Basic Truism

Santosh Tyagi calling the shots from the middle

We all know that exercising daily is good for health and that our morning regimen has worked wonders for many suffering variously from cardio-vascular problems, BP, diabetes, sciatica, asthma, muscular cramps, etc. And those who disregard this do so at their own peril.
But this is only the physical aspect of exercising. The mental part, under-rated and unspoken as it may be, was demonstrated by Santosh Tyagi today. She had virtually left the Club and was needed to be dragged out of her self-imposed hibernation – so much so, she renewed her membership only the other day (ref post of July 17).
By then it was clear she was fast slipping into a state of clinical depression. The Santosh Tyagi who was

Welcome Anjana Prakash,
our new member in Big Laaf

always with the swing of things, eager to join a laugh and participate in all Club activities, had suddenly turned reclusive, withdrawn, listless, lacking in confidence. She herself admitted that “staying home-bound with no social interaction all day” made her feel “unenergetic”.
That was when we decided to draw her out of her shell and without making it obvious, engage her in activities she enjoys -- like jokes narration or presenting birthday calendars (ref post of July 26). But yesterday, when we requested her to conduct the tai-chi session, she looked mortified. After a great deal of persuasion, she stepped up reluctantly, but only to the edge of the circle.
Today, she needed no such persuasion. She was on a song, breezily conducting the exercises from the middle and at the end of it, declared cheerfully: “I get more energy from standing in the centre!” She went on to even crack jokes and looked positively jaunty.
If Santosh could rediscover that spring in her step, there are many (not everybody can be named) who have found their voice with exercising. A number of them used to be painfully shy and self-conscious when they joined – reticent, lacking in social skills, even disoriented. Today, despite advancing age, they are all raring to go, boldly holding their own in arguments and joyfully clapping and counting aloud (in English) every morning.
Mental health is usually not discussed in polite company. But this is as critical as physical health – something we all stand to benefit from the morning exercises, unconsciously.

Dr Anjana Prakash:
Wonderfully written blog on mental and physical health. Truly, the exercises have helped many to come out of their depression and low mood. Keep it up!!! I am happy to be associated with Big Laaf.