On World Health Day, celebs share what it means to be truly healthyRhythm Sanadhya

Home-cooked meals are the best way to maintain a healthy diet. Taking the right amount of breaks at regular intervals really helps. At least three times a week, I walk barefoot on grass early in the morning. It allows my body to reconnect and align with nature. It is important to stay accountable to yourself—show up at the gym or get your workout done no matter what.
Sharmila Cirvante

There was a time when fitness meant physical strength—how fast you could run, how much you could lift, or how you looked. Today, fitness also includes mental well-being, emotional balance, sleep quality, gut health, body composition, stress recovery, and more. People should understand that not every trending diet or workout is sustainable or suitable for everyone, which is why discipline matters more than motivation. Long-term health is not built on bursts of inspiration; it’s built on small, repeated actions like choosing a balanced meal, going for a walk, logging off screens on time, and getting enough sleep.
Vineet Raina

Over the years, fitness has evolved tremendously. With the internet, knowledge is no longer limited. Home-cooked meals and daily routines are still very relevant. Indian food is naturally balanced with the right mix of nutrients. In fact, globally, people are now appreciating Indian cuisine for its wholesomeness. We are slowly seeing a shift back to these roots.
Megha Sharma

Earlier, fitness was mostly about appearance—being slim or fitting into a certain body type. But now, it has become more about how you feel. For me, it’s about having the energy to get through the day, being mentally strong, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. I think that shift towards a more holistic approach is really important. Small changes can make a big difference, like taking short breaks, stretching, or just walking around every hour.
Pallavi Chatterjee

I am totally against packaged and frozen food. Anything that is heavily advertised should be avoided for consumption. Also, we Indians tend to overeat. In reality, we need very little food for our bodies—especially when eating the right kind of food. What to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat are all very important. With increasing screen time, people should adopt small changes to reduce its impact on their physical well-being. One should do some kind of exercise and walk for 20 minutes after every meal.
Gauravv Saxena

The definition of fitness has shifted from being aesthetic-driven (how you look) to function-driven (how you feel and move). Decades ago, fitness was often associated with heavy lifting or intense cardio, but today it is more holistic. We now prioritise mobility over muscle, focusing on the ability to move pain-free, along with mental fitness, recognizing that a healthy body cannot exist without a calm mind. There is also a growing emphasis on longevity—training not just for a summer body, but to remain independent and active even at 80. Simple habits like following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) help reduce eye strain, while incorporating standing meetings or walking during calls ensures movement throughout the day.
Roop Durgapal
Health is the greatest wealth, and it doesn’t require anything fancy. Health requires going back to basics, and nothing compares to simple home-cooked meals that are easily digestible, freshly made, and prepared with familiar ingredients. Getting 7–8 hours of sleep, waking up with the sun, stretching, and practicing yoga are simple yet highly effective habits. What I personally do is keep my phone away some time before sleeping and avoid starting my morning by immediately looking at it