Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love- It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love—It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

Have you ever wondered if <span>mental health</span> could actually be contagious—just like a cold or the flu? It sounds wild, but new research suggests it might be more than just metaphorical. We’ve all heard phrases like “good vibes only” or felt someone else’s <span>stress</span> rub off on us, right? But what if your partner’s <span>anxiety</span>, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">depression</a></span>, or even insomnia could be passed on through something as intimate as a kiss? Yep, that sweet gesture could be doing more than just bonding hearts. Intrigued? You should be—because this new finding might change how we think about emotional well-being in relationships.

A groundbreaking study out of Iran has introduced a startling new concept: that anxiety and depression may not only be shared emotionally between romantic partners—but biologically transferred through a kiss.

Yes, you read that right. <span>Kissing</span> your partner may not just swap affection, but millions of microbes—some of which may be quietly influencing your mental health.

This new research opens up a fascinating, and somewhat unsettling, frontier in how we understand mental wellness within intimate relationships, pointing to a biological pathway for emotional transmission through oral <span>microbiota</span>.

<h2>Love, <span rel="noindex">Intimacy</span>, and the Hidden Microbial Highway</h2>

It’s long been accepted that couples tend to influence each other’s behaviors—picking up habits, mimicking routines, and even adopting one another’s speech patterns. But recent scientific inquiries suggest that our bodies—and more precisely, the bacteria within them—might be syncing in much deeper ways.

A team of Iranian researchers, led by Dr. Reza Rastmanesh, followed 268 newlywed couples for six months to explore whether the oral bacteria exchanged during intimate contact—like kissing—might play a role in the development of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.

Their conclusion? Mental health symptoms can potentially be transmitted biologically, mediated by the microorganisms that reside in our mouths.

The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, recruited newlywed couples from two private sleep clinics in Tehran. Researchers focused specifically on couples where one spouse had been diagnosed with moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances—what the researchers referred to as the "depression-anxiety phenotype."

At the beginning of the study, the other partner was entirely healthy—no sleep complaints, no psychological distress, and no history of mental illness. Both partners provided saliva and oral swabs, which were analyzed to assess cortisol levels and map out the oral microbiota using DNA sequencing technology.

After just six months of living together, something remarkable occurred: the healthy spouses began to mirror their partners’ symptoms. Their depression and anxiety scores climbed, they reported trouble sleeping, and—most compellingly—their oral microbiomes began to resemble those of their affected partners. How could something as seemingly benign as kissing transmit psychological symptoms?

According to the study, four specific types of bacteria—Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae—were found in higher concentrations in the saliva of affected partners. These bacteria have previously been associated with neuroinflammation and mood disorders.

When the researchers analyzed the healthy partners' microbiota after six months, they found a significant increase in these same bacteria—implying microbial transmission had occurred.

This bacterial “convergence” may play a role in disrupting the <span>gut-brain axis</span>, a well-documented communication system between the digestive tract’s microbiome and the central nervous system. The oral cavity is the first gateway in this axis, making these findings especially significant.

<h2>Cortisol and the Chemistry of Stress</h2>

The study didn’t stop at microbes. Researchers also tracked cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. Healthy spouses began the study with normal cortisol levels—but after six months, levels spiked, particularly among women.

In some cases, female spouses showed nearly double the cortisol compared to their initial readings, underscoring a clear physiological stress response. This rise in cortisol mirrored the uptick in anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting a complex chain reaction where microbial exposure leads to hormonal shifts, which in turn may affect mood.

Interestingly, gender appeared to influence susceptibility to microbial and emotional transmission. Female partners reported higher rates of mood disturbances and sleep issues than their male counterparts, despite starting the study in good mental health.

While the study does not definitively explain why women may be more affected, prior research has shown that women’s immune and hormonal systems are more sensitive to stress-related changes—potentially making them more vulnerable to shifts in microbiota and subsequent mental health symptoms.

The concept of “psychological synchrony” in relationships is not new. Previous studies have documented how couples’ heart rates, stress levels, and even reproductive hormone cycles can align over time. But this new study adds a biological layer to emotional co-regulation: one that literally lives inside our mouths.

While the idea that mental illness might be “contagious” through bacteria may sound like science fiction, it builds on a growing body of evidence linking gut and oral microbiomes to cognitive and emotional health.

“Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,” the researchers concluded—urging the scientific community to consider bacteria as potential contributors in the mental health equation.

Of course, this study is not without its limitations. The researchers noted that they did not account for underlying health conditions, dietary habits, or genetic predispositions that may influence oral microbiota.

