Amdavadis have always been hustlers, living and working in a city that comprises bustling business, successful start-ups, crazy schedules, and limitless possibilities. But along with its growth, another trend has come up silently; that is, taking care of one’s Healthy lifestyle Ahmedabadand wellness.
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, one thing is obvious: yoga is no longer considered an exercise routine. For many people, yoga has become a practice of relieving themselves from stress and balancing in life.
In order to learn more about the changes in perspective regarding yoga, we interviewed a few yoga trainers in Ahmedabad.
“The Conversation Around Wellness Is Growing Stronger Every Year”
Yoga instructor Shweta Thakkar, Holistic Yoga Facilitator, 500-hour Yoga Alliance (USA & Canada) certified, and AYUSH Ministry-certified. Following her work as a computer engineer for some time, she embarked on a new career path in the wellness domain, fuelled by her interest in yoga, mindfulness, psychology, and holistic health.
According to her, there has been a marked increase in wellness-oriented community groups, yoga sessions, and fitness groups in Ahmedabad.
“One positive shift I have noticed is that people are becoming more curious about wellness. The city is seeing a rise in running clubs, fitness communities, yoga events, workshops, and various wellness experiences,” she adds.
But she feels this knowledge needs to be translated into practice.
“Many people are curious and willing to experiment, but consistency is where the transformation truly happens.”
“What is important to understand is that stress doesn’t always appear as anxiety. It can show up as fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, difficulty focusing or simply feeling disconnected from oneself.”
“You don’t need to change your lifestyle overnight or spend hours on a yoga mat. Even small, consistent practices can create meaningful shifts.”
“Wellness Is No Longer A Luxury”
According to Mehek Desai, a yoga trainer, the rapid development of professional life culture in Ahmedabad has transformed people’s views of health.
“Ahmedabad has incredible energy, but the traditional 9-to-5 schedule is now sometimes 9-to-9. People are realising that hustle culture cannot be sustainable without a healthy anchor.”
Wellness is now considered an activity of daily importance for people.
“Wellness is no longer a Sunday luxury… It’s a daily survival strategy to protect their peace and energy.”
Mehek notes that there has been a big shift from a reactive approach to health to preventive wellness.
“The awareness has shifted from just ‘looking good’ to truly ‘feeling good’ from the inside out.”
For her, yoga is one of the few activities that allows disengagement.
“Yoga serves as a reset. It makes us release any physical tension as well as calms down our minds. Yoga is often the only time when we stop reacting to notifications in a day.”
For Mehek, the International Yoga Day is a celebration of a mindful lifestyle.
“It’s such a nice reminder that while we practise yoga on different mats, we all take part in the same movement towards a healthier city.”
“Every Day Is Yoga Day”
For Ayushi Patel, yoga is not something meant for special occasions.
From her guru, Sharath Jois, she feels that yoga is not an annual ritual but a continuous journey throughout life.
“Every day should be a yoga day. The more you do yoga, the more grounded, grateful, and aware you get.”
Ayushi discovers that the inhabitants of Ahmedabad have become very aware of their general health.
“People are now more concerned about working out, eating right, sleeping well, and managing stress. People do yoga not only for physical fitness but also for mental satisfaction.”
According to her, yoga offers an opportunity for people to break away from their busy schedules.
“Yoga makes people more present, calms their mind and enables them to face the challenges more patiently and wisely.”
Her advice to those who haven’t tried yoga is straightforward.
“There is no age or physical fitness requirement to do yoga. Everybody starts from some point. Start small, be consistent and do not compare yourself to others.”
More Than A Trend
Though every yoga instructor has a distinct viewpoint, there is something in which they all concur. Yoga is becoming increasingly relevant due to the hectic nature of life in Ahmedabad.
Be it for managing stress, getting better sleep, adopting healthy habits, or even connecting with oneself, yoga is not only a form of exercise anymore but also a practical solution to living a busy life in today’s world.
On International Yoga Day, what seems like the most important thing learned from the teachers is that yoga is not about being able to do complicated postures.
It is rather about finding time for breathing and relaxing amid a hectic world.
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So aptly put! 🙌