Join Vivek Nair, healthcare entrepreneur and wellness advocate, as he shares his 23 daily rituals on vismithams.com. Discover simple, nostalgic practices for health, mindfulness, and a balanced life.
Embracing a Decade of Discipline
For the past ten years, I’ve crafted a set of daily rituals that guide my life as a healthcare entrepreneur and wellness advocate in Pune. I call them rituals—a nod to my atheist beliefs—because they’re personal, intentional, and flexible. Since founding healthcare nt sickcare in 2007, I’ve built these habits one by one, adapting them to my lifestyle. After losing my father in November 2015, I stepped back from social, political, and family roles, finding solace in simplicity. With the unwavering support of my partner (whose name I keep private), I’ve stayed committed to these practices and will continue until my last day. Let’s walk through my 23 rituals, hoping they inspire you to revisit your own cherished routines.
Weighing In with Purpose
Every day, at a fixed time, I step on my Withings Body Smart Scale, and
on Sundays at 11 a.m., I make it a ritual. Tracking my weight isn’t just
about numbers—it’s a moment to reflect on my health journey, reminding
me of childhood days when I’d jump on my doctor’s clinic old scale,
giggling at the wobbly needle.
Breakfast: A Morning Promise
Between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., after breaking my 12:12 intermittent fasting at 6:30 a.m., I enjoy a timely breakfast. This habit, rooted in my family’s (Varavoor and Kanjirashery, Kerala) insistence on morning meals, fuels my day and keeps my energy steady, just like those school mornings.
Fasting for Balance
My 12:12 intermittent fasting plan—12 hours of eating, 12 hours of fasting—has been a game-changer. It’s a disciplined yet simple practice, like waiting for the evening bhajans (hear from the loudspeakers) to end before dinner in my childhood village.
Tracking Every Calorie
Using MyFitnessPal (and earlier Samsung Health and Foodbok), I monitor my calorie intake meticulously. It’s like keeping a diary, a habit that takes me back to jotting down cricket scores as a kid, ensuring I stay within my health goals.
Hydration: A Lifeline
I drink 6–8 glasses of water daily (1,800–2,000 ml), no matter the season. This ritual feels like fetching water from the well with my cousins, a reminder of how something so simple can be so vital.
Keep Moving, Always
I avoid sitting for long hours, whether working at my desk or relaxing. Getting up to move around feels like chasing kites across open fields, a nod to my restless younger self who never stayed still.
Seasonal Fruits in Moderation
I enjoy small portions of seasonal fruits to maintain my calorie deficit. It’s a sweet connection to monsoon days, plucking mangoes, jackfruit with family, savoring nature’s treats without overindulging.
Evening Walks After Dinner
Every night after dinner, I walk for 25–30 minutes, even if I skip the meal. This 7 p.m. stroll under Pune’s starry skies reminds me of evening chats with neighbors in my hometown, a time to unwind and reflect.
A Dash of Running
During morning jogs or outdoor walks, I sneak in short bursts of running. It’s like racing my school friends to the bus stop, a playful way to keep my heart pumping.
Curating Connections
I’ve trimmed my phone book to 274 essential contacts across 11 categories on my primary and secondary phones. This intentional pruning feels like sorting through old photo albums, keeping only what truly matters.
Cherishing Old Memories
With fewer contacts, I spend time recalling childhood friends and family moments. It’s like flipping through a mental scrapbook, reliving laughter and lessons from days gone by.
Exploring Nature’s Wonders
On morning and evening walks, I notice tiny details—blooming flowers, chirping birds—and capture them in photos or journal entries. It’s a habit that takes me back to collecting pebbles by the river as a curious kid.
Mindful Calcium and Iodine
I carefully monitor my calcium and iodine (salt) intake, ensuring balance. It’s a precise practice, like my grandmother measuring spices for her curries, blending care with tradition.
A Life Free of Vices
Years ago, I quit alcohol and smoking, a decision that feels like shedding old school uniforms for a fresh start. It’s a commitment to clarity and health.
Regular Health Checks
I test my blood pressure and blood sugar twice monthly, alongside half-yearly health checkups. This vigilance reminds me of my father’s advice to “stay ahead of consequences,” a lesson I carry forward.
Heart Health Monitoring
Every six months, I take an ECG and share any anomalies with my family doctor. It’s a modern ritual, but it echoes the reassurance of my mother’s pulse checks during childhood fevers.
Pre-Sleep Rituals
Before bed, I check my home to ensure everything’s in order and read or watch informative content. It’s like my old bedtime routine of listening to radio stories, winding down with purpose.
Prioritizing Sleep
I aim for 8 hours of sleep, sticking to fixed bedtime and wake-up times. This discipline feels like my school days, when early nights meant energy for morning adventures.
Limiting Caffeine
I enjoy coffee or tea only once or twice a month, avoiding it 4-6 hours before sleep. It’s a small sacrifice, like skipping extra sweets at festivals to savor them more.
Morning Warmth
Each morning, I drink warm water with lime and honey, a practice I share with my family. It’s a comforting start, reminiscent of my grand parents’s herbal brews for rainy days.
Staying Active
I keep myself mentally and physically active, a habit that feels like juggling school projects and playground games, always pushing my limits.
Guarding Mental Peace
I avoid unnecessary contact with friends, relatives, or business associates, steering clear of arguments or social clutter. Listening to songs or comedy shows (less than 2 hours daily) keeps me grounded, like tuning into old cassette tapes for joy.
Taming Screen Time
I limit TV to 2 hours and mobile phone use to under 3 hours daily, prioritizing desktop work. It’s like capping playtime to focus on studies, a balance that feels nostalgic yet modern.
Conclusion: A Life of Intention
These 23 rituals are my roadmap to wellness, privacy, and simplicity. As I run healthcare nt sickcare and advocate for health in Pune, they keep me grounded, reminding me of childhood’s carefree days. I invite you to reflect on your own routines—perhaps there’s a ritual from your past worth reviving. Share your thoughts on vismithams.com, and let’s cherish the simple joys that shape us.
Disclaimer
The views and practices shared in this blog are personal to Vivek Nair and reflect his experiences as a healthcare entrepreneur and wellness advocate. They are not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before adopting any health-related practices, including fasting, dietary changes, or health monitoring. healthcare nt sickcare and vismithams.com are not liable for any outcomes from following these rituals.
