Diwali: A Lifestyle Medicine Perspective

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is an important day in the Hindu calendar when families and friends gather to celebrate. Different parts of India celebrate various stories on this day. This includes when King Rama defeated Ravana using clay lamps when Lord Vishnu sent the demon King Bali to the underworld and when Lord Krishna triumphed over the demon Narakasura. The festival has many celebrations that encourage emotional well-being and physical health. The festival is actually celebrated over 5 days with different customs performed each day.

Light

During Diwali, diyas, lanterns and candles are used. Our circadian rhythms, mood and energy levels depend on light. We also need light to produce vitamin D which is essential for good bone health, cell growth and immune function. 

Celebrations and spending time with loved ones

Connections and good relationships are important for our overall health. Celebrations can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and improve social connections. Studies have shown that if you have strong social ties, you are more likely to be healthy and live longer. Spending time with loved ones can also reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. 

Lifestyle Medicine Tips

Here are a few tips to help you have a happy and healthy Diwali:

• Try to choose healthy foods including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Eat sugary foods, drinks and high-fat foods in moderation.
• Try to exercise. This can be going for a walk with relatives to see all the diyas, lanterns and rangolis in your local area. 
• Include meditation and yoga in your day if Diwali can be stressful for you.
• Make sure you have put aside time to really connect and enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones.

Chronic Health Conditions 

If you have a chronic health condition, it may be worthwhile speaking to a healthcare professional about any precautions you need to take during Diwali. For example; if you have diabetes you may want to check your blood sugars more frequently, eat smaller meals, make sure you are getting enough sleep and avoid/limit your alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but a time for celebration, reflection, and nurturing health and relationships. It’s a period where the joy of togetherness and the triumph of good over evil inspire us to focus on our well-being and the strength of the community. As we light diyas and gather with loved ones, we also ignite the light within us, fostering a sense of peace and happiness. At Extracellular, we extend our warmest wishes for a Diwali that brightens every aspect of your life.

References

• The History and Significance of Diwali:
  • Link: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival
• Diwali’s Impact on Mental Health:
  • https://extracellular.co.uk/how-lifestyle-medicine-can-help-with-anxiety-and-depression/
• Diabetes and Diwali:
  • Link: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/in-depth/diwali-diabetes-healthy-tips-celebrating-festival-lights/
  • Link: https://extracellular.co.uk/reversingtype2diabetes/
• Lifestyle Medicine
  • Link: https://extracellular.co.uk/what-is-lifestyle-medicine/

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