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^We were at Tejal's office noticing the sign on the door that read "Dr. Tejal Kanwar, Gynecologist, and Fitness Entrepreneur".

As we waited at the reception, the first thing that caught our eye was a large poster of a healthy and fit woman, with the words "Take care of your health, and it will take care of you." written in bold letters. 

Moments later, as we were led to Tejal's office we noticed the the shelves were filled with books on gynecology, nutrition, and fitness.

Tejal greeted us with a warm smile and offered us a seat on the comfortable sofas. She then shared her journey with us, from her father's chronic kidney failure to her own health struggles and how these experiences shaped her perception of wellness.

Can you tell us a bit about your perspective on wellness? And what is one change or a particular event in your life that has changed your perception of wellness?

For me, wellness is all about cultivating happiness and good health, not just for myself, but for my family too. I firmly believe that the key to happiness lies in good health.

My wellness journey has been marked by two pivotal moments. The first was witnessing my father's battle with chronic kidney failure for a decade, which included two years of enduring dialysis. Despite being a naturally vibrant and joyful person, this debilitating disease took a toll on his health. His experience profoundly affected my perspective on wellness, nutrition, and exercise.

The second was my personal encounter with an autoimmune disorder, specifically, Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This disease, which triggers an immune response against the thyroid cells leading to insufficient thyroid hormone production, resulted in severe pigmentation on my face. It was a massive blow to my confidence and mental well-being. Recognizing the need to regain control, I sought assistance from experts and doctors.

This experience made me realize that wellness transcends mere physical workouts. It's a holistic concept encompassing diet, relaxation, and stress management. I adopted a comprehensive approach to address my health issues, which helped me significantly improve. It was an invaluable lesson in focusing more on my nutrition and overall wellness maintenance.

Can you share any personal wellness achievements that you are proud of? It could be related to any pillar of wellness, such as fitness, finances, or anything else.

Yes, I've always been active and enjoy participating in sports. In my early 40s, I started lifting weights, and I've been doing deadlifts and other strength exercises. I want to emphasize the importance of weight training for women, especially after puberty. This helps improve their bone strength, which tends to deteriorate due to hormonal changes and the menstrual cycle. After the age of 30, calcium starts depleting, and lifting weights is essential for bone and muscle strengthening 

That's great. Do you have any tips or advice for someone who is new to the corporate world and trying to balance their personal and professional life while also focusing on wellness?

In an era where technology wasn't as accessible, I've seen societal and lifestyle shifts. To the younger generation, including my children immersed in this tech-savvy world, I stress the importance of wellness through a consistent workout routine. Whether it's lifting weights or another form of exercise, maintaining regularity is paramount for holistic health.

At the same time, I urge authenticity and genuine connection. In the face of technology's pervasiveness, remember to balance digital interaction with real-world connection. In addition to maintaining physical wellness, staying true to yourself and nurturing genuine interactions are fundamental to personal and professional success.

That's a great point. What about the challenge of working out regularly, especially for people who are tired from work all day?

Yes, that's a big problem. But you can make it a habit by incorporating it into your daily routine. For example, you can change into your workout clothes as soon as you get back from work, or keep your workout clothes in your bag, so you're always prepared. The idea is to make it a habit, not a one-hour commitment. Start out with just 30 minutes or even 20 minutes of exercise a day and gradually increase the duration or the other way around, have your workout clothes ready as soon as you wake up.

That's insightful. I think many of us struggle with the idea of working out for a long time and find it boring. But if we break it down into smaller, manageable chunks, it becomes easier.

Absolutely, it's all a mind game. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can make it a fun and active experience. And if you make it a habit, you'll always feel happy that you did something for your health instead of feeling unhappy that you didn't do anything.