Towards Strength, Inside and Out
August 2025, Edition #15
Finding Strength Inside and Out
This month, we're talking about real wellness, not just gym reps or step counts. It's about moving a little, breathing a lot, and finding tiny ways to feel good every day. Because let's face it, health isn't one-size-fits-all.
Whether you're sneaking in desk stretches, hitting the trails over the weekend, or just taking a moment to breathe, this edition is here to inspire you to stay active, stay mindful, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Strength isn't just about muscles, it's about feeling your best, inside and out.
Health Isn’t One-Dimensional
Confession: I once walked in circles at 11:58 PM just to hit my 10,000 steps. That was the day I realized maybe I’ve lost the plot (my mind too).
We've been conditioned to think health = data. Steps, macros, BPM, cortisol, kale intake. But no one's talking about joy. About how singing in the shower can be just as therapeutic. From my POV, health isn't something you “optimize” like a website. It's something you live. Some days I crush workouts. Other days I crush three episodes of my comfort show and call it self-care. And guess what? Both are valid
Movement matters, so does rest. Nutrition fuels you, so do joy, laughter, and dancing like no one's watching. So, if you're out here juggling workouts and work stress- give yourself a breather. Let's take wellness as a vibe. And it's perfectly okay if yours includes both squats and Snickers. Let's chase balance. And maybe, a frankie.
Wall of Fame
A shout-out to those keeping fitness, fun, and focus alive
Jayadeepu Dadi
For me, wellness is about balance. Finding balance through family time and cricket keeps me centered. On tough days, I lean into small wins, short breaks, and conversations that reset my energy. Stretching, hydration, and mindful moments throughout the workday help me stay focused and recharged.
Abhir Jadhav
I make it a point to exercise at least four days a week, even if it’s just for a short session. I picked up this habit last year when I challenged myself to eat healthier. I’ve learned that discipline outlasts motivation, and at work, I stick to clean eating by steering clear of junk, fried, and overly sweet foods.
Om Kumar
My go-to routine is gym workouts and swimming. What began during COVID is now a lifestyle and a fun skill. Even on busy days, I stay consistent with alternate sessions, and on low-energy days, simply showing up keeps me motivated. Short mindful breaks help me recharge daily.
Harika Manukonda
Honestly, I began just to deal with everyday stress. But soon, I found myself enjoying strength training, exploring new activities, and eating more mindfully. Now I see how strong, disciplined, and joyful I can be. Taking care of myself isn’t a chore anymore; it’s something I look forward to.
Out of Office
Some mornings, you don't wake up to an alarm. You wake up to a feeling. That morning, mine said, “Why not today?” I'd been meaning to take a long ride this year, and suddenly, Vizag called to me. Not just for its beauty, but because it's home. It's where I grew up. Where my parents still work. Where I could roll in unannounced, helmet hair and all, and see the surprise in their eyes.
The 620 km from Hyderabad to Vizag via Khammam was a blur of motion and magic. Riding past endless rice fields in the early morning breeze made the world feel like it belonged only to me.
With every passing kilometer, I felt both the weight and warmth of memory. I thought of childhood summers, monsoon evenings, and the laughter that once echoed in familiar lanes. Fatigue gave way to anticipation as the city drew near, and when the sea breeze touched my face, I knew this ride wasn’t just a journey—it was a return.
There was fatigue, a few rough patches, and detours that tested my patience, yet every bump was worth it. The Bhadrachalam belt, with its calm greenery and wide-open fields, is a reminder of what it feels like to truly breathe. Along the way, I realized you don't always need a perfect plan or a grand reason. Sometimes, following your gut takes you exactly where you need to be and sometimes, it takes you home.
Healthy Habits Daily Countdown
9
Thousand
Steps
8
Hours of
sleep
7
Glasses of water
6
Minutes of meditation
5
Servings of fruits & veggies
4
Stretch breaks
3
Meals and healthy snacks
2
Hours no phone before bed
1
Exercise session
August rewind
On the field, it’s rivalry; off the field, it’s everyone’s favorite cup of tea, especially when it’s Alapan vs. Vijay.