Dr Mickey Mehta: Fitness has to be fun... if it isnot recreational, it will not recreate you

On World Health Day yesterday, Dr Mickey Mehta — a globally renowned holistic health guru — offered a reflective take on what it truly means to be healthy in today’s fast-paced world. His philosophy goes beyond physical fitness, weaving together the rhythms of nature, ancient wisdom and a conscious way of living.

‘Medicines cure, nature heals’

Mehta says, “True health defines your ability to sleep deeply and be happy. It also defines waking up with energy and enthusiasm. You want to become an achiever, a leader, with a vision full of empathy, compassion, intuition and intelligence. Don’t forget, medicines cure, nature heals.”

He believes that practices like yoga and meditation are not just rituals but powerful sciences that align the human system. “The science of yoga and veda are nothing but reorganising, re-orienting and resetting your bio clocks, creating harmony of hormones and making your circulation celebrate optimal oxygenation. This is how people lived longer. It’s all about the art of breathing, movement, sound, meditation and optimism,” he shares.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and concrete spaces, he stresses the role of nature in restoring balance. “Until such a time you are boxed in a concrete jungle, you will never find healing and wholeness. No sooner you go out, the elements will energise you. That energy will create enthusiasm, which will boost optimism and that will make you more creative and productive. The Pancha Maha Bhoota, they say, influence and nourish you even before food does — starting with sunshine, fresh air, earth, water and ether,” he shares.




‘Children need to step outdoors more’

He expresses concern for younger generations growing up in a hyper-digital environment. “Today, children are caught up with the chase and demands of life. As a result, they move less and don’t sleep enough either. The only recreation they know exists within electronic devices. They should step out, breathe easy, go to the mountains, play in the mud, roll in the grass, hug trees, experience sunrises, gaze at open skies, and enjoy the tides, rivers and lakes. That is how they will grow and evolve.”

Box: A mindful way of living

Reflecting on his own journey, he shares, “I have been in this industry pioneering holistic health for the past 46 years. And for the last 55 years, I have been doing yoga. When children went to discotheques, I slept early to go for yoga class, swimming and the gym in the morning. I enjoyed my sunrise. This is the kind of nourishment I got. It made me positive, optimistic, creative and productive. I’ve always believed fitness has to be fun... if it is not recreational, it will not recreate you.”

Quick fitness tips

* While at the office: Every couple of hours, step out into fresh air. Exhale deeply 30-50 times, then inhale fully. Let natural light touch you and return feeling re-energised in mind and body.
* When stuck in traffic: Close your eyes, focus on breathing out and quiet your thoughts to restore and rejuvenate.
* While on vacation: Take massages, walk often and spend time by beaches, lakes or rivers. Connect deeply with nature — touch, feel and awaken your inner energy.
* While binge-watching: Choose fruits over junk, limit to three episodes, and sleep before 11 pm. Before bed, release mental impressions through deep breathing for better rest.
* During weekends at home: Do home chores, cook, stretch and unwind. Spend time laughing, playing games, and enjoying walks, sunsets and meaningful conversations with family.