Actor Suniel Shetty says simple habits like prayer and meditation are “non-negotiable” for mental health. Know all about it!
Indian actor and entrepreneur Sunil Shetty often shares his deepest thoughts on social media, from fitness mantras and life lessons to health tips and secrets to success. While many celebrities share their flashy fitness routines, diets and wellness routines, Suniel Shetty believes in simplicity. In his latest post, he revealed the two simplest things he does for his mental health: prayer and meditation.
Suniel Shetty shares a post on LinkedIn about the power of prayer and meditation
In a social media post, the 63-year-old actor wrote about how he feels the act of praying and meditating are the same thing. He says these two activities are “non-negotiable” parts of his day.
“A few quiet moments. Just me, my thoughts, and something bigger than me. Most mornings, I spend time in prayer and then meditation. Both require being alone in silence,” Suniel Shetty writes.
Prayer helps him stay grateful and reminds him to be kinder, more grounded, and more aware of how he shows up in the world. Meditation helps him focus himself. “It allows me to observe my thoughts, my energy, my breathing without judgment. One connects me with the life around me. The other connects me with myself,” added the actor, who recently became a grandfather after his daughter Athiya gave birth to a baby girl.
Check out Suniel Shetty’s LinkedIn post
Suniel Shetty has spent over three decades in the film industry and is known for his disciplined lifestyle. He admits that indulging in prayer and meditation brings a sense of calm that cannot be achieved in any other way.
“It’s not about religion. It’s not even about faith. This is just a conversation I’m having. About myself and life and something greater than both,” he says.
What is Suniel Shetty praying for? “All these years, I stopped praying for things. I started praying for clarity, for strength, for perseverance, and for the wisdom to do right when it matters most. And I started meditating to quiet the noise and slow things down so I could respond rather than react.”
“There’s a quiet power in prayer. There’s a quiet power in sitting with your breath. It doesn’t make headlines, but it makes a difference. It’s simple, powerful, and personal,” he insists.
The importance of prayer for mental health
In 1902, Harvard philosopher and psychologist William James, in his book The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature, described prayer as “inner communion or conversation of any kind with forces recognized as divine.”
According to a study cited in the journal Mental Health Nursing Issues, prayer is important in increasing positive emotions and happiness later in life. There are other studies that suggest that prayer can reduce stress and anxiety in people.
Benefits of meditation for mental health
Meditation is an umbrella term for a variety of practices that focus on forging a deeper connection between mind, body, and soul. There are many different types of meditation, and there are multiple health benefits to meditation, including reducing stress, controlling anxiety, improving concentration, and improving sleep quality.
