Humans of the contemporary epoch live a weird life. In their materialistic pursuit, they work all day and all night and all alone. They have made this Earth a
topsy-turvy land. If some humans are sleeping when the sun is shining bright, then others’ eyes are devoid of sleep even when it is midnight.
But what is shattering to know is that these poor humans are completely unconscious about the fact that this new and absurd ?shift-culture’ is taking a toll on
their physical, mental and emotional health. People are skipping breakfasts and dinners and are getting diabetes and obesity in return. They have no fixed time
for meals; thereby high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome are no big deal. No one cares about a balanced diet, but everyone rounds around doctor when
serious lacuna of nutrients strikes. They believe what is the need of family when money is honey, but then all of them scream depression and mental health
problems in each and every social-blogging.
There are countless such problems and the biggest one is that the shift-culture is the truth of today’s world and cannot be escaped. Nonetheless, we can at least
try to find a mid-way. Or the mid-way exists; all we have to do is to just walk through it. Actually, there is an age old-practice which can be an effective
solution to all these problems. And the solution is to have at least one meal of the day with the family. Most of these problems will promptly disappear.
This is not a superficial statement, but the alternative suggested by numerous researches.
For instance; when families sit down for a meal, young and old members ingest healthy food in place of the usual junk. Researchers of the University of Guelph
found that the teenagers and young adults eat more fruits and vegetables on the dinner table with their parents and relatives. Otherwise, they are always tempted
to eat burgers and pizzas. So if a family-meal can ensure ingestion of required nutrients, then why not give it a shot.
Secondly; family-meals involve discipline. People who eat their meals with their family have a proper time for breakfast, lunch and dinner; which they follow
every single day. Hence circadian rhythms, colloquially called body-clock; works smoothly. When body-clock is happy, a risk of digestive problems and
hypertension gets eliminated automatically.
Thirdly; when we eat food with your loved ones, we acquire love and a sense of belonging which is absent in the ruthless world of outside. Family meals
encourage discussions and everyone share trials and tribulations of their lives. We form stronger bonds with the people which really matter. After working mindnumbingly,
we at least deserve some moments of love and companionship together. Otherwise, what is the benefit of being called a social animal?
Most importantly; family meals will destroy isolation from our self-centric lives. It is the most amazing medicine to heal as well as prevent depression and other
mental health-related problems. So, when there are so many benefits, there should be no hesitation in stealing a few hours from our packed lives. Go and have a meal with your family.
