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^We were sitting in Manoj Nair's living room, waiting for him to arrive for our interview. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Manoj bounded in with a beaming smile, his running gear still on and his face glistening with sweat. He had just finished a vigorous run outdoors, evident from the few blades of grass clinging to his shoes and the dampness of his clothes.

As we immersed ourselves into his journey, we could feel his enthusiasm for physical activity reignite, as he spoke about how it had transformed his health and well-being. During our conversation, we were struck by his unwavering passion and commitment to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Here are some highlights from our interview with Manoj:

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got into sports and staying active?

I have always been into sports and staying active ever since I was a kid. Growing up, we didn't have the distractions of smartphones and other screens, so we spent a lot of our time outside playing and being active. That was just a normal part of my childhood and growing up.

But then, as I got older and entered the corporate world, things changed. I had to fit into a certain mold and prove myself in my career. That meant working hard and putting in long hours, often at the expense of our own health and wellness. I slept less, ate poorly, and did not make time for physical activity.

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, it became clear that our health is one of our most precious gifts. Watching loved ones suffer and even lose their lives to the virus was a harsh reminder of just how fragile life can be. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to take my own health more seriously.

But it wasn't just about taking care of myself. In the midst of the pandemic's second wave, we joined forces with relief riders to serve langar, a traditional meal of free-flowing love and compassion, to those affected by COVID and the elderly. It was a way for me to give back and offer support to those in need during such a trying time.

Can you tell us about the changes you made in your life and how they've impacted your health and well-being?

During the first decade of my career, I neglected my health and wellbeing, allowing an unhealthy lifestyle to take its toll and causing me to gain weight. My work-life balance was nonexistent, and I lacked focus on my personal health. However, when my daughter was born, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my health and wellness. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my determination to lead a healthy lifestyle only intensified, resulting in a remarkable achievement - I was bestowed with the "Fit & Fab" accolade in 2020 for my commitment to being healthy and fit and inspiring others to do the same.

To start on this path, I rediscovered old passions like cycling and took up new ones like running. I also joined a group called "Cycle Chala City Bacha," which promotes cycling as a means of transportation to enhance fitness and decrease pollution. Along with physical activities, I also devoted attention to my mental and emotional health, beginning to practice mindfulness and self-care.

The results of these changes have been overwhelmingly positive. I feel more energetic and healthy, and I've observed significant improvements in my relationships with those close to me. I've also discovered that taking care of myself allows me to better support and be present for others. Additionally, I've realized the value of seeking help and support when needed, whether from therapy, support groups, or trusted confidants in my life.

“I realize that my journey toward wellness is a continuous process of learning and self-improvement. It's not just about physical health but also about mental, emotional, and social well-being. And it's not a destination but a journey that requires ongoing effort and dedication.”

How do you believe sharing your story can inspire others to prioritize their own wellness?

As I share my story, I hope others will be inspired to prioritize their well-being and live healthier lives. Anyone can positively impact their well-being and the lives of those around them by taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, or finding ways to de-stress and relax, there are many ways to prioritize wellness and live a happier, healthier life.

I encourage others to find what works best for them and to be consistent in their efforts toward wellness. And I emphasize the importance of self-care and making time for oneself in order to maintain balance and well-being. Ultimately, I believe that prioritizing wellness allows us to live our best lives and be the best versions of ourselves. So, I encourage everyone to take some time to reflect on their own wellness journey and to consider what changes they can make to improve their health and well-being.

It's important to remember that wellness is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's about finding what works best for you and being consistent in those efforts. Whether it's making time for regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, or practicing mindfulness and self-care, there are many ways to prioritize wellness and live a happier, healthier life.

How do you recommend building a supportive network of like-minded individuals with similar goals and wellness values?

Creating a supportive network of people who can offer encouragement and motivation is crucial to maintaining healthy habits and staying on track. I encourage others to seek out like-minded individuals who share similar goals and values. Whether it's through organizations, support groups, or simply reaching out to friends and family, it's important to surround ourselves with people who support our efforts toward wellness.

Overall, my wellness journey has been a transformative and rewarding experience. I've learned the value of taking care of myself and the positive impact it can have on my own life and the lives of those around me. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to prioritize their own wellness and live healthier happier lives.

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As the interview comes close, we cannot help but feel inspired by Manoj's love for running and cycling. His passion for staying active and healthy is truly contagious, and I have no doubt that it has played a major role in his success as an athlete. As I stand to say our goodbyes, Manoj invites me to join him on the run sometime. "It's always more fun to have a running buddy," he says with a grin. But before I can get too carried away with my newfound motivation, I remember that I've never been much of a runner. Oh well, at least I can be the official water, and snack bearer for our future runs together.

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