Breaking Chains

As we celebrate our 77th Independence Day, let’s spotlight 25 such habits beckoning us to break free

1 Procrastination: The time-thief, guiding us into stagnation. Today, we rise against it, embracing action’s potency.

2 Postponing Exercise: Foundational for holistic well-being, yet susceptible to delay. Today, health reclaims priority, vows against deferred movement.

3 Skipping Breakfast: This day, embarking on nourishment, discarding the habit of neglecting the day’s pivotal meal.

4 Eating in Bed: Time to savour meals at tables, bidding adieu to hasty consumption amid crumpled sheets.

5 Excessive Pills: Freedom from pill dependency, a stride towards authentic wellness. Today, holistic health exploration begins.

6 Toxic People:  Shapers of our mindset, surroundings matter. Liberation from toxicity, surrounded by positivity.

7 Wastefulness: Amid freedom's symbols, pledging stewardship for the Earth. Today, liberation from heedless practices.

8 Digital Overload: Unfettering from screens’ deluge, choosing real connections over virtual tethering.

9 Multitasking: Recognising the power of focus. Dedicating fully to one task, reclaiming stretched attention spans.

10 Perfectionism: Chains of perfection severed, a stand for self-acceptance. Today, progress over perfection.

11 Gossip: Words hold influence. Today, detaching from idle talk, engaging
in conversations of substance.

12 Disposable Culture: Respect for belongings, dismissing disposability’s allure. Cherishing and minimizing waste.

13 Excessive Work: Wellness over burnout. Today, setting boundaries,  emphasizing rejuvenation.

14 Holding Grudges: As freedom’s colours wave, we shed resentment’s load. Today, unburdening emotional baggage.

15 Helicopter Parenting: Independence nurtures growth. Granting space for exploration, children’s journeys unobstructed.

16 Convenience Foods: Nutritional value outweighs convenience. Today, liberation from shortcuts, embracing freshness.

17 Constant Productivity: Celebrating balance amid independence's core. Embracing leisure renews productivity.

18 Cynicism: Perspective moulds reality. Today, optimism is chosen, breaking the chains of cynicism.

19 Neglecting Health: Treasure of wellness claimed. Today, commitment is declared to fostering well-being.

20 Materialism: Inner richness triumphs possessions. Today, experiences
elevated above material desires.

21 Comparisons: Each path is unique. Today, individual journeys are embraced, chains of comparison discarded.

22 Negative Self-talk: Heart’s liberation in self-compassion. Silencing the inner
critic, fostering self-kindness.

23 Fear of Failure: Courage fuels independence. Today, fear of failure relinquished, pursuits unshackled.

24 Ignoring Nature: Soul rejuvenates in nature’s embrace. Today, connecting, liberating from urban constraints.

25 Lack of Gratitude: Magnifying blessings through independence. Today, gratitude is cultivated, life’s richness acknowledged.

We spoke to experts about the lasting and immediate effects of some of the habits mentioned. Here’s what they have to say:

Staying fit holds paramount significance in orthopaedics. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are pivotal for strong bones and joints. Engaging in physical activity aids in preserving bone density, enhancing muscle strength, and promoting joint flexibility. Weight management plays a vital role in reducing stress on joints, minimizing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis. Fitness aids post-injury recovery, enhances mobility.”

— Dr Ajay Kumar Tiwari, Orthopaedic, Trauma & Joint replacement surgeon

Exercise procrastination often stems from unrealistic initial goals, like aspiring for model-like proportions or six-pack abs. The true aim, however, is fitness – a personal notion. By gradually making exercise habitual and disciplined, tailored to your body and lifestyle, procrastination fades. Instead of skipping due to time constraints, even a half-hour of walking or yoga can suffice. Stick to a routine you enjoy, finding pleasure in the process. Remember, diet is 70% of the equation. Adjust eating habits to align with your body’s signals.”

—Reha Sukheja, model

Freedom from unhealthy habits, including procrastination, hinges on embracing movement without fear. By fostering awareness of our bodies, we break free from the constraints of pain and societal pressures that lead to inertia. Exercise need not be elaborate. Procrastination isn’t laziness but a lack of body awareness. Moreover, nourishment should guide meal choices. Rather than routine, focus on nourishing your body with every bite. Hunger is a signal for nourishment, not just consumption. Skipping breakfast isn’t fasting; it’s crucial to nourish well throughout the day. Balance food and exercise for a healthy body and mind. Procrastination vanishes when movement and nourishment are priorities.”

— Mannedi Chandanna, Pilates expert

Every day, including Independence Day, beckons self-liberation. As a mental health expert, for me it means liberation from toxic relationships, one's own negativity, over-introspection, and irrational phobias. Shedding unnecessary burdens, whether mental or societal, grants genuine freedom. The essence lies in ceasing to care, not coercing forgiveness. Gratitude outshines resentment. Shift focus from lack to abundance. Halt negativity’s invasion, detach from harmful circles. Closure isn’t obligatory; acceptance fosters freedom. Embrace growth, unfiltered thought, self-expression, and encourage the same in children. These are empowering steps for nurturing mental health”

— Dr Purnima Nagaraja Psychiatrist