Keeping optimal health and fitness should be a top priority in everybody’s life. Whether it is running, cycling, jogging, swimming, etc., one must find a way to providing movement to the body, because an exercise not just relaxes a person but also strengthen his or her muscles and bones.
In the list of active and fit people is the name of an IAS officer who has always been a big fitness buff and sports enthusiast. She is none other than Tripura cadre officer, Ms. Sonal Goel.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Goel talked about her fitness journey and her very special meeting with Indian Medalists who made us all proud in the recently concluded Tokyo World Olympics 2021.
FITNESS IS A MUST
Now that Indian girls are doing wonders in the Olympics and bringing medals home, we can proudly say that they are no less than anyone else. Ms. Sonal believes young girls and women should pay attention to their health even if it is for 30-45 minutes each day. Physical activity helps in preventing ailments in the long run.
“Due to our fast-paced life and increasing work pressure, there is so much stress in everybody’s life. In order to relax your mind, rejuvenate yourself and be with one’s own self, exercise of any form- yoga, meditation, running, aerobics, Zumba, in fact any sort of sports- is a very good. You will start feeling motivated towards life, you will feel more energetic and it gives you time to reflect on your goals and enjoy your own company,” she told Indian Masterminds.
Talking about her own experience with fitness, the officer says “I make sure to dedicate one hour to myself each day and to be honest, it fills me with enthusiasm for the whole day ahead. Physical activity should be accompanied by a nutritional diet to bring about an overall beneficial result.”
SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
Nowadays, whether it is tennis, gymnastics, kabaddi, or wrestling, girls have proven their excellence in so many sports. Sports and Education integration is imperative for overall development. Khelo India Youth Games, National Sports Policy, Fit India Movement, etc. all are aiming to promote sports in Rural and urban areas.
Says, Ms. Goel, “I urge parents to encourage and support their daughters to take part in physical activities. If they are hesitant in the beginning, parents should go with them be it for running, cycling, or any sports they want to adopt.”
She further believes that everything else can wait, but not good health& fitness. A healthy & fit individual contributes more effectively to society & nation-building. “Be responsible and determined!” insists Ms. Goel.
BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY
Good health is not just a matter of a year or two, but entire life’s commitment. A healthy approach to life also forms the basis of a dynamic and creative intellectual mindset. One should inculcate in their regular routine any kind of activity which promotes good physical and mental health.
“Fit citizens,’’ says Ms. Goel, “make a healthier, happier nation. Let’s aim for a New India which sees more women in Sports and a Nation with Many more medals at the International level. Move, learn & discover! The Olympics is shaping into much more than just a sports event. In order to reduce your risk of health problems, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day is a must.”
Ms. Goel’s interaction with all the medalists of India who made the nation proud in the Tokyo Olympics made her even more motivated towards her goal of promoting fitness and good health. She has been spreading awareness about sports and fitness through her social media handles and webinars.
She wishes to spread her work amongst the young girls and women from rural areas as well. This pandemic has demonstrated the importance of physical & mental well-being. Let’s resolve on becoming healthy and fit by including small workouts, walking, running, sports, yoga, meditation, etc. in our daily routine.
And to those who may still be undecided about the true value of exercise and fitness, just look at Ms. Goel. A fitness freak who takes utmost care of her body and mental skills, she has emerged as a beacon of hope for many.
