can use to share the tasks with different members of the family.
Today the family has gone nuclear and we all worry that the shock absorber is under attack. “It needs a village to bring up a child”, says an ancient proverb. We need to replace the lost village and the disappearing joint family, with a new network.

Build networks with in-laws, parents, neighbours, support staff, friends, local library, school, teachers, colleagues, and hobby centres health clinics.

Steps to develop work-life balance
* Love yourself enough to outsource
* Take short relaxation breaks, at least thrice a day.
* Eat fresh, energy-giving foods.
* Take a walk outdoors.
* Spend time reading
* Involve family members and children in your work. Bring them to the office during lunch break or on a Saturday.

Dr Rekha Shetty is the author of the bestseller The Happiness Quotient and Zero Heart Attack Path