Embracing imperfection.
Growth Through Wellbeing: Insights from Dr. Sundhya Raman on Brave New Girls Podcast
My guest on Brave New Girls podcast, Dr. Sundhya Raman, founder of My Wellness Doctor, opens up about the realities of her own daily struggles and the strategies she uses to maintain and grow her personal health and wellbeing. As a leading voice in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Sundhya emphasises that even those who preach wellness aren't immune to the challenges of modern life. She offers a raw and relatable glimpse into her day-to-day experiences and shares valuable strategies that keep her on a path of personal growth.
One of Dr. Sundhya’s main challenges is balancing the responsibilities of family life with the demands of running a business, all while remaining committed to her own health. With a young family and a husband who is also a doctor, Dr. Sundhya’s life is packed with competing priorities. As she described on the podcast, “like many families with two working parents, it can often feel like there’s not enough time to get everything done.” This sense of overwhelm is something many of us can relate to, and Dr. Sundhya’s approach to managing it is refreshingly human.
Her secret? Consistency, prioritisation, and allowing herself room for imperfection. Dr. Sundhya shares that she often fails, but those failures help her grow. “Whenever I fail, I know that it is simply a way for me to get better at what I do,” she says. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, she uses them as learning opportunities, reminding herself that personal growth is a lifelong journey.
Meal planning is one strategy Dr. Sundhya relies on to stay healthy amidst a busy schedule. Rather than leaving meals to chance or reaching for convenience foods, she makes intentional decisions about what she and her family will eat. Meal prep helps to take the stress out of daily cooking, ensuring that they stick to nutrient-dense meals, rather than unhealthy alternatives. Though she admits it’s not something she always perfects, it’s a practice she continually aims to improve.
Physical wellbeing isn’t the only focus of Dr. Sundhya’s growth strategy—she places a strong emphasis on mental and emotional health as well. As a mother of two young children, Dr. Sundhya strives to create tech-free periods in the household, fostering deeper family connections without the constant distraction of screens. She finds that setting boundaries around technology helps maintain a sense of calm and presence within the family.
Dr. Sundhya also champions the simple joys in life as a pathway to wellbeing growth. One of her most cherished activities is gardening. For her, it’s not just about growing food but creating a space of tranquility and reward. Gardening offers physical movement, mental clarity, and the joy of nurturing something over time—a state of flow that combines health with happiness.
Her strategies also extend to time management and self-care. Dr. Sundhya carves out moments of personal joy, such as reading physical books and spending quiet time with her family. She highlights that these small, daily rituals contribute to her overall sense of wellbeing, reminding us all that growth doesn’t require dramatic changes but consistent, mindful choices.
For those looking to emulate Sundhya’s approach to wellbeing, incorporating essential oils into daily routines can be a great addition. Here are three Young Living blends that can specifically help with the issues she faces:
Valor – This blend is known for promoting courage, confidence, and emotional balance. It can help with setting priorities and maintaining balance during stressful times. By grounding and calming, it aids in creating consistency in daily routines, even when life feels overwhelming.
Peace & Calming – As the name suggests, this blend helps create a sense of peace and relaxation, perfect for embracing imperfections and finding balance in life. It encourages a mindset that appreciates small pleasures by slowing down and nurturing mental wellbeing.
Joy – This uplifting blend can be helpful in rediscovering pleasure in the small things. It encourages positivity, emotional wellbeing, and a focus on the joyful aspects of daily life, helping you to embrace imperfection and prioritise what truly matters.
These blends can be integrated into daily routines or rituals, enhancing focus, emotional stability, and a sense of wellbeing. They can be used in various ways, such as diffusing them, applying them topically (diluted as needed), or incorporating them into meditative or therapeutic practices. Each blend has specific properties that can support emotional well-being, aiding in the journey from suffering to a place of safety, purpose, and healing. I am a Brand Partner with Young Living if you wish to order these oil blends at a discount.
Do you want to join our next Brave New Girls Wellbeing Growth Retreat? Find out more.
Ten actionable steps for personal wellbeing growth:
Prioritize meal planning – Take the time to plan nutrient-rich meals in advance to avoid poor food choices during the week.
Create tech-free periods – Designate times when devices are turned off to foster real connections and reduce stress.
Make time for joyful activities – Engage in hobbies like gardening, reading, or another activity that brings peace and fulfillment.
Embrace failure as growth – Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than viewing them as defeats.
Set boundaries – Learn to say no to things that don’t serve your health or personal values.
Practice gratitude – Reflect daily on the things you are thankful for to boost your emotional wellbeing.
Take small, consistent actions – Focus on small, manageable changes instead of trying to overhaul your life all at once.
Connect with nature – Spend time outdoors to improve both your mental and physical health.
Establish routines – Create morning and evening routines to provide structure and reduce stress throughout the day.
Prioritise sleep – Make sleep a non-negotiable part of your wellbeing, aiming for 7-8 hours a night.
Dr. Sundhya Raman’s insights into personal growth through wellbeing emphasize the importance of small, consistent actions, meal planning, tech-free time, and embracing failures as opportunities for growth.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
