Work out cheap

Want to modify your old New Year resolution of staying fit by making it in-budget and specific? Calisthenics beckons.

Calisthenics is a set of exercises done using only a person’s own body­weight as the body mass itself provides resistance against gravity. It comprises of exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, muscle-ups, jump squats, dips, back lever and similar exercises that can be done without advanced equipment. Calisthenics routine is a compound exercise that engages more than one muscle at a time and, most impor­tantly, engages your core done using only a person’s own bodyweight. Cal­isthenics strengthens the body as well as improves flexibility, endurance and mobility.

At the moment, Shanti Park at Par­titar is the only outdoor calisthenics park in Kathmandu that makes cal­isthenics accessible and affordable to all. Anyone, from any age group, can come to the park and get started without paying any money.  

 

Get screened for cancer

According to WHO, cancer screening refers to the use of tests in a healthy population to identify individuals who have disease but do not yet have symptoms. These are tests specific to parts of body affected by cancer. Examples include mammograms for breast cancers, the ‘pap test’ for cervical cancer, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer.

Add cancer screening to your routine general checkup and get an early diagnosis. As the incidence of cancer is increasing even among the relatively young, it is advisable that all those above 40 and those in high-risk groups undergo regular screening. Early detection also implies less treatment and less recovery time. If you are in a high-risk group and can afford screening, go for it.

 

Craft your own little green haven

In light of dwindling greenery of Kathmandu and virtually no open space for gardens and backyards in its houses, a special store specializing in indoor plants has just opened. Located in Jhamsikhel, Plant Shop Kathmandu sells a variety of indoor plants like Succulents, Palms, Cro­tons, Snake plants and Monstera. But selling plants is just one of its fortes. Along with a myriad of plants for sale, the shop offers services seldom provided by other nurseries in Kathmandu.

Make a resolution to invest in a greener surrounding. The best way to do so is with indoor plants. You do not need much space in your home and you do not need to spend a lot of time and resources as well. Adorn your homes with decorative houseplants, flex your green thumbs and work out the balance between concrete and greenery.

 

Cycle for wellbeing (and to make the city less crowded)

In 2020, Kathmandu is set to host the World Bicycle Forum, a yearly cycling activism event that brings together cycling enthusiasts from all around the world. They gather to discuss (and advocate for) bicycles as a mode for urban mobility. Kathmandu can be turned into a cycle-friendly city with minimal intervention and investment.

Cycling is the effective answer to help with the traffic congestion and the pollution. On a smaller scale, cycling is the answer to your physical inactivity and fuel budget. All in all, clogged trans­port channels or possible clogged arteries, cycling can be the solu­tion. Cycle more or start cycling in 2019. No excuses, because in Kathmandu to get to the city cen­ter from any point on the periph­ery on a bicycle, it takes a maxi­mum of half an hour at a speed of 8 km-per-hour.

 

Hitch a ride (or give one)

Perhaps the biggest vic­tims of the rush hours in Kathmandu are those who do not own vehicles. During the peak hours the public vehicles tend to be merci­lessly crammed. Often, there is no space even to stand. But couldn’t at least some of them simply ask for a lift to their desired destination, just like people did during the five months of the blockade in 2015-16?

Research shows that a range of problems like traffic congestion, crammed public vehicles, high expenditure on petrol products and even divorce can be controlled by a healthy lift culture. Starting this New Year, ask for lifts and be open to giving lifts. Safety may be an issue but if you take some precautions, the risks can be minimized. And not everyone always needs privacy.

 

Invest in your health and hygiene

Menstrual cups cost Rs 2,200 and are more expensive than the conventional sanitary pads or cloths. But given their durability and health benefits, this might be an investment worth making for women.

Choose to switch to the environment and user friendly option for that time of the month. No worries about the stains, it is comfortable and portable and you are free to jump, run and even swim. It is also cost effective in the long run as it lasts for a decade. And spread the word.