Still, the implications are vast. If further studies confirm these findings, oral health may become a new frontier in mental health interventions. Could probiotic therapies or personalized oral hygiene routines serve as preventive strategies for couples living with mental illness? Could clinicians someday assess microbial profiles to predict emotional risk?

Dr. Rastmanesh and his team believe this is just the beginning. They have called for more longitudinal studies to explore whether similar bacterial patterns are found in couples with longer marriages and in other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress.

<h2>Should You Worry About Your Next Kiss?</h2>

Not necessarily, the study doesn’t suggest we should avoid kissing or sharing close contact with loved ones. Intimacy remains a cornerstone of healthy relationships. But it does encourage us to broaden our understanding of what it means to be “in sync” with a partner—not just emotionally, but biologically.

As our knowledge of the human microbiome evolves, so too must our understanding of mental health. This study may not offer all the answers, but it raises critical questions about how deeply our relationships shape us—right down to the microscopic level.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

mental health

depression

anxiety

kissing

emotional wellness

stress

intimacy

microbiota

gut-brain axis

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Have you ever wondered if mental health could actually be contagious—just like a cold or the flu? It sounds wild, but new research suggests it might be more than just metaphorical. We’ve all heard phrases like “good vibes only” or felt someone else’s stress rub off on us, right? But what if your partner’s anxiety, depression, or even insomnia could be passed on through something as intimate as a kiss? Yep, that sweet gesture could be doing more than just bonding hearts. Intrigued? You should be—because this new finding might change how we think about emotional well-being in relationships.A groundbreaking study out of Iran has introduced a startling new concept: that anxiety and depression may not only be shared emotionally between romantic partners—but biologically transferred through a kiss.Yes, you read that right. Kissing your partner may not just swap affection, but millions of microbes—some of which may be quietly influencing your mental health.This new research opens up a fascinating, and somewhat unsettling, frontier in how we understand mental wellness within intimate relationships, pointing to a biological pathway for emotional transmission through oral microbiota.Love, Intimacy, and the Hidden Microbial HighwayIt’s long been accepted that couples tend to influence each other’s behaviors—picking up habits, mimicking routines, and even adopting one another’s speech patterns. But recent scientific inquiries suggest that our bodies—and more precisely, the bacteria within them—might be syncing in much deeper ways.A team of Iranian researchers, led by Dr. Reza Rastmanesh, followed 268 newlywed couples for six months to explore whether the oral bacteria exchanged during intimate contact—like kissing—might play a role in the development of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.Their conclusion? Mental health symptoms can potentially be transmitted biologically, mediated by the microorganisms that reside in our mouths.The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, recruited newlywed couples from two private sleep clinics in Tehran. Researchers focused specifically on couples where one spouse had been diagnosed with moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances—what the researchers referred to as the "depression-anxiety phenotype."At the beginning of the study, the other partner was entirely healthy—no sleep complaints, no psychological distress, and no history of mental illness. Both partners provided saliva and oral swabs, which were analyzed to assess cortisol levels and map out the oral microbiota using DNA sequencing technology.After just six months of living together, something remarkable occurred: the healthy spouses began to mirror their partners’ symptoms. Their depression and anxiety scores climbed, they reported trouble sleeping, and—most compellingly—their oral microbiomes began to resemble those of their affected partners. How could something as seemingly benign as kissing transmit psychological symptoms?According to the study, four specific types of bacteria—Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae—were found in higher concentrations in the saliva of affected partners. These bacteria have previously been associated with neuroinflammation and mood disorders.When the researchers analyzed the healthy partners' microbiota after six months, they found a significant increase in these same bacteria—implying microbial transmission had occurred.This bacterial “convergence” may play a role in disrupting the gut-brain axis, a well-documented communication system between the digestive tract’s microbiome and the central nervous system. The oral cavity is the first gateway in this axis, making these findings especially significant.Cortisol and the Chemistry of StressThe study didn’t stop at microbes. Researchers also tracked cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. Healthy spouses began the study with normal cortisol levels—but after six months, levels spiked, particularly among women.In some cases, female spouses showed nearly double the cortisol compared to their initial readings, underscoring a clear physiological stress response. This rise in cortisol mirrored the uptick in anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting a complex chain reaction where microbial exposure leads to hormonal shifts, which in turn may affect mood.Wy Are Women More Vulnerable?Interestingly, gender appeared to influence susceptibility to microbial and emotional transmission. Female partners reported higher rates of mood disturbances and sleep issues than their male counterparts, despite starting the study in good mental health.While the study does not definitively explain why women may be more affected, prior research has shown that women’s immune and hormonal systems are more sensitive to stress-related changes—potentially making them more vulnerable to shifts in microbiota and subsequent mental health symptoms.The concept of “psychological synchrony” in relationships is not new. Previous studies have documented how couples’ heart rates, stress levels, and even reproductive hormone cycles can align over time. But this new study adds a biological layer to emotional co-regulation: one that literally lives inside our mouths.While the idea that mental illness might be “contagious” through bacteria may sound like science fiction, it builds on a growing body of evidence linking gut and oral microbiomes to cognitive and emotional health.“Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,” the researchers concluded—urging the scientific community to consider bacteria as potential contributors in the mental health equation.Of course, this study is not without its limitations. The researchers noted that they did not account for underlying health conditions, dietary habits, or genetic predispositions that may influence oral microbiota.Still, the implications are vast. If further studies confirm these findings, oral health may become a new frontier in mental health interventions. Could probiotic therapies or personalized oral hygiene routines serve as preventive strategies for couples living with mental illness? Could clinicians someday assess microbial profiles to predict emotional risk?Dr. Rastmanesh and his team believe this is just the beginning. They have called for more longitudinal studies to explore whether similar bacterial patterns are found in couples with longer marriages and in other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress.Should You Worry About Your Next Kiss?Not necessarily, the study doesn’t suggest we should avoid kissing or sharing close contact with loved ones. Intimacy remains a cornerstone of healthy relationships. But it does encourage us to broaden our understanding of what it means to be “in sync” with a partner—not just emotionally, but biologically.As our knowledge of the human microbiome evolves, so too must our understanding of mental health. This study may not offer all the answers, but it raises critical questions about how deeply our relationships shape us—right down to the microscopic level.

