My article in India Today.

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Get a wellness makeover

July: For your Body

Play a game you've never played before

The last time you got on a cycle or played table tennis may have been over two decades ago or, worse, never. Make this your month to start! 'Doing something new is always stimulating; when it's physical, it has the additional impact of releasing feelgood endorphins, with the likely bonus of weight-loss,' says Delhi-based fitness trainer Kiran Sawhney.

Find a partner, a like-minded friend or neighbour or, even better, your husband. Choose a game that doesn't require fancy equipment or facilities - logistics shouldn't become a challenge here, otherwise it defeats the feel-good purpose. Table tennis and badminton are good games to start with; cycling is another such activity. 'I've been playing table tennis with my husband every week for the past two months,' says 35-year-old Delhibased homemaker Ruchika Sharma, 'and it's amazing how wonderful I feel. The exercise makes me happy, and we are having so much fun together. Last week, we even played a couples' game against our neighbours, and it had us charged up. It's become a high-point for us!'

Fix a half-hour date with your partner twice a week, and before you know it, you'll be addicted to the rush of energy and positivity from the simple switch in your schedule.

At month's end: You totally dislike your new game? Switch to a different one the next month. Can't manage anything physical? Go with scrabble or chess instead; you'll still reap benefits from the excitement and competitiveness.