In Conversation With Dr. Mickey Mehta, Global Leading Holistic Health Guru / Corporate Life Coach

Tell us about your journey.

The journey has been a rollercoaster; however a fun roller coaster. This was because the excitement, newness and constant learning has always been there. I kept gathering so many new experiences across my span of 40 years in the wellness and fitness industry; and so too all during my life’s 59 years till now!

What is your philosophy of life?

The philosophy of my life is that -- Be optimistic always, and be open-minded.

Optimistic so you can turn every situation and circumstance into an opportunity; and open-minded so that you don’t miss out on anything by refusing and shutting doors mentally. Open-minded means an attitude of ‘yes’ always – being affirmative in life. Instead of asking ‘why?’ ask yourself ‘why not?’

Both these traits would serve you well throughout life.

Tell us about your new book, “Immunity Plus”.

My book ‘Immunity Plus’ is a by-product of my medical published paper which is ‘Immunity for Humanity’ along with Dr. Ali Irani of Nanavati hospital; and Dr. Havovi Rana who assisted me doing it.

So Immunity Plus is actually a four week program of workouts; productive, creative activity; and optimal nutritious food provided by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor the co-author. The program also includes four weeks of chanting mantras, meditation, and philosophies. In short, the book is a Bible of immunity.

What is your ideal fitness regime?

Fitness should be targeted at both the physical and mental levels.

For the physical part, well, in a nutshell, my fitness regime is ‘monkey business’! It includes revitalizing the whole body by rope skipping, dancing movements, stretching, contracting whole-body muscles, and hanging upside down. I also do a bit of gymnastics.

For internal fitness I do a lot of breathing exercises, meditation and practice several forms of Yoga, daily.

What’s your ‘mantra’ for success?

‘Success’ can hold different meaning for different folks. However, my basic ‘mantra’ for success is – That be driven by purpose in everything you do in life. Everything you do should have a social impact and help many others.

More specifically, my best four mantras are:

-- For strong biceps, uplift the poor.

-- For strong shoulders take the responsibility of the underprivileged.

-- For strong legs be rooted in your ability to be better-footed for humanity.

-- Sleep every night with a wish to heal yourself, and wake up every morning with a promise to heal the world.

One rule everyone should follow for a healthy living?

That one rule is ‘watch your breath – be conscious of your breath’. Breathe consciously in awareness and in a regulated way throughout the day.

Deep breathing massages your lungs, and is therapeutic at many levels. It also helps stabilize your mood and helps ward off stress.

How do you think wellness has evolved over the years?

Long ago, the concept of ‘Wellness’ started from Yoga, It kept evolving and took on different forms across the decades, but now has come back to Yoga, and Ayurveda – the two sciences of naturopathy.

But throughout we saw many wellness activities catch favor with people, such as PT, calisthenics, aerobics and boot camps. Then the cross-fit generation came in, and so on. But now, certainly, it is all about Yoga and Ayurveda.

How can corporates add value to their employees’ well-being?

Firstly, corporates must take cognizance of their employees’ mental health. In the last two years I’ve done several programs on mental health called Dr. Mickey Mehta’s ‘Mind is Medicine’ – how can one make mind one’s own medicine.

The programs also include the knowledge of how the ‘Panchmahabhootas’ can be used as medicine. These consist of the five elements of nature -- Sunshine, Air, Water, Earth and Fire.

Besides, of course, corporates should try including some form of revitalizing all-body fitness programs into their employee engagement activities. Even simple stretching exercises which can be done right at the employees’ workstations can have significant health benefits. This is especially true for those whose job involve sitting for long durations.

The idea is to address fitness at both the mental and physical levels.

Be energized, be naturalized, be Mickeymized!