your kiss might carry more than love- it could also spread anxiety, new study finds

Aarushi Bhadury

Don’t Wait! Why Women In Their 40s Should Prioritize Breast Cancer Screening Now

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Being one of the most common cancers among women, <span>breast cancer</span> accounts for 30% of cancer cases in females every year. The American Cancer Society explains that breast cancer occurs in middle aged women and older women, the median age of diagnosis being 62 years of age. The average risk of developing breast cancer in women happen to be about 13%. Which means there is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman can develop breast cancer. 

The best cure is prevention, and a new study shows that screening for breast cancer is the best way to tackle the disease. While there are treatments after diagnosis, they not only drastically decrease the quality of life a person is used to, but they must also go through a grueling process, with less chances of survival. One of the best ways to increase your chances of survival in breast cancer is to catch it early. However, by the time symptoms start appearing, the cancer has usually spread, which makes treating it much more difficult. 

The study, published recently in Radiology Imaging Cancer, found that almost three out of four women (73%) in their 40s only discover they have breast cancer after symptoms appear. This is a significant problem because these women are less likely to survive compared to those whose cancer is found early through screening methods like mammography. 

For instance, the study showed that women diagnosed due to symptoms were six times more likely to have advanced cancer, which is much harder to treat. Researchers noted that the results show patients whose breast cancers were detected because of symptoms had a 63% higher likelihood of dying. 

To conduct the study, researchers tracked 821 women aged 40 and older who were diagnosed with breast cancer at The Ottawa Hospital in 2016.

They found that half of these patients (50%) were diagnosed because of symptoms (like a noticeable lump, skin or nipple changes, nipple discharge, swollen lymph nodes, or breast pain), rather than through early detection by a mammogram. 

The study revealed that breast cancers detected by symptoms, rather than screening, were much more common in: 

<ul><li>Women in their 40s, accounting for 73% of cases.</li><li>Women older than 75, with about 70% discovering cancer after symptoms appeared.</li><li>The researchers also reported that deaths were higher among patients whose breast cancer wasn't caught early through screening.</li></ul>

<h2>Shifting Guidelines for Mammograms </h2>

This research comes at a time when both the U.S. and Canada are re-evaluating the best age for women to begin regular mammograms. 

Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations to suggest breast cancer screening every two years for women aged 40 to 75. 

Similarly, the American Cancer Society now advises women aged 45 to 54 to get annual mammograms, with the option for women in their early 40s to start screening if they choose. 

Experts noted that this difference in guidelines can impact how long Canadian women might live with undetected breast cancer. She observed a concerning trend in her own practice, seeing many women under 50 and over 75 being diagnosed only after developing symptoms. 

These study results will likely bolster the push to lower the breast cancer screening age to 40 in both the U.S. and Canada. Experts mentioned that many provincial and territorial screening programs in Canada have already lowered the screening age, with a goal to establish a single national policy for screening. 

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Screenings For Women

Cancer Screenings For Women

Cancer Screenings

Breast cancer treatment

Cancer treatment

Being one of the most common cancers among women, breast cancer accounts for 30% of cancer cases in females every year. The American Cancer Society explains that breast cancer occurs in middle aged women and older women, the median age of diagnosis being 62 years of age. The average risk of developing breast cancer in women happen to be about 13%. Which means there is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman can develop breast cancer. The best cure is prevention, and a new study shows that screening for breast cancer is the best way to tackle the disease. While there are treatments after diagnosis, they not only drastically decrease the quality of life a person is used to, but they must also go through a grueling process, with less chances of survival. One of the best ways to increase your chances of survival in breast cancer is to catch it early. However, by the time symptoms start appearing, the cancer has usually spread, which makes treating it much more difficult. The study, published recently in Radiology Imaging Cancer, found that almost three out of four women (73%) in their 40s only discover they have breast cancer after symptoms appear. This is a significant problem because these women are less likely to survive compared to those whose cancer is found early through screening methods like mammography. For instance, the study showed that women diagnosed due to symptoms were six times more likely to have advanced cancer, which is much harder to treat. Researchers noted that the results show patients whose breast cancers were detected because of symptoms had a 63% higher likelihood of dying. Symptoms vs. Screening To conduct the study, researchers tracked 821 women aged 40 and older who were diagnosed with breast cancer at The Ottawa Hospital in 2016.They found that half of these patients (50%) were diagnosed because of symptoms (like a noticeable lump, skin or nipple changes, nipple discharge, swollen lymph nodes, or breast pain), rather than through early detection by a mammogram. The study revealed that breast cancers detected by symptoms, rather than screening, were much more common in: Women in their 40s, accounting for 73% of cases.Women older than 75, with about 70% discovering cancer after symptoms appeared.The researchers also reported that deaths were higher among patients whose breast cancer wasn't caught early through screening.Shifting Guidelines for Mammograms This research comes at a time when both the U.S. and Canada are re-evaluating the best age for women to begin regular mammograms. Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations to suggest breast cancer screening every two years for women aged 40 to 75. Similarly, the American Cancer Society now advises women aged 45 to 54 to get annual mammograms, with the option for women in their early 40s to start screening if they choose. Experts noted that this difference in guidelines can impact how long Canadian women might live with undetected breast cancer. She observed a concerning trend in her own practice, seeing many women under 50 and over 75 being diagnosed only after developing symptoms. These study results will likely bolster the push to lower the breast cancer screening age to 40 in both the U.S. and Canada. Experts mentioned that many provincial and territorial screening programs in Canada have already lowered the screening age, with a goal to establish a single national policy for screening. 

breast cancer screenings for women in 40s could be life saving

Heart Health Is Much Better Supported By Self-Employment, Especially For Women

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Working in an office has its own set of problems. Work stress has become a common occurrence, to the point where it is considered something people must deal with if they wish to be employed. However, this amount of stress is not natural for the body and can cause adverse effects as stress has been shown to affect a person’s mental health, <span>heart health</span> as well as hormones. 

So how does one tackle this issue, while also not sacrificing their financial well-being? Self-employment may be the answer. Many people these days are opting for it as this helps them have their own time and freedom, while also allowing them to earn a living. 

Being your own boss might seem like it would add stress, but a new study suggests that self-employed women actually have healthier hearts than those who work for a company. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Self-Employed Women May Be Healthier</span> </h2>

Researchers recently reported in the journal BMC Public Health that women who work for themselves showed lower rates of several factors that contribute to poor heart health. These include: 

<ul><li>Obesity: Carrying too much body fat.</li><li>Physical Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise.</li><li>Poor Diet: Not eating healthy foods.</li><li>Sleeplessness: Not getting enough quality sleep.</li></ul>

These findings hint that the type of work environment someone is in could really influence their risk for heart attack and stroke. 

<h2>Link Between <span rel="noindex">Work and Heart Health</span> </h2>

Researchers explained that there's a strong connection between being self-employed and having fewer heart disease risk factors, and this link seems even stronger for women than for men. 

Experts emphasized that it's crucial to understand how our work environment impacts our health so we can create healthier workplaces for everyone. Previous studies have already shown ties between the kind of job someone has and their heart disease risk. For example, people in high-stress jobs with little control over their work have been linked to higher blood pressure and heart disease. 

For this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 20,000 working adults who participated in a large health survey between 1999 and 2018. This survey included physical exams and questions about their jobs and daily habits. 

The results clearly showed that self-employment was beneficial for heart health risks in both white women and women of color: 

White women who were self-employed had notably lower rates of obesity (7.4% lower), physical inactivity (7% lower), and poor sleep (9.4% lower). 

Women of color saw similar benefits, with lower rates of poor diet (6.7% lower), physical inactivity (7.3% lower), and poor sleep (8.1% lower). 

While it's not realistic for all women to become self-employed, the study's authors suggested that companies could learn from the positive aspects of self-employment, like increased freedom and flexibility. For example, offering flexible work schedules could give women more control over their time and potentially improve their health. 

Interestingly, white men who were self-employed also saw some benefits, such as a drop in poor diet (6.5% lower) and high blood pressure (5.7% lower). However, these same benefits weren't found for self-employed men of color. This might be because men of color often face greater challenges when starting their own businesses, like higher costs to get started, less money available, and fewer mentors to guide them. 

Heart Health

Heart Health and Self-Employment

Self-Employed Women May Be Healthier

Self-employment and health

Women's health

Work and Heart Health

Working in an office has its own set of problems. Work stress has become a common occurrence, to the point where it is considered something people must deal with if they wish to be employed. However, this amount of stress is not natural for the body and can cause adverse effects as stress has been shown to affect a person’s mental health, heart health as well as hormones. So how does one tackle this issue, while also not sacrificing their financial well-being? Self-employment may be the answer. Many people these days are opting for it as this helps them have their own time and freedom, while also allowing them to earn a living. Being your own boss might seem like it would add stress, but a new study suggests that self-employed women actually have healthier hearts than those who work for a company. Why Self-Employed Women May Be Healthier Researchers recently reported in the journal BMC Public Health that women who work for themselves showed lower rates of several factors that contribute to poor heart health. These include: Obesity: Carrying too much body fat.Physical Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise.Poor Diet: Not eating healthy foods.Sleeplessness: Not getting enough quality sleep.These findings hint that the type of work environment someone is in could really influence their risk for heart attack and stroke. Link Between Work and Heart Health Researchers explained that there's a strong connection between being self-employed and having fewer heart disease risk factors, and this link seems even stronger for women than for men. Experts emphasized that it's crucial to understand how our work environment impacts our health so we can create healthier workplaces for everyone. Previous studies have already shown ties between the kind of job someone has and their heart disease risk. For example, people in high-stress jobs with little control over their work have been linked to higher blood pressure and heart disease. What the Study Found For this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 20,000 working adults who participated in a large health survey between 1999 and 2018. This survey included physical exams and questions about their jobs and daily habits. The results clearly showed that self-employment was beneficial for heart health risks in both white women and women of color: White women who were self-employed had notably lower rates of obesity (7.4% lower), physical inactivity (7% lower), and poor sleep (9.4% lower). Women of color saw similar benefits, with lower rates of poor diet (6.7% lower), physical inactivity (7.3% lower), and poor sleep (8.1% lower). While it's not realistic for all women to become self-employed, the study's authors suggested that companies could learn from the positive aspects of self-employment, like increased freedom and flexibility. For example, offering flexible work schedules could give women more control over their time and potentially improve their health. Interestingly, white men who were self-employed also saw some benefits, such as a drop in poor diet (6.5% lower) and high blood pressure (5.7% lower). However, these same benefits weren't found for self-employed men of color. This might be because men of color often face greater challenges when starting their own businesses, like higher costs to get started, less money available, and fewer mentors to guide them. 

heart health is much better supported by self-employment, especially for women

Ishita Roy

'Dinner At 6', Kareena Kapoor Khan Shares What Keeps Her Fit At 44

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‘23 Going On 53’: Doctor Claims She Reversed Her Biological Age By 30 Year

‘23 going on 53’: doctor claims she reversed her biological age by 30 year

At 44, <span>Kareena Kapoor Khan</span> is embracing a wellness routine that’s as disciplined as it is effective. In a recent conversation with Nod magazine, the Bollywood star opened up about how her post-COVID lifestyle changes have helped her find balance—both physically and mentally.

Kareena described her daily routine as “almost monastic.” She eats dinner by 6 pm and is usually in bed before 10 pm. “Dinner by 6 pm, lights out by 9.30 pm, morning workouts before the world wakes up,” she said. Her commitment to this early-to-bed, early-to-rise regimen is so strong that her friends have stopped expecting her at parties. “They know I’ll be watching Schitt’s Creek on low volume,” she quipped.

Her strict routine, she believes, is a major contributor to her mental wellness. “If I don’t work out, I’m in a bad mood. Post-COVID, I realized how important <span>fitness</span> is—not for vanity, but for well-being. It’s my mood stabilizer, my anchor,” Kareena explained.

Kareena’s fitness journey has always leaned towards wellness rather than weight loss. Her long-time <span>yoga</span> instructor, Anushka Parwani, revealed that Kareena was her first-ever student. “Kareena is the most aware of her body. She understands when to push and when to pause. That level of awareness is rare,” Anushka said in an interview with ETimes.

Her routine includes a blend of animal flow workouts, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. But yoga remains her primary companion—helping her maintain core strength, flexibility, and mental calm. “With age comes experience and the wisdom to pause when needed. Kareena embodies that beautifully,” said Anushka.

Another aspect of Kareena’s balanced life is time spent with family in the kitchen. She insists on one proper Indian meal a day and calls it “non-negotiable.” She shared that her husband, Saif Ali Khan, has developed a passion for Kerala cuisine. “He’s always trying out new recipes—idiyappams, coconut-based stews, everything,” she said. “Saif, the kids, and I—we all love cooking together.”

Despite her strict health regimen, Kareena continues to be a busy actor. She was last seen in Singham Again and is currently filming <em>Daayra</em>, directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s story is a reminder that fitness isn’t just about physical appearance. It’s about stability, self-awareness, and setting routines that nourish both the body and the mind. Whether it’s waking up before sunrise, skipping parties, or mixing yoga with strength training, Kareena proves that discipline and wellness go hand in hand.

kareena kapoor khan

kareena kapoor khan fitness

Kareena KApoor diet

diet and nutrition

yoga

health and wellness

diet

nutrition

fitness

At 44, Kareena Kapoor Khan is embracing a wellness routine that’s as disciplined as it is effective. In a recent conversation with Nod magazine, the Bollywood star opened up about how her post-COVID lifestyle changes have helped her find balance—both physically and mentally.A ‘Monastic’ LifestyleKareena described her daily routine as “almost monastic.” She eats dinner by 6 pm and is usually in bed before 10 pm. “Dinner by 6 pm, lights out by 9.30 pm, morning workouts before the world wakes up,” she said. Her commitment to this early-to-bed, early-to-rise regimen is so strong that her friends have stopped expecting her at parties. “They know I’ll be watching Schitt’s Creek on low volume,” she quipped.Her strict routine, she believes, is a major contributor to her mental wellness. “If I don’t work out, I’m in a bad mood. Post-COVID, I realized how important fitness is—not for vanity, but for well-being. It’s my mood stabilizer, my anchor,” Kareena explained.Fitness for the SoulKareena’s fitness journey has always leaned towards wellness rather than weight loss. Her long-time yoga instructor, Anushka Parwani, revealed that Kareena was her first-ever student. “Kareena is the most aware of her body. She understands when to push and when to pause. That level of awareness is rare,” Anushka said in an interview with ETimes.Her routine includes a blend of animal flow workouts, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. But yoga remains her primary companion—helping her maintain core strength, flexibility, and mental calm. “With age comes experience and the wisdom to pause when needed. Kareena embodies that beautifully,” said Anushka.A Family That Cooks TogetherAnother aspect of Kareena’s balanced life is time spent with family in the kitchen. She insists on one proper Indian meal a day and calls it “non-negotiable.” She shared that her husband, Saif Ali Khan, has developed a passion for Kerala cuisine. “He’s always trying out new recipes—idiyappams, coconut-based stews, everything,” she said. “Saif, the kids, and I—we all love cooking together.”Work-Life BalanceDespite her strict health regimen, Kareena continues to be a busy actor. She was last seen in Singham Again and is currently filming Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran.Kareena Kapoor Khan’s story is a reminder that fitness isn’t just about physical appearance. It’s about stability, self-awareness, and setting routines that nourish both the body and the mind. Whether it’s waking up before sunrise, skipping parties, or mixing yoga with strength training, Kareena proves that discipline and wellness go hand in hand.

'dinner at 6', kareena kapoor khan shares what keeps her fit at 44

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