Introducing the Holistic 12-Week BAPS wellNESS Programme
The BAPS Charities UK recently completed an inaugural 12-week wellNESS programme designed to address health disparities among British South Asians, a community facing higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges. Rooted in lifestyle medicine and inspired by the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the initiative brought science, culture, and spirituality together in a trusted, community-focused setting at Neasden Temple in London.
With a clear aim to create lasting health improvements, the programme adopted a holistic model built on four lifestyle pillars—Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress—collectively described as the N.E.S.S. framework. The eight-portion plan offered participants evidence-informed education, practical demonstrations, and culturally resonant guidance led by volunteer healthcare professionals who provided personalised support in a respectful, faith-informed environment.
The N.E.S.S. Model: Four Pillars of Well-Being
Nutrition
Participants explored macro- and micronutrients through hands-on cooking demonstrations and meal planning aligned with a sattvic vegetarian diet. The nutrition component emphasised whole foods, balanced portions, and mindful eating—anchored in cultural preferences and daily realities. By linking dietary choices to long-term health outcomes, the programme helped attendees translate nutrition science into practical meal routines that honor tradition while promoting vitality.
Exercise
Weekly sessions combined group workouts, yoga, and strategies to integrate movement into daily life. Emphasis was placed on managing pain, improving mobility, and building sustainable habits. The exercise module was designed to be accessible for varying fitness levels and ages, encouraging participants to discover enjoyable ways to stay active beyond the programme’s duration.
Sleep
Recognising the crucial role of rest, the sleep component focused on mindful bedtimes, sleep hygiene, and cognitive clarity—highlighting how adequate rest supports overall health, mood, and resilience. The approach included practical routines and practices to improve sleep quality, helping participants wake refreshed and better prepared to maintain healthy behaviours.
Stress
Mental well-being was addressed through mindfulness, satsang practices, and peer support. The programme created safe spaces for emotional health conversations and used culturally meaningful practices to reduce stress and improve coping strategies. The peer network fostered a sense of belonging and accountability, which can be essential for lasting lifestyle change.
Faith as a Foundation
Spirituality was central to the programme, guiding participants to integrate faith-based disciplines with health goals. Practices such as reciting shlokas before meals encouraged mindful eating, while niyam dharma (spiritual disciplines) and the steadfast examples of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj provided a framework for consistent, value-aligned habit formation. The blend of faith and science created a trusted environment where wellness felt both achievable and meaningful.
Measured Impact
Assessments conducted before and after the programme showed meaningful improvements across multiple domains. Physical health metrics included reductions in cholesterol, HbA1C (blood glucose), weight, waist circumference, body fat, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Mental well-being improved, with participants reporting greater openness about emotional health and fewer depressive symptoms. Lifestyle changes included healthier eating patterns, better hydration, increased activity, and improvements in strength, flexibility, and balance. The social dimension strengthened as participants formed lasting peer connections within the community.
Participant Reflections
Feedback highlighted the programme’s cultural relevance and transformative potential. One participant noted difficulty aligning with external health programmes, whereas wellNESS offered a community that resonated with her values and diet. Others cited tangible benefits, such as improved balance from yoga for neuropathy and a sense of renewed well-being that extended into personal lives, including better mood and motivation to pursue self-care goals. Several participants described the initiative as a turning point that they wished had occurred earlier, underscoring its lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
The pilot’s success demonstrates the value of a community-driven, culturally sensitive approach to long-term health. By blending evidence-based education with the supportive framework of Satsang, BAPS Charities plans to expand the wellNESS programme to additional mandirs and communities across the UK. The aim is to inspire healthier, more balanced lives through scalable, inclusive programming that respects faith, culture, and science.
