​Geared up for garba practice? Slow down and read this​

Garba, a traditional dance form that is an integral part of Navaratri celebrations, especially in Gujarat and other states is performed with great enthusiasm and vigour. People engage in garba practice, honing their dance skills and preparing for the grand Navaratri festivities. However, amidst the excitement and enthusiasm, it's essential to prioritize health and well-being. It is important to have a balanced approach, focusing on both the joy of garba practice and the need to safeguard one's health.

Doing garba offers a plethora of health benefits, encompassing both physical and mental advantages. It serves as an outstanding cardiovascular exercise, enhances endurance, increases flexibility and contributes to overall physical well-being. The rhythmic choreography and footwork integral to garba play a significant role in weight management and the development of muscle tone as well.

As a stress-reliever, Garba promotes good mental health. The beats, the camaraderie, the steps and the fun with friends. The fusion of music and dance during garba stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers and fosters a positive mental state.

Unfortunately there is. Numerous reports in the last one month and many during the yesteryears point to a trend taking place during Navaratri celebrations. Many people, under the age of 45, have suddenly lost their life during practicing for Garba celebration.

Recently, Raj Modi from Palanpur, Gujarat, lost his life after one Garba practice. According to reports, after he was done with the first round of practice, Raj sat on a nearby chair and collapsed suddenly due to chest pain. Upon being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead by the hospital authorities. Before that, a 19 year old lost his life in a similar way, where he complained of chest pain after Garba practice, collapsed and lost his life. The boy was identified as Vinit Kunvariya, a resident of Jamnagar.

While energy and enthusiasm during garba practice are essential, it's crucial to strike a balance between active engagement and sufficient rest and recovery. Pushing the body beyond its limits can lead to fatigue, injuries, and a compromised immune system. Overexertion may dampen the spirit of the festivities and hinder the ability to fully enjoy the celebrations.

It is thus important to pace oneself during practices, ensuring adequate breaks and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and mind.

At a time where the majority of our days are spent on the desk and life is rather sedentary it is not normal to start intense Garba sessions as soon as the festive bells ring. Dr Ramakanta Panda, leading cardiac surgeon and head of Mumbai’s Asian Heart Institute, told News9 that “sudden death is more common in young people because their body has not developed an alternative circulation.”

Sitting at a desk for long hours for months and then engaging in intense dance practice post work for a week or two can prove to be disadvantageous to a person’s health.

Hydration and nutrition play a vital role in maintaining health and sustaining energy levels during garba practice sessions. Staying properly hydrated is essential to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. Individuals taking part in garba practice should consume ample amounts of water throughout the day and especially during the practice sessions to prevent dizziness and cramping.

Also important is to maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. A well-nourished body is better equipped to endure the physical demands of enthusiastic garba performance and recover efficiently.

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Ensuring safety during garba practice is paramount to protect participants from accidents and injuries. Involving tons of jumping around and swaying to the beats and music, Garba can take a toll on your feet and legs. Proper footwear with adequate support and grip, appropriate dance attire that allows for free movement and a well-maintained dance floor without any cracks or improper elevations are key components of a safe practice environment.

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Garba enthusiasts are all around and nobody wants to skip a chance to dance to their favourite beats. This can sometimes lead to overcrowding and collisions during the practice or the performance. Thus, it is important to analyse if the place is safe for you or not.

If a person is prone to fainting or is not comfortable in crowded places, it is best to ensure that the stadium/ground is not filled to the brim with others. If at any time you feel like fainting or breathless because of the closed environment, it is best to not push your limits and get out as soon as possible. Catch your breath and only then go back inside if your body allows.