The Power of Holistic Practices: Gym, Yoga & Prayer

A Broken Foundation: My Struggle with Confidence

Before I discovered the power of holistic healing, my default response to challenges was running away. I avoided confrontations, dodged responsibilities, and drowned my fears in alcohol. Facing problems head-on? That wasn’t me.

Even after coming out of rehab, my confidence was non-existent. I had debts piling up, relationships in ruins, and an uncertain future staring me in the face. Rehab was a turning point, but stepping into the real world again brought its own battles.I knew I had to change, but how?

I had no clue where to start. My wife, however, knew one thing—if I wasn’t occupied in the evenings, I would eventually fall back into alcohol.

“Join a gym,” she insisted. Her only goal was to distract me from alcohol—especially during the evening, when my cravings were strongest.

“Go slow,” she advised as I left for my first session. Deep inside, she knew that once I start something, I dive in completely.

The Gym: Strengthening My Mind and Body

I started going to the gym in the evenings after work. At first, it wasn’t about strength training or fitness goals—it was simply about showing up.

The clang of weights, the rhythmic pounding of feet on treadmills, the smell of sweat and metal—everything felt foreign to me. But I had made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t run away this time.

I began with light workouts—basic weightlifting, some cardio. Within weeks, I noticed something unexpected.

• Every rep was a fight against my old self.
• Every drop of sweat was a step toward rebuilding confidence.
• Every bit of progress made me feel in control.

I progressed quickly, lifting heavier weights earlier than expected, drawing attention from others.

“Why do you train so hard?” a fellow gym-goer asked one day.

“Because I’m lifting more than weights,” I replied. “I’m lifting myself.”

The intense workouts gave me a natural high—a far better rush than alcohol ever had. At home, I’d flex in the mirror, beaming as I proudly shared every small achievement with my family.

The gym for mental health became my first pillar of confidence-building. My fitness journey was more than just about strength; it was about reclaiming my life.

Yoga: A Holistic Approach to Mental Strength & Emotional Balance

While the gym made my body stronger, yoga healed my mind.

At first, I wasn’t interested in mindfulness yoga or breathing exercises—I started yoga for a practical reason: digestion. My increased appetite from workouts led someone to suggest yoga poses that aid digestion.

So, I began practicing in the mornings, before breakfast. Unlike the gym, I didn’t need an instructor—I had learned yoga in school and was already familiar with many poses. I just had to reconnect with the practice.

I started with basic asanas—Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Uttanpadasana (Raised Leg Pose), and Naukasana (Boat Pose), holding each for 30-60 seconds. As I felt their benefits, I expanded my practice, eventually building a 40-minute routine:

• 20 minutes of various asanas for flexibility and digestion.
• 10 minutes of Pranayama (breathing exercises) for mindfulness.
• 10 minutes of meditation for inner peace.

I eventually mastered Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose) and Padmasana (Lotus Pose)—a feat that took me nearly three months.

I discovered that yoga is a holistic practice, encompassing not only physical postures but also the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit.

With every session, I felt more centered, and more at peace. Yoga for stress relief became my second pillar of holistic wellness.

Prayer: Rebuilding My Inner Strength

The third practice that transformed my confidence was prayer.

Growing up in a religious household, prayer had once been a natural part of my routine. But during my darkest days, I stopped praying—even when I stood inside a temple, I wouldn’t bow my head.

After coming home, I started praying to Maa Durga every morning, just as my mother did.

At first, it felt mechanical—a ritual rather than a connection. But with time, it became my anchor.

In Hinduism, we revere Rama and Krishna, whose earthly incarnations were marked more by suffering than joy. For me, prayer isn’t about asking for miracles—like winning the lottery. It’s about finding strength and patience to live honestly, even in difficulty.

I believe that prayer strengthens our subconscious mind. While the changes may be subtle, it fosters hope and bolsters our self-belief in carrying out daily responsibilities. It refines our reactions, making them more natural and less prone to unnecessary complexity. Prayer had already begun transforming me, even before I fully realized it.

One day, when a friend I owed money to visited, I didn’t panic or run away like before. Instead, I faced him directly and said:

“I can’t pay you now, but I will. Just give me some time.”

I don’t know where I got the courage, but I knew prayer had strengthened me.

Mindfulness and prayer became my third pillar of holistic recovery.

Confidence Takes Time: The Power of Holistic Practices

For 3-4 months, I followed a structured holistic self-improvement routine—gym, yoga, and prayer.

At first, I only saw physical changes—stronger muscles, increased stamina, better posture. But as time passed, I realized something deeper was happening.

• The gym pushed me to break limits I once thought impossible. Every weight I lifted proved that I was stronger than I believed.
• Yoga taught me patience and control. Holding a pose required both physical and mental discipline.
• Prayer gave me inner peace and clarity. It reminded me that I had a force greater than myself to lean on.

I started walking taller, speaking with more confidence, and trusting my own choices.

Confidence isn’t something you wake up with one day—it’s built through daily habits.

True Confidence is Built, Not Found

The transformation wasn’t just in my body—it was in how I carried myself.

• I was more composed in stressful situations.
• I began to trust my own decisions.
• I was no longer afraid to take up space.

The gym built my physical strength, but it also taught me mental toughness.
Yoga improved my flexibility, but it also helped me stay calm in the face of challenges.
Prayer gave me faith, but it also reminded me to trust the process.

Confidence is not just about self-belief—it’s about consistent effort.

🔹 The path of recovery and self-growth is not linear, but good practices help us thrive in long run.