For years, I saw a young woman jogging each morning as I dropped my daughter at the school bus stop around 7 am. She wore a saree with her pallu tucked in at her waist, paired with running shoes, and had a radiant smile on her face. She always looked fresh, as if she’d just stepped out of the shower, greeting everyone she passed with a nod. Day after day, she was there—never missing a single morning. Although I never knew her or spoke to her, she left a lasting impression on me that I won’t forget.
Women pass through different phases of life, from menarche to pregnancy, childbirth, and eventually menopause. The roller coaster of hormonal changes, combined with family responsibilities, can make it hard to focus on self-care, even more so if they aren’t working professionally. In most Indian households, women also take on a lot of household chores early in the morning. Yet, this young woman managed to get on the road for her daily jog, at that hour, every single day. Even though she may not have had the liberty of typical workout clothes, she didn’t let that stop her from getting her daily run . Her commitment stood out because, no matter what, she made her health a priority.
We, on the other hand, often fall into the trap of excuses. Whether it’s claiming to be too busy, too tired, too hot , too cold , or simply not feeling like it, we tend to put off exercise for another day. We wait for the “perfect” moment when we have enough time, energy, or motivation.
This woman is an example that shows that consistency and commitment are the only things that really matter. Her example reminds us that health and fitness should be a priority, no matter how busy or chaotic our lives become. Staying active is crucial for our overall well-being. Regular physical activity isn’t just about maintaining physical fitness; it also has a multitude of other benefits. It lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, boosts energy levels, strengthens muscles, and keeps our bodies functioning well. Beyond the physical perks, exercise improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It helps us sleep better, enhances cognitive function, and sharpens focus.
In the long run, staying active promotes longevity and slows the aging process, helping us stay independent and mobile well into our later years. It also strengthens social connections, whether through group workouts or family activities, and creates a balanced, fulfilling life.
So, what’s really stopping us? More often than not, the obstacles we face are self-imposed. We don’t need perfect conditions or fancy equipment to get moving. We just need the will to start and the determination to keep going, even when it gets hard or inconvenient. This woman’s dedication serves as a reminder that if she can make time for her health, so can we.
The question remains: What’s your excuse